Beyond the Barbecue: The Evolution of Outdoor Living with Outdoor Concepts

We sat down with the team to talk about the shifts they’ve seen in Kiwi outdoor culture, the products shaping the future, and their top tips for designing a space you’ll use all year round.

Who are Outdoor Concepts?

We’re purveyors of the best in outdoor cooking and heating products in New Zealand. Our mission has always been to elevate the way people live outdoors, whether that’s through better barbecues, pizza ovens, or heating solutions that make evenings last longer.

You’ve been around for more than 20 years. What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in outdoor living?

The biggest shift has been how much more time people want to spend at home. Backyards have become an extension of the house, and Kiwis are investing in making them better, more cooking appliances, better heating, and spaces designed for gathering.

What’s your hero product right now?

Without a doubt, pizza ovens. They’re flying off the shelves. Brands like Gosney and Ooni are leading the way, they’re fun, social, and deliver incredible food, which is why they’ve become such a staple for entertaining.

What’s your top recommendation for someone designing a small outdoor space?

Start with a good covering if you can, it’s essential in New Zealand’s unpredictable weather. Heating comes next, whether that’s a fire pit or an electric radiant heater. And of course, some kind of cooking device, whether it’s gas or charcoal. It doesn’t need to be flashy; it just needs to suit the way you like to cook.

What keeps customers coming back?

Consumables definitely bring people back, but beyond that, it’s curiosity. We have a loyal group of customers who return year after year asking: “What’s new?” They’re excited to see the latest innovations in outdoor living, and that’s what keeps the momentum going.

If you could choose just one luxury outdoor upgrade, what would it be?

A great barbecue. It’s worth investing in something that’s going to last you for years. It doesn’t have to be the most expensive model, a Weber gas or charcoal barbecue around the $1,000 mark will serve you beautifully for a very long time.

First thing you’d cook if you could host the ultimate outdoor party tomorrow?

Pizza, hands down. Start with simple pizzas or breads to get everyone involved, then move on to something low and slow, meat cooked over an open fire or charcoal. It’s the perfect combination of interactive and indulgent.

What’s the newest product in your range?

We’ve just launched about five new barbecues from Weber. They’ve completely remodelled the Weber Spirit range, and relaunched their wood pellet grill. Pellet grills are fantastic because they’re “set and forget”, once you load the hopper, you can leave it running for hours and come back to perfectly cooked food.

With more than two decades of experience, Outdoor Concepts has seen outdoor living in New Zealand come of age. From pizza ovens to pellet grills, they’ve introduced products that transform backyards into year-round entertaining spaces. Their advice is simple: start with the essentials, shelter, heat, and a reliable barbecue, and build from there. The result? A backyard you’ll actually use, not just look at.