OUR STORY
From Our Land to Your Grill
The Journey
Jacob grew up exploring the rugged landscapes of the South Island, developing a lifelong appreciation for the beauty and purity of New Zealand's natural environment. From fishing and hunting to camping under the stars, his connection to the outdoors is at the heart of everything he does. Over the years, Jacob honed his expertise in the outdoor retail sector, working closely with brands and customers who share his passion for the great outdoors.
However, it wasn’t until he realized the need for locally sourced, sustainable wood pellets that deliver superior flavor that Jacob saw an opportunity to bring something truly special to the grilling world. Combining his deep love for the land, his outdoor experience, and passion for cooking wild game, Jacob launched Southern Smoke with one goal in mind: to craft premium, locally made wood pellets that enhance every grilling experience.
Southern Smoke sources its wood from a range of trusted local partners.
We work closely with orchards, farms, and arborists to make use of the larger pruning offcuts from fruit trees, trees being replaced in managed orchards, and those cleared during rural or urban development. By giving this wood a second life, we create high-quality pellets while minimising waste and supporting sustainable land use.
Rooted in Otago’s Rich Soil
Nestled in the heart of Otago, our hardwood is sourced from sustainably managed forests, thriving in New Zealand’s rich soils and crisp southern climate. This slow-grown timber develops dense, high-quality grain, perfect for long, clean burns and deep, smoky flavor.
Hand-Cut for Quality
Tell a Every piece of hardwood is carefully hand-chopped right here in New Zealand. This hands-on approach ensures quality, with each cut preserving the natural integrity of the wood—no shortcuts, just pure craftsmanship.
Crafted into Premium Wood Pellets
We take our locally harvested hardwood and refine it into high-performance pellets, free from fillers or artificial additives. The result? A clean-burning, flavor-packed fuel source that brings out the best in your BBQ or smoker.
Locally Packed, Locally Delivered
From our backyard in Otago to yours, every bag of pellets is packed with care and shipped directly from our facility. By keeping the entire process local, we ensure quality, traceability, and a true New Zealand-made product you can trust.