Enjoy your Christmas cook up - but make sure it follows the rules

Fire bans are in place across the country.

Additionally, fireworks bans are in force in the Coromandel - until January 30 - and Central Otago, Queenstown Lakes and Upper Waitaki areas - from today.

FENZ National Wildfire Manager Tim Mitchell says campfires will definitely need a permit, but others are conditional on size and context.

He says if you can comply with guidelines, you won't necessarily need a permit.

You can go to FENZ's website for more details.