Petrol

Petrol generators are the most versatile and affordable way to get portable power in New Zealand. Easy to start, light to move and running on fuel you can buy at any service station, they cover everything from camping and caravans to home backup and trade work. Generator Shop stocks 50+ petrol generators - inverter and conventional, from Honda, GT Power, Yamaha, Powertec and Powermax - from compact 2 kVA units to 14.4 kVA high-output models. 

What petrol generators are used for 

Petrol suits users who value portability and a low upfront price. Campers and caravanners carry a light inverter unit for lights, a chilly bin and device charging. Homeowners keep a mid-size petrol generator for storm outages - running the fridge, freezer, Wi-Fi and lights. Tradies grab a portable petrol model for power tools where there's no mains. Because petrol is available everywhere and these engines start easily even in the cold, they're the go-to for occasional and recreational use across the country. 

How to choose a petrol generator 

Consider four points. Output - size to your running watts plus surge: camping needs ~1,000-2,500 W, home backup 3,000-8,000 W. Inverter vs conventional petrol - inverter for clean, quiet power with electronics, conventional for cheaper raw watts and heavy tools. Portability - smaller suitcase inverters are easiest to transport; higher-output framed units are heavier but do more. Fuel and runtime - petrol stores for months with a stabiliser, but for very long or frequent running, diesel can be more economical. Use our Generator Size Calculator to lock in the right wattage before buying.

Frequently asked questions 

How long does petrol last in a generator? 

Fresh petrol is best used within a few months. If you're storing a generator between uses, add a fuel stabiliser and run the tank low, or drain it - stale petrol is a common cause of hard starting. For infrequent use, this maintenance step matters more than the generator itself.

Is a petrol or diesel generator better for me? 

Petrol generators are cheaper to buy, lighter and easier to start - ideal for occasional, portable and recreational use. Diesel generators cost more upfront but burn less fuel and last longer under heavy, prolonged loads, so they suit high-hour and standby duty. Match the fuel to how often and how hard you'll run it.

Can I use a petrol generator for home backup? 

Absolutely. A 3,000-8,000 W petrol generator covers most household backup needs, and silenced inverter petrol models keep the noise down. For automatic operation during outages, choose a 2-wire auto-start model that pairs with a transfer switch.