Lanterns
A lantern spreads soft, even light over your tent, table or living area, the light that makes a campsite feel like home after dark. Our range covers rechargeable and battery LED lanterns and classic gas lanterns from brands like Zempire, Coleman and Kiwi Camping.
Choose LED for safe, efficient, flexible light, or gas for that traditional bright glow and warmth outdoors. Think about brightness, run time and whether you can hang it high to spread the light. A lantern and a head torch together cover almost every camp lighting need.
Want help choosing a lantern? call into the Land & Sea concept store at 36 Pollen Street, Grey Lynn, Auckland for a hands on look, or shop online with fast, tracked delivery right across New Zealand.
Frequently asked questions about lanterns
How many lumens does a lantern need to light a tent or table?
Around 150 to 400 lumens comfortably lights a tent interior or a dining table, while larger living areas benefit from more. A lantern with adjustable brightness lets you turn it down for a cosy, battery-saving glow or up when you need to see clearly.
Gas or LED lantern, which is better now?
LED lanterns have largely taken over: they are safe indoors, efficient, adjustable, and often rechargeable, with no flame or fuel. Gas lanterns still give a bright, warm light and some prefer them outdoors, but LED is the practical choice for most campers, especially inside a tent.
Can I hang a lantern, and why would I?
Most lanterns have a hook or handle for hanging, and lifting a lantern high spreads its light more evenly with fewer shadows, ideal under an awning or from a tent's central loop. Hanging also keeps it off the table and out of the way.
Are lanterns safe to use inside a tent?
LED lanterns are safe inside a tent as they produce no flame or fumes. Never use a gas or fuel-burning lantern inside a closed tent, they produce carbon monoxide and are a fire risk. Keep any flame outdoors or under open, well-ventilated shelter.
How long do lantern batteries or gas last?
Run time varies widely with brightness, running a lantern on a lower setting dramatically extends it, often to many nights. Check the stated run times at different brightness levels, and carry a recharge option or spare gas for longer trips.
What is a good lantern setup for a campsite?
Many campers use one bright lantern for the cooking and living area and a softer one inside the tent, plus a head torch each for close-up tasks. Hanging the main lantern high gives even light, and a warm colour temperature is gentler in the evening.