Most of New Zealand's energy is currently derived from oil and hydro power. Other significant sources of energy include coal, gas, geothermal and thermally generated electricity. Renewable energy sources such as wind, biogas, industrial waste and wood provide lesser amounts of energy.

Most of New Zealands coastline is straddled with petroleum potential, although currently commercial extraction has only taken place in the Taranaki basin. Proven or probable economically viable petroleum reserves total 2964 million tonnes with an additional possible 500 million economically viable tonnes. Coal deposits exist throughout New Zealand. At present, coal is only mined on the west coast of the South Island and in Waikato in the north Island. Total extractable coal reserves are 112,534 tonnes (2001).

New Zealand's hydroelectric catchments include the Waikato River in the North Island, and the Waitaki River and Clutha River in the South Island. The total energy output from Hydroelectric power is 2088MW

There are currently five wind farms in New Zealand, four of these are located in the lower North Island and one is located in Canterbury. In total, these wind farms produce 170MW of electricity (enough to meet the needs of 75,000 average New Zealand households. Wind power is a reasonable new and expanding source of energy. New Zealands geography is ideally suited for electricity generation by wind power.

Currently 60MW of electricity is produced by geothermal power in the central North Island volcanic plateau. By April 2005 the geothermal energy output should reach 100MW with the estimated potential to reach 250MW.