13 iconic souvenirs and gifts to bring home from New Zealand

1 - Pounamu

Pounamu (also known as greenstone) is a highly valued nephrite jade found in southern New Zealand, with huge significance to Māori culture. 

 2 - Pāua shell

Known outside of New Zealand as abalone, pāua are frequently used to represent the eyes in Māori carvings and are traditionally associated with the stars or whetū, the symbolic eyes of ancestors that gaze down from the night sky.

 Highly polished New Zealand pāua shells are extremely popular as souvenirs with their striking blue, green, and purple iridescence and are usually set in sterling silver as bracelets and earrings.

Ariki have the most tastefully designed pieces (some pāua jewellery can look a little cheap and tacky).

 3 - A charm for your Pandora or Thomas Sabo bracelet.

We have a wide variety of iconic New Zealand charms available to add to your bracelets. From obvious choices like kiwis and sheep, to Māori matau (fish hooks) and tikis, or modern culture icons like L&P bottles and rugby balls.

 

 4 - The One Ring from Lord of the Rings

You’ve seen the movies (of course you have), you’ve visited Hobbiton and now you want to take something home with you. Well, you may want to get your own replica of the One Ring (18K gold plated ring). 

 

 

5 Possum fur gloves/scarf/nipple warmers

Possums aren’t native to New Zealand, they were introduced from Australia in the 1800s to establish a fur trade. Since then they’ve had a significant negative impact on the native ecosystem, eating the eggs and chicks of indigenous birds, and as a whole, consuming large quantities of native flora. They’re considered a pest in New Zealand, and buying wild brushtail possum fur really benefits our ecosystem, as well as being a unique gift.

 Possumdown which uses a blend of wild possum fur and lamb wool, create some of the more fashion forward options for possum knit clothing.

 

 

6 - Merino wool

Expensive, but oh so worth it when you roll those woolly socks up on a cold wintery day. It is especially warm and soft, yet lightweight, so it’s perfect for thermals, socks, or any item worn next to the skin. A favourite for New Zealand hikers and non-hikers alike, Kathmandu (who are already well known as a durable, high quality brand) are the best place to buy merino wool clothing.

 

 7 - Kiwiana printed shirts

Nothing says ‘souvineer’ like a tourist t-shirt, yet even the locals like wearing these ones. NZ’s kiwiana t-shirts are a little bit quirky and funky, even a little bit bad taste, but don’t pass up a chance to pick one up. 

 

Food and drinks

8 - New Zealand wine

With vineyards in 12 of New Zealand’s 16 regions, you can tell wine is big business here. You’d be seriously missing out if you don’t visit at least one vineyard here for a wine tasting tour, so why not pick up a bottle to bring home for mum?

 

 9 - Whittaker’s chocolate

So much creamier than Cadbury, not as overwhelmingly sweet as Nestle, Whittaker’s chocolate dominates the confectionary shelves in NZ. I recommend starting with either the creamy chocolate or the dark cacao, whichever you prefer, and then trying a few of their more artisan flavours like: Marlborough sea salt and caramel brittle with saffron, or Nelson pear and Manuka honey. Once you’ve found your favourites (after trying every flavour twice over, of course) bring them home for your family.

 

Health and beauty products

 10 - Manuka honey hand creams and lip balms

Manuka honey is a honey native to New Zealand, created by bees who pollinate the flower on the commonly known Manuka bush. Manuka honey contains antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits when used to aid healing.

More prodructs of Wild Ferns such as Manuka honey hand creams, facial scrubs and lip balms, they smell natural and feel silky (not greasy like some creams can be) and make for beautiful gifts for sisters and friends.

 

 11 - Rotorua mud soaps and face masks

Taking a mud bath at Rotorua is a pretty unique experience. The Rotorua mud contains traces of minerals and antioxidants which separate it from pure clay. While I believe the health benefits of the mud are pretty insignificant, the therapeutic qualities of the hot baths can help soothe muscle aches and relax the mind.

 So why not take home a piece of Rotorua mud in the form of soaps and facemasks as a reminder of the experience? 

 

Art and décor

 12 - Wooden carvings

New Zealand Maori are famous for their complex engravings and with no written language, stories, genealogy and mythology were passed down the generations using intricate wood carvings on everything from the giant canoes (Waka) to weapons, tools and meeting houses.

 

 13 - A map

I have a little thing about maps. I try and collect one from every place I visit, then I pin them up on the wall. New Zealand in particular has such a lovely shape, it would be a shame to return home from a visit without a map.