From beautiful artifacts to iconic cultural relics to other kitschy items your friends might wish for, we have listed down the most popular souvenirs in New Zealand you can take home.
13 Best Souvenirs to Buy in New Zealand for Your Friends and Family:
1. Wooden Buzzy Bee Toy
As kiddish as it may sound, this buzzy bee toy is one of the traditional souvenirs in New Zealand. The wooden pull-along toy is a favorite among Kiwi kids, adults, and travelers alike. It is beautifully crafted with rotating wings that make a clicking sound when pulled. It can be found in almost any souvenir or toy shop in New Zealand.
2. Merino Wool
Soft, warm, and odor-free, Merino Wool made from the merino sheep has attained huge popularity everywhere and makes for some of the most sought-after souvenirs from New Zealand. It is used in sweaters, socks, underwear, sneakers, etc. Garments made from merino wool can be purchased from souvenir shops and clothing stores alike. It is so soft that it is often compared to luxury wool-cashmere. It is used in different clothing like jumpers, scarves and beanies. You can find these woollen items in any clothing store or souvenir shop easily.
3. Whittaker's Chocolate
Whittaker's Chocolate is a premium chocolate brand in New Zealand and the second largest after Cadbury. A classic Kiwi thing, it is immensely popular locally because of the importance given to high-quality cocoa beans and controlled processing, resulting in mouth-watering chocolate. Begin with the "Minimix" packet and enjoy all the flavors. Apart from the iconic products to its name, like the ‘Peanut Slab,’ it tries to introduce new and different flavors like the Jelly Tip Block. Their tremendous range of chocolate bars is available in supermarkets throughout the country and makes for great gifts and souvenirs from New Zealand.
4. Pounamu/Jade Necklaces
Pounamu is another name for greenstone, a popular kind of jade in New Zealand and is one of the most popular souvenirs from New Zealand. A symbolic Maori jewelry item, jade necklaces can be found in every corner of New Zealand. According to tradition, you are supposed to buy jade necklaces as a gift for someone and not for yourself. These stones have carvings that have a certain meaning and are often family heirlooms. Puawai Jade in Rotorua is a popular souvenir shop where you can buy these necklaces.
5. New Zealand Wine
A great gift for wine connoisseurs, New Zealand's wine is considered one of the finest, high-quality wines; this makes for one of the best souvenirs in New Zealand. With an abundance of quality vineyards like Marlborough, New Zealand has become one of the leading wine producers in the world. There are many varieties, the most famous of which are Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. You can buy wine from liquor stores or local supermarkets, but what is more fun is a trip to the local vineyards.
6. Kiwi Soft Toy
Another toy on the list! Spotting a Kiwi bird in wildlife may be hard, but you will spot plenty of soft toy Kiwis almost in every souvenir shop. A favourite of kids and adults, the plush toy is quite popular given that the Kiwi is New Zealand's national bird. Not only Kiwis but sheep plush toys are also very popular as souvenirs.
7. Lord of the Rings Memorabilia
New Zealand, for the Lord of the Rings fans, is Middle Earth and not the country. Although available worldwide, the merch here is the best and most authentic. Get your friends merchandise made by the same people who produced the props for the actual LOTR set! An awesome place to buy this stuff is the Weta Cave in Wellington.
8. Manuka Honey
Known for its natural antibacterial qualities, Manuka Honey is produced by bees foraging on the manuka flowers. It is famous all over the world, primarily for its medicinal properties, but it is very costly and hard to find. Therefore, it will make a wonderful gift for your loved ones. It is readily available in all supermarkets in New Zealand and affordable as well, making it the perfect souvenir from New Zealand.
9. Maori Art
If you want to get something more traditional or cultural, go for Maori art and sculptures. Wood carving is a classic feature of Maori tradition, and souvenir buyers must always look out for wooden sculptures. These sculptures are carved beautifully with designs and prints inspired by Maori art. The culture is native to the country and will make a perfect souvenir from New Zealand. Some amazing pieces will be available at the Art Galleries and Museums across New Zealand. You can find them at local art shops, too.
10. Postcards
Postcards are something you can find easily and at very economical prices. If you are a backpacker, postcards are an ideal souvenir in New Zealand. You might buy costly and lavish-looking souvenirs, but according to me the best souvenirs for yourself are postcards. It is a visual reminder of the place you've been to, and writing your favorite memory on it makes it even more special. You can buy it from any souvenir shop at reasonable prices.
11. All Blacks Jersey
New Zealand's legendary black rugby t-shirt is recognizable all over the world. Gift this to your sports enthusiast friends and watch them squeal with joy. You can buy these jerseys at any sports shop across New Zealand, a famous one being Champions of the World in Queen's Street, Auckland.
12. Lemon and Paeroa
Also known as L&P, Lemon and Paeroa is a sweet soft drink manufactured by combining lemon juice with carbonated water. It is very famous throughout New Zealand and can be purchased at any food outlet. You can also visit the tourist attraction in Paeroa, the place where Lemon and Paeroa was born, to witness the giant Lemon and Paeroa bottle and learn about the development of the drink.
12. Woven Flax Kete
Looking at these souvenirs in New Zealand, you will always remember the beautiful times you spent in Kiwi country. Capture those moments and keep them alive with yourself forever.