New Zealand is a country you will enjoy to the utmost and never want to leave. You can leave with some souvenirs from New Zealand that remind you of your memories in New Zealand.From Maori handicrafts to delicious manuka honey, this blog covers all the best things to buy in New Zealand including budget-friendly options.
Top 10 famous things to buy from New Zealand
New Zealand is famous for wine, kiwis and all black merchandise, merino wool and Maori art and craft. Following is the list of items you can buy from New Zealand.
Food Souvenirs
1.Merino Wool
Merino wool is known for its softness, warmth, and lightweight feel. It’s a natural fibre that comes from Merino sheep. It is ideal for both cold and warm climates. Some merino products include scarves, sweaters, and socks.
Best Place to Buy: Icebreaker stores, Untouched World, or local wool shops in Queenstown and Christchurch
2. Whittaker’s Chocolate
Whittaker’s is New Zealand’s iconic chocolate brand and a world-famous chocolate brand too. It offers rich, creamy chocolate bars in a wide variety of flavours that includes the famous peanut slab and an artisan collection.
Best Place to Buy: Supermarkets like Countdown, Pak’nSave, and souvenir shops
3. Manuka Honey
This special honey is collected from the nectar of the Manuka bush. The honey is known for its medicinal properties and rich, earthy flavour. It’s also used in skincare products.
Best Place to Buy: Comvita stores, Honey World, or health shops in Auckland and Rotorua
4. NZ Wine
New Zealand is famous for its world-class wines, especially Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough and Pinot Noir from Central Otago. There is a wine tasting festival too in these regions. NZ Wine is perfect as a gift or for personal indulgence.
Best Place to Buy: Wineries, duty-free shops, or wine stores like Glengarry
Décor Souvenirs
1. Pounamu/Jade Necklaces
Pounamu is also known as greenstone. It is a sacred stone for the Māori people. These carved pendants often symbolize strength, peace, and connection. Each piece is uniquely carved making it a meaningful keepsake.
Best Place to Buy: Hokitika, Rotorua, or specialized jade stores
2. Maori Arts and Crafts
Wood carvings, bone ornaments, and traditional paintings reflect Māori heritage and spiritual beliefs. Each piece often tells a story and is handcrafted by Maori craftsmen.
Best Place to Buy: Māori Arts & Crafts Institute in Rotorua or local galleries
3. Kiwi Soft Toy
Kiwi is the national bird of New Zealand. The kiwi bird toy is a hit with children and tourists alike. This is a cuddly, cute and memorable keepsake.
Best Place to Buy: Gift shops, airport stores, or The Warehouse
4. Buzzy Bee Toys
A classic Kiwi pull-along wooden toy that buzzes as it rolls. It’s a nostalgic gift, especially popular among Kiwi families. It is a traditional NZ souvenir.
Best Place to Buy: Toy stores or souvenir shops in Auckland and Wellington
5. Lord of the Rings Memorabilia
New Zealand is home to authentic Lord of Rings products. Fans can find a variety of souvenirs—from replica rings to Hobbiton mugs and T-shirts, inspired by the iconic movie series filmed in NZ.
Best Place to Buy: Weta Workshop in Wellington or Hobbiton Movie Set gift shop
Clothing Souvenirs
1. All Black Jersey
The official jersey of New Zealand’s national rugby team is all black with NZ flag. The All Blacks, is therefore a must-have for sports fans. It’s a symbol of Kiwi pride and legacy.
Best Place to Buy: Adidas stores, sports retailers, or online from the All Blacks shop
Cheapest things to buy in New Zealand
1. Postcards
Postcards with New Zealand’s scenic landscapes, Maori culture, and native wildlife make for lightweight, affordable souvenirs or thoughtful keepsakes.
Best Place to Buy: Souvenir shops, airport stores, bookstores, and tourist centers
2. Kete Bag
Kete bags are traditionally hand-woven from flax. This tote bag is a beautiful Māori cultural item. The leaves are so strong that they are used to make mats. Today, they’re available in both traditional and modern designs.
Best Place to Buy: Māori markets, art galleries, Rotorua or Wellington cultural centers
3. Paua Shell Products
Paua shells are famous for their brilliant, iridescent blue-green colours. They’re used in jewellery, coasters, magnets, and decorative art pieces.
Best Place to Buy: Coastal town shops, souvenir stores in Kaikoura, Nelson
4. Kauri and Paua Maori Keychain
These handcrafted key chains are a blend Kauri wood and Paua shell that is often carved into traditional Māori shapes like the koru or tiki.
Best Place to Buy: Rotorua gift shops, Māori art stores, online Kiwi craft platforms
5. Swanndri
Swanndri is a heritage New Zealand brand known for its durable woollen clothing. It is famous for its iconic bush shirts which is excellent for outdoor lovers.
Best Place to Buy: Swanndri stores, outdoor gear shops, or online
Shopping Places in New Zealand
- Matakana Village Farmer’s Market: Matakana Village Market of Auckland sits only on Saturdays. You can directly meet the manufacturers and producers of your products here to find out the quality and authencity of your products. The oysters, bread and gin is famous. The market focuses on green initiative, so bring reusable bags.
- RiverSide Market: This market of Chirst Church is open to all every day. It is a one stop shopping destination where you can wine and dine after shopping. You can find everything in the market but the Kombucha, chilli sauce, vegan cheese, fish and butchery products are well-known. The food stalls indoors are cozy and cook food in front of you.
- Napier Urbans Farmer’s Market: Hass avocados, stone fruit, berries and freshly made crepes are the well-known things found at this market. The market is open every Saturday from 8.30 till 12.30 in the afternoon. You can find all types of seasonal and fresh local veggies and fruits here.
- Harbour Side Market: This wholesale market in Wellington is a haven for local and seasonal fresh produces. You can find everything from Indian Chai to Chinese items. This market is open only on Sundays.
- Art and Craft Market: Artists from all over South Island gather in the edge of Lake Wakatipu on Saturday to display their art, crafts, jewellery, clothing and handmade creations.
Whether you’re visiting for a short holiday or planning an extended stay, understanding the New Zealand visa requirements is essential.
Once you’ve sorted your visa and arrived in this beautiful country, there’s so much more to experience beyond shopping. New Zealand is filled with breathtaking landscapes, cultural landmarks, and unique activities that make every corner worth exploring. Don’t miss our curated list of Top Tourist Attractions in New Zealand to help you plan the perfect sightseeing itinerary.
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