New Zealand Souvenirs: 10 Things to Buy

Are you looking for New Zealand souvenirs? There are lots of fun and unique products to buy or bring home as gifts to friends and family.

Souvenirs are one of the best ways to tell your friends and family that you are thinking about them while traveling. And it’s also something that’s fun to buy to yourself as a memory from your trip.

So, do you want to know what to buy in New Zealand for your loved ones? Then continue reading below, because here’s a list of the top 10 things to buy in New Zealand!

---

Jade Jewelry

Jade, also known as pounamu and greenstone, is a stone that you’ll find on different kinds of jewelry all over New Zealand.

Traditionally you buy jade jewelry with the intention of giving it away as a gift, and not for yourself. However, this is not something most tourists follow.

The jade jewelry often has the traditional Maori symbols, and all of them has a meaning:

• The koru – Represent new beginnings, growth, and regeneration
• The pikorua (twist) – Represents the path of life, and symbolize a strong bond between two loved ones
• The toki (adze) – Represent strength
• The manaia – A symbol to be a messenger between the living and the dead
• The tiki – Represent Tiki, the first man in Maori myth
• The matau (fish hook) – Represent prosperity and safe travel over water

Whittaker’s Chocolate

If you have a sweet tooth, I have the perfect souvenir for you!

Whittaker’s chocolate has been around since 1896 and is today the second largest chocolate brand in New Zealand.

One of their most iconic products is the Peanut Slab, which is basically a chocolate bar with peanuts. But they do also have some more adventurous flavors, such as the Jelly Tip Block – raspberry jelly covered in chocolate.

Buzzy Bee Toy

If you’re looking for some New Zealand souvenirs for small children, then I would recommend buying a Buzzy Bee toy. The Buzzy Bee is one of the most loved toys in New Zealand – it’s been around since the 1930s.

It’s made of wood and has beautiful strong colors. When being pulled, the wings of the bee rotate and click, which kids love!

You can find this souvenir in most shops that sell toys. The store “the Warehouse” is a good place to look.

Local Wine – One of the most popular New Zealand souvenirs!

Did you know that New Zealand is one of the world’s leading wine-producing countries? Yes, it’s true and they’re especially famous for its Sauvignon Blanc.

When you’re in New Zealand, make sure to bring home a bottle or two to share with your friends and family. Sit down, drink some New Zealand wine, and chat about your adventures!

Some of the most popular wine regions in New Zealand are Marlborough, Hawke’s Bay, and Wairarapa.

The One Ring

Are you a fan of The Lord of the Rings? Or do you know someone who’s a big fan? Then you should go and buy the “One Ring”!

The Lord of the Rings was filmed a lot in New Zealand, and in several shops, you can buy these rings. However, it’s at Jens Hansen Ringmakers in Nelson where you’ll find the official rings.

They make several types of Elvish rings in both gold and silver, with or without diamonds. These are not cheap and cost from 300-3000 USD.

Bird Poo & Sheep Droppings

If you want to buy something delicious, but funny, then I have the perfect souvenir for you. Kiwi poo, sheep droppings, and pukeko poo!

These chocolates are not only funny, but they’re delicious as well. When it comes to souvenir shopping, chocolate can never go wrong.

Local Beer

Except for wine, they also produce lots of craft beers in New Zealand. So if you know someone back home who loves beer, this could be a good souvenir to buy.

Some beer brands worth checking out are;

• Invercargill Brewery
• Speight’s
• Monteith’s
• Mac’s Beer
• Sunshine Brewery
• Wanaka Beerworks
• Emerson’s
• DB
• Founders Brewery
• Bays

This is no doubt one of the best New Zealand souvenirs for the beer-lover!

Manuka honey – One of the most delicious New Zealand souvenirs

Manuka Honey is one of the most delicious honey I’ve ever tasted. It’s a power food in New Zealand and is famous for its good quality and health benefits.

Overseas Manuka Honey is quite hard to find, and also super expensive. But in New Zealand, it’s more common and much cheaper!

If you know a health-freak back home, or if you simply just love honey, then this is the perfect souvenir to buy.

Kiwi stuffed animal

The world-famous kiwi bird is the national bird of the country. These birds cannot fly as they do not have any wings, and the chances of seeing one in the wild are very low.

However, if you’re looking for a souvenir for a child, then I can recommend buying a kiwi stuffed animal. They’ve very snuggly, cute, and will make any kid happy!

Woven flax kete bag

These bags are normally the size of a tote bag and is made of woven flax leaves. Māori weaving is still practiced today – it has been passed down by the tribes from generation to generation.

You can buy a simple plain one, or those with patterns woven into the bags – mostly natural designs and local symbols.

---

Do you have any further questions about New Zealand souvenirs? Leave a comment below!