Shopping in New Zealand

NZ offers the shopper an unusual selection of arts and crafts – remember, you are at the foot of the world! Traditional Maori crafts include carvings in wood, bone and pounamu (abalone) shell.

Maori artisans have adapted their traditional bone carvings to cater to modern tastes and the tourist industry. Tiki figurines especially of dolphins and sea birds carved from bone and worn around the neck on a thong or chain are good souvenirs. Jade or pounamu articles are very typically Kiwi. Tiki or stylized Maori figures in a warlike mode with their tongues sticking out are worn as pendants. They are great fertility symbols and have great mana or power, so those in need should not miss out on them!

Paua (Abalone shell) is beautifully carved and only processed shells can be taken out of the country. Woodcarvings by Maori artisans are quite lovely, good quality ones are can cost a small fortune but are worth every penny. Other items like scarves, ceramics, jams and preserves, pottery and weaving are definitely worth buying. Nelson particularly, is famous for its ceramics.

Woollen jackets, shirts and pullovers made from NZ wool and available in most shops, are deliciously warm and perfect for the NZ weather. Choose carefully and be rest assured they'll last you for a lifetime. Sheepskin shoes, wall hangings, rugs, home-spun yarns and other goods are some other value buys.