If you’re visiting New Zealand, below are the most unique gifts or souvenirs to look for on the North and South Island.
ROTORUA MUD
Mud is perhaps the most basic of all the face masks, dating back to 1200 BC. This mud takes it up a notch. Although there is geothermal activity in several places in New Zealand, the center of the activity is Rotorua. Mud has anti-inflammatory properties, and can deep-cleanse and detoxify your skin. After application, the mud dries and creates a barrier so that the temperature of the skin increases, flushing the toxins out of the surface of the skin.
HONEY
New Zealand is home to many honeys, but you’d be remiss if you didn’t try Manuka honey. This is a special honey produced from European honey bees that were introduced it to the area in the early 19th century. When bees pollinate from this plant, their honey is more potent than standard honey bee honey (extra methylglyoxal.) It’s considered a cure all -from improving a sore throat and digestion and clearing blemishes and providing energy. I read an article recently about a woman who traveled to New Zealand to stock up on Manuka honey because she swears it was what cured her cancer. In my opinion, the honey has a VERY strong taste, but that didn’t stop me from buying a few jars. Having a teaspoon a day keeps the doctor away? Here’s hoping!
LAVENDER
New Zealand has some beautiful Lavender Farms. We visited two – one in Mount Cook and one in Wanaka. Not only is it worth wandering around the lavender fields (and snapping some quality insta photos) but their products make for wonderful souvenirs and gifts. I particularly stocked up on the the products that encourage sleeping and stress management.
WOOL
Kiwis are very proud of their wool products. Using only the finest raw, natural materials, grown in unpolluted alpine pastures, clear natural spring waters and crisp mountain air. Extra care and attention goes into the shearing process to secure the safety and well being of the sheep.
If you’re looking for something a bit more unique, go for alpaca products! This is high quality fleece reflected in the soft handle of dye free knitwear. It takes years of dedicated breeding to produce alpaca fleece of this caliber and New Zealand does it wonderfully.
Fun fact – Mink is a combo of wool and possum! New Zealand manufacturers know that Americans wouldn’t be a fan of wearing possum so that’s what they call it!
TRADITIONAL MAORI TRINKETS
Kiwis are especially skilled at creating traditional Maori carvings in bone, jade and pearl shell. Some are set into sterling silver mounts, some are in the form of delicate earrings and others are unique gifts such as framed artworks or free standing sculptures.
You can read about all the different designs and their meanings here.
