After you have scaled the Sky Tower, visited vineyards, rainforests, and beaches in Auckland, it’s time to shop for some souvenirs and local products to take back home. How about some Kiwiana gifts that capture the essence of New Zealand culture, or Maori-inspired cultural or traditional souvenirs? From jewellery to home décor to local wines and foods, there is an array of options to pick and choose to suit every budget and palate. Here is our list of things to buy on Auckland.
Things to Buy in Auckland
1. Paua Shell Products
Shells of Paua, as the Maori call them or abalone as they are called in the US and Australia, are iridescent with gorgeous streaks of blue, purple and green. While the entire shells are polished and used as ashtrays, you will also find the shells carved into dainty jewellery pieces, such as pendants, earrings, and many more. Perfect for gifting women and girlfriends.
2. Pounamu, or Greenstone
Pounamu is New Zealand’s highly prized stone, which is green and will remind you of jade. The Maori considered it sacred, and the chiefs used it for peace-making. The pounamu is carved into jewellery and decorative pieces. We picked a pounamu pendant, which we gifted to our niece on her graduation.
3. Maori Wood Carvings
The Maori are skilled artisans who create intricate designs on wood from native trees, such as kauri. The designs convey stories and embody cultural narratives. We received a stunning piece as a gift at the President’s Club in Auckland. You will see an array of products made from Maori wood carvings, ranging from jewellery pieces to masks and even figurines. The designs are inspired by Maori art and frequently include ferns, fish hooks, canoes, and several other elements. Do check the cultural or spiritual significance of the piece before you make a purchase, so that it resonates with you.
4. Kiwi-themed Gifts
The Kiwi bird, native to New Zealand, is loved by both locals and tourists but is hard to spot. Soothe yourself by buying a kiwi-themed souvenir, such as keychains, showpieces, mugs or a piece of jewellery.
5. New Zealand Silver Fern Souvenirs
Just like the Kiwi bird, the silver fern, recognised by the silver-white colour on the undersurface of mature fronds, is native to New Zealand. Considered as the national emblem of New Zealand, it features in several products like T-shirts, caps, bottle openers and even jewellery pieces. We received a dainty silver fern lapel leaf as a prelude gift to the President’s Club in Auckland.
6. Manuka Honey
Honey produced from the nectar of the manuka tree, indigenous to New Zealand, is another local product worth gifting. Renowned for its unique flavour and medicinal benefits, ranging from antibacterial to antioxidant properties. Check for the ‘Unique Manuka Factor’, the higher it is, the better the honey—a perfect gift for food and health enthusiasts.
7. New Zealand Wine
New Zealand produces some of the finest high-quality wines, making them perfect for gifting to wine connoisseurs. Marlborough, on the northeastern tip of the South Island, produces world-class Sauvignon Blanc wine. But if you’re visiting one of the vineyards on Waiheke Island, then it’s a good idea to pick up some wine from there.
8. Maori-Inspired Resin Statues and Masks
These beautifully crafted statues and masks are made of resin with eyes inlaid with paua shell. They reflect traditional Maori designs like spiral motifs, ferns and Tiki guardians. They are meaningful keepsakes that will remind you of the Maori long after you have bid adieu to Auckland.
Where to shop for souvenirs in Auckland?
Queen Street is the main shopping street in Auckland with exclusive boutique stores as well as affordable souvenir shops. We did most of our shopping on Queen Street.
Shopping Tips for Auckland
- Be Vocal for Local:
- Make sure you are purchasing products made by the local artisans or that are locally sourced rather than imported copies.
- Choose with meaning:
- Many Maori designs carry deep cultural and spiritual meaning and symbolism. Please take a moment to learn what the souvenir represents so that it resonates with you and reflects respect for the culture.
- Check for quality and authenticity:
- Whether it’s the Manuka Honey or the Pounamu, make sure you’re paying for the genuine products and not substandard or cheap copies.
- Check custom regulations:
- The last thing you want is to be stopped from taking your souvenirs home because shell products, wooden items or food items are not allowed. Read the rules specific to your country before making purchases.
- Pack right:
- If you’re carrying wine, glass or delicate pieces, make sure they are wrapped well to avoid breakage.
GETTING THERE
Nearest Airport to Auckland:
The nearest airport to Auckland is Auckland (AKL), with connectivity to major cities around the world.
Where to Stay in Auckland:
We stayed at the Park Hyatt Auckland overlooking the Viaduct Harbour. The advantages of staying close to the Harbour are the sweeping views. Auckland CBD (Central Business District) is also popular for accessibility to attractions and public transport. You can do a net search for hotels depending on your budget and comfort level.