1. Wooden Buzzy Bee
The wooden pull along ‘Buzzy Bee’ has been a favourite toy in Kiwi households for years. Its rotating wings and clicking noise are a feature that is instantly recognisable for many NZ’ers. It was first produced in the 1930’s and became popular in the post-war baby boom.
2. Whittaker’s Chocolate
This privately-owned chocolate company has been producing chocolate that Kiwis have been proud of for many years. It is the second-largest chocolate brand in New Zealand (behind UK-based Cadbury). Founder James Henry Whittaker and his sons started the business in Wellington in 1913. The business itself was founded in 1896. The business became a limited liability company in 1937. Whittakers is still family owned with the fourth generation of the Whittaker family currently in-charge.
3. Plush/Soft Toy Kiwi
New Zealand’s national bird is a flightless one and they are also a nocturnal animal, so your chances of seeing one in the wild are low. However, there are plenty of snuggly plush/soft toy Kiwis to choose from! Take a little piece of New Zealand home with you and show off your knowledge of our national bird!
4. Merino Wool
If there is anything New Zealand is famous for, it’s for having an abundance of sheep (we have just under five million people living in NZ and just under 30 million sheep). Our merino sheep’s wool is known around the world for its excellent quality and texture. It’s worth taking home some merino yarn for knitting, or perhaps some merino clothing for your relatives to wear!
5. Pounamu/Jade Necklaces
Māori inspired greenstone jewellery in traditional shapes and designs are a great gift, but she be treated with the respect they deserve. Pounamu is also known as ‘the God stone’ by the Māori people and the stone is traditionally seen as a talisman with spiritual powers that evoke strength and prosperity. The Tiki is the Māori name for carvings shaped like human figures, carved in greenstone and worn around the neck (also known as hei-tiki). Specific carvings also have certain meanings and some stones are passed down from generation to generation.
6. New Zealand Wine
Take some of these legendary wines back home with you to give as gifts for the wine connoisseurs in your family. With an abundance of quality wine in regions throughout the country and Kiwi grapes growing especially well in our autumn/winter cool-climates, NZ has many award-winning wines that are well-worth your time to try/ take home. Remember, you need to be 18 or older to legally purchase or consume alcohol in NZ!
7. All Blacks Shirt
Our legendary rugby team have a shirt that is instantly recognisable around the world. Take this home and give it to the sports mad person in your family or friend group. Even better, take home two and keep one for yourself!
8. Kiwiana Lollies – Choc Fish
The confusion on the faces of your friends and family when you show them the packaging will be well worth taking this home. And it will get even better when they realise how delicious fish-shaped marshmallow chocolate really is!
9. Kiwiana Tea Towels
These tea towels are Kiwiana classics, featuring imagery of New Zealand beaches, food, and other items. A great souvenir and addition to your kitchen. You’ll love the prints and using them will help you remember your Kiwi good times.
10. Mānuka Honey
Mānuka honey is produced by European honey bees foraging on the mānuka or tea tree. Really popular (and expensive) overseas, this New Zealand treat is sold as an alternative medicine and is currently being studied for its potential antibacterial properties.
11. Gumboots
A Kiwi icon and a crucial item for any farmer, the humble gumboot is worn to prevent your legs and feet from getting dirty. The rubber and canvas lining are designed to keep everything out, from loose stones, to mud and even water. Gumboots leave your legs/feet bone-dry and your morale intact!
12. Silver Fern Pin
The iconic silver fern is a plant endemic to New Zealand and the fern is worn by all our major sports teams across the nation. The pin is a way of showing your regard for New Zealand and is one of the most recognisable icons that is representative of NZ around the world.
Who are iStudent Complaints and what can we help you with?
iStudent Complaints is an independent dispute resolution scheme established by the New Zealand Government. Our objective is to encourage swift settlement of contractual and financial disputes between international students and their providers in New Zealand.
As an independent and impartial service, we are not affiliated with any Education providers.
Why did we do this blog?
Even if we need to step in one day to help you resolve a dispute, we want you to enjoy studying and living in our amazing country as much as we do. To that end, we’ve created this content so that you may continue to explore and experience the best New Zealand can offer.