New Zealand, to its credit, has a growing number of small niche exporters that produce top quality arts, gift wares, home wares, wooden toys and games that target the international market. Arts and crafts that are distinctly New Zealand such as exquisite hand-blown glass, designer jewelries, ceramic and wood products have found international favor including contemporary and traditional works of Maori – the indigenous people of New Zealand. In the event that a traveler has the opportunity to visit New Zealand, there are some things that can advantageously be directly bought during the visit.
The strong inbound of the tourism industry has strengthened domestic demand for New Zealand products and has in turn provided a stronger base for exports. The country’s clean and green environment has lent credence to cosmetics and soaps that are manufactured using natural ingredients. Wooden items are being associated with excellent craftsmanship while local delicious treats are steadily catching the attention of consumers worldwide.
The colonial style, wooden, handcrafted photo albums either made of New Zealand Kauri or Rimu wood sell like hotcakes. The albums are handcrafted to the last detail and additional inserts are conveniently available to hold all those precious photos from one’s visit to New Zealand. It is extremely popular as a wedding album and some variations of the product are guest books, wine cellar books and wedding registry books.
There is nothing like bath and shower soaps from New Zealand to give oneself a healthy pampering. Commercially available items are using traditional Maori designs that make them an excellent compliment to one’s bathroom. These designs present various symbolisms unique to the Maori culture and are thus excellent gift ideas to those who await one’s return back home.
The Possum – Wool Yarn for hand knitting and weaving is a yarn of real luxury at an affordable price. It has all the properties demanded by present day garments. It is hard wearing, lightweight, allows the skin to breathe, warmer than wool in winter and feels like cashmere on the skin. It is even said to have an Angora glow or halo to it.
The most excellent wines of New Zealand are typically made in very limited quantities or even pre-sold before bottling. The most popular is Marlborough’s Sauvignon Blanc which has established a new international benchmark for the variety. Geography, climate and human skill have combined to produce highly distinctive, premium quality wines. Equally impressive are numerous other varieties such as Pinot Noir, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blends.
It may be difficult to bring back consumables from one’s visit to New Zealand thus it might be more practical to buy some things and use them while in the country. New Zealand boasts of its first class dairy products, various beverages aside from wine like its national soft drink LP (Lemon and Paeroa), honey of varied distinctive flavors and avocado oil that has a high smoke point. The actual use of these products could easily show the difference from other similar products.
Kiwiana is described as all the weird and wonderful quirky things from years gone by that have contributed to New Zealand’s sense of nationhood. Some things such as the gumboots, Buzzy Bee Toys, meringue dessert, shell ashtrays and a cookbook have assumed vital importance as major icons of Kiwiana. The government of New Zealand is actively promoting its “Buy Kiwi Made” campaign. However, the Trade Liberalization Network has admonished buyers to do so only if the goods and services being presented are the best choice. New Zealanders know that their lifestyle will further improve if their products are competitive, if not the best in the world market and that exceptional products can be their entry point to the rest of the world.