Queenstown in New Zealand is famous for its breathtaking sights, exciting ski areas, and winter resorts, and its very enjoyable and adrenaline-pumping activities. But what makes Queenstown even more interesting is its very bizarre yet quirky art culture and their upscale modernism especially in their growing souvenir and craft industry. You will surely love all those ancient Maori crafts, Kiwi trinkets, and other stuff that you can only see in the city. So bring some pieces of Queenstown with you when you go home. You can even share it to everyone you love back home. Here’s what to buy in Queenstown, New Zealand.
1. Lord Of The Rings memorabilia
Almost every fan of this amazing movie trilogy knows that the Lord of The Rings was shot on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and all around Queenstown. If you’re a fan of the movie or you know someone who’s a fan back home, why not bring a piece of the movie right from where it was made? There’s a lot of souvenir and collectibles stores in Queenstown that sells coins, maps, stamps, shirts, figurines, and replicas of the movie.
2. Manuka honey
Manuka honey is a kind of honey that can only be found in New Zealand. It is made by bees that pollinate the flower Leptospermum scoparium or the manuka bush. Known to be antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and very beneficial to ones’s health, everyone surely loves to have a taste of this unique honey. That is why you really need to grab one for yourself and your loved ones as well when going back home.
3. Kiwi soft toy
When you talk about Queenstown and the whole New Zealand, probably the first thing that comes into your mind is its most iconic bird known as the Kiwi. Its petite body and long beak will surely become a remembrance to your memorable and exciting times in New Zealand. Well, you can’t bring a live kiwi back home. Instead, you should buy a Kiwi plush toy for you to hug during your flight back home. You can also buy smaller ones to give out to your friends and loved ones and use them as key chains.
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4. Buzzy Bee
Another iconic item in New Zealand is this toy called the Buzzy Bee. It looks like a bee and has a pair of rotating wheels and makes a clicking sound while it is being pulled on the ground. Its bright colors and the well-known clicking sound is very familiar to all New Zealanders and has become one of the most recognized items of Kiwiana. Bring home a piece of New Zealand culture by buying a Buzzy Bee for yourself!
5. Maori art
Known as one of the most intricate and sophisticated ethnic art in the world, Maori art still wows a lot of people even to this day. They come in so many forms such as paintings, carvings, sculptures, pottery, and tattoos. A lot of people even go to Queensland just to get a Maori tattoo. But if you are not ready to have something permanent on your body, then you can just opt for a piece of Maori art through novelty items such as key chains, magnets, jewelry, accessories, postcards, and many others.
6. Merino wool jumper
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
There’s nothing much warmer than wearing a Merino wool jumper during cold nights and winters. This luxury knitwear is a pride of New Zealand. It is made from the warmest, softest, and the most comfortable possum fur with the finest New Zealand merino wool. Most of Queenstown’s department stores and boutiques sell one. Make sure to bring home “the cashmere of New Zealand” before leaving Queenstown.
7. Pineapple Lumps, Jet Planes, and Jaffas
Almost every city in the world has its own confectionery to boast and Queenstown of course has its own candy as well. When you’re in the city, make sure to have a taste of their Pineapple Lumps, Jet Planes, and Jaffas. Pineapple Lumps is a chewy pineapple candy covered with chocolate. Jet Planes, on the other hand, are jelly candies in the shape of jet planes, obviously. Finally, Jaffas are orange or red colored candies with soft chocolate centers. They’re sure to be a hit to kids and kids at heart back home.
8. New Zealand wine
From the famous Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc to the Pinot Noir, New Zealand’s wines are certainly among the best in the world. Their wines are produced from the finest grapes that are grown in hectares of vineyards across the country. Wineries can be also found around Queenstown. Make sure to bring a bottle of New Zealand’s finest before you head to the airport.
9. Greenstone gifts
Jewelries and accessories play a great part to the Maori’s very rich culture and history. One of their most well-known jewelry is the greenstone. Made from the finest jade stone, these little trinkets gives homage to rich art, design, and culture of New Zealand. Each of its intricate designs has its own religious and spiritual meaning. But it can be also great to wear during ordinary days or during events or galas. Truly, these greenstone gifts are a great addition to your jewelry and accessory collection.
10. All Blacks jersey
Lastly, New Zealanders are known to be huge sport fanatics, especially for rugby and football. If you’re a rugby fan yourself, make sure to buy your own All Blacks jersey that features your favorite team. Their collection of sport jerseys are very huge and they come with a lot of designs for you to choose from. You can even have one personalized according to your preference, like having your name on the back. From tank tops, shorts, shirts, hoodies, and singlets, there’s surely the right sport apparel for you.
Bring home a piece of Queenstown with you
Souvenirs are indeed a great way for you to remember all the great times and memories you have made during your trip in Queenstown. That is why you should grab as many of these great souvenir items as you can before you head to the airport back home. Have fun souvenir shopping!
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