Celebrate New Zealand culture with authentic Kiwiana gifts – from iconic designs to meaningful treasures that capture the spirit of Aotearoa.
Kiwiana gifts celebrate everything uniquely New Zealand – our native birds, Maori heritage, iconic symbols, and beloved cultural touchstones. Whether you’re sending a gift overseas or finding the perfect present for a proud Kiwi, these distinctly NZ treasures make meaningful, memorable gifts.
What Makes a Gift Truly Kiwiana?
Kiwiana refers to items and imagery that evoke New Zealand identity and nostalgia. True Kiwiana gifts go beyond generic souvenirs – they capture the essence of NZ culture, often with a touch of humour or heartfelt meaning.
Classic Kiwiana Icons
- Native Birds: Tui, kiwi, fantail (piwakawaka), kereru, kea
- Flora: Pohutukawa, silver fern, kowhai, native bush
- Maori Culture: Koru patterns, pounamu (greenstone), tiki, traditional motifs
- Nostalgia: Buzzy Bee, paua shell, L&P, pavlova imagery
- Coastal Life: Jandals, fish & chips, bach culture
Popular Kiwiana Gift Ideas
Art Prints & Homewares
NZ artists create stunning Kiwiana-inspired art that makes perfect gifts. Glenn Jones is beloved for his witty bird illustrations, while Flox (Hayley King) creates bold native bird prints. Tea towels, cushion covers, and ceramics featuring NZ birds and flora bring Kiwiana into everyday life.
Pounamu & NZ Jewellery
Nothing says New Zealand like pounamu (greenstone). This precious jade carries deep cultural significance in Maori tradition. Modern NZ jewellers like Nick von K and Boh Runga create contemporary pieces with Kiwi spirit – from silver fern pendants to tui-inspired designs.
Food & Treats
Edible Kiwiana makes delicious gifts. Manuka honey, Whittaker’s chocolate, Cookie Time cookies, and L&P are classic choices. For something special, artisan chocolatiers like House of Chocolate create NZ-themed treats perfect for gifting.
Children’s Kiwiana
Introduce tamariki (children) to NZ culture with Kiwiana toys and books. Te reo Maori building blocks, plush kiwi toys, and picture books featuring native birds make wonderful gifts. The Monster Company creates adorable NZ-themed soft toys.
Sending Kiwiana Gifts Overseas
Sharing Kiwiana with friends and family abroad is a beautiful way to stay connected. Lightweight, packable options work best for international shipping.
Best Kiwiana Gifts for Overseas
- Art prints: Flat, lightweight, highly personal
- Jewellery: Compact, meaningful, travels well
- Tea towels: Practical, packable, decorative
- NZ books: Share stories and culture
- Wool & possum accessories: Scarves, gloves – uniquely NZ
Check customs regulations before sending food items overseas.
Looking for more options? See our complete guide to sending NZ gifts overseas.
NZ Artists & Brands Creating Kiwiana
Support local creators making authentic Kiwiana gifts.
Artists
- Glenn Jones Art – Witty Kiwi bird illustrations
- Flox – Bold graphic native bird art
- Dick Frizzell – Iconic NZ pop art
- Karl Maughan – Vibrant garden paintings
- Irina Velman – Whimsical NZ illustrations
Brands
- Moana Road – Vintage-style Kiwiana accessories
- The Monster Company – NZ soft toys
- Metalbird – Garden bird sculptures
- Blunt Umbrella – NZ-designed umbrellas
Where to Buy Kiwiana Gifts in NZ
Online Stores
Many NZ retailers specialise in authentic Kiwiana. Look for shops that stock NZ-made products from local artists and craftspeople. Online shopping makes it easy to find unique Kiwiana and ship directly.
Museum & Gallery Shops
Te Papa in Wellington and Auckland Museum have excellent gift shops featuring quality Kiwiana. Regional museums throughout NZ also stock local treasures.
Markets & Craft Fairs
Weekend markets in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and smaller towns showcase local makers. These are perfect for discovering unique, handmade Kiwiana gifts.
Kiwiana Gifts for Every Occasion
Gift Guide by Occasion
- Christmas: Pohutukawa-themed items, summer Kiwiana, chocolate gifts
- Weddings: Pounamu jewellery, NZ art prints, homeware sets
- Birthdays: Artist prints, jewellery, gourmet treats
- Matariki: Maori-inspired gifts, traditional designs, star-themed items
- Farewell/Overseas: Meaningful keepsakes, NZ symbols, memory items
- Corporate: Quality NZ-made items – see our corporate gifts guide