Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, is located in the heart of the country and is one of the leading metropolises in Oceania. It rains quite a bit throughout the year, so an umbrella is a must. When you think of New Zealand, you probably think of sheep outnumbering people—and there are plenty of sheep even in Wellington. Enjoy the wonderful natural scenery of Wellington while you hunt for souvenirs. Here, we introduce 6 recommended souvenirs to help you with your purchases.
1. Whittakers Chocolate
Whittakers Chocolate is a top souvenir in Wellington. There is an incredibly wide variety available—from milk chocolate to high-cocoa chocolate, and even chocolate infused with oolong tea or manuka honey—so many options that you might find it hard to decide!
There is even chili pepper chocolate with a bit of heat, making it a great souvenir for those who aren’t fans of overly sweet treats. Enjoy the chocolate that everyone in Wellington loves as a perfect memento!
2. Manuka Honey
Manuka honey is produced from the manuka tree, which is known as the "healing tree" in New Zealand. The honey, celebrated for its excellent benefits for beauty and health, is a high-end product because it is produced in limited quantities. In Wellington, you can buy manuka honey at a much more affordable price than in your country.
This all-natural honey is rich and flavorful, making it a recommended souvenir for anyone concerned about health.
3. Greenstone (Jade) Accessories
Another must-have from Wellington is greenstone accessories. Greenstone, made from jade, is considered a sacred stone and is a popular power stone. It comes in various shapes and colors, each with its own meaning. Wellington offers a wide range of greenstone products, with prices varying by size and design. While you can buy these at general gift shops in Wellington, it is recommended to visit a specialty store for high-quality pieces.
Greenstone is best bought as a gift for someone special, as its power is believed to be activated when given to others.
4. Lanolin Cream
Wellington is known for its natural, locally made skincare products, and one standout is lanolin cream. Made from fat extracted from wool, this cream is highly moisturizing, leaving your skin smooth and supple. Since it is made from natural ingredients, it is safe even for babies.
Products made from wool are rare in your country, so this cream is sure to be a hit as a souvenir from Wellington.
5. Cookie Time
Cookie Time, originally produced in a factory in Christchurch, is a favorite treat among children in Wellington. Available in large bag sizes as well as individual packages, these cookies are perfect for sharing as souvenirs. Delicious cookies make an excellent companion for your sweets time!
They are easily available in Wellington’s convenience stores and supermarkets, so be sure to grab some for your souvenirs.
6. New Zealand Wine
New Zealand wine has become especially popular as a souvenir. New Zealand’s climate, with its warm days and cool nights, is ideal for growing grapes, producing high-quality wines that are both aromatic and flavorful. New Zealand wine is available at duty-free shops at Wellington Airport, as well as in supermarkets and convenience stores, and it is much more reasonably priced than in your country.
New Zealand wine makes for a perfect memento of your trip to Wellington.
◎ Summary
Wellington, facing the Cook Strait, is a city blessed with beautiful seas, mountains, and a rich natural environment. In recent years, it has also been used as a filming location, becoming a center of art and culture. Please come to Wellington and experience its splendor for yourself.