Make your own Kiwi Souvenir

Every year, scores of tourists depart with a precious piece of Kiwiana. Why? Because New Zealand-made objects are beautiful. In the wake of Covid19, there’s never been a better time to sculpt your own.

1. BONE CARVING

The Bone Dude’s Bone Carving Studio, Christchurch

The Bone Dude (real name John) offers the perfect introduction to bone carving, which he happens to excel at. For newcomers it requires time, patience and the help of an expert. Over the course of three hours, hang out in John’s neat studio learning about the different types of bone and how best to carve, smooth and shape. Simply pick a design and begin, or if you’re feeling brave, create your own pattern. Budding carvers are encouraged to modify their piece to make it 100% unique.

2. KNIFEMAKING

Barrytown Knifemaking, Barrytown Knives

are the perfect example of skilled craftmanship. For a truly novel experience, head to Barrytown for a full-day knifemaking workshop. You’ll make your own hand-forged knife from red hot steel and throughout the day, your tea breaks are bolstered with unusual activities such as axe throwing and target practice. Before lunch the blades are forged and the handles assembled, while after lunch (which is provided) the blades are ground, sanded, polished and sharpened.

Knifemaking workshop © Barrytown Knifemaking

3. JADE CARVING

Bonz ‘N’ Stonz, Hokitika

Aotearoa’s first Māori were astute carvers, adept at sculpting elaborate pieces, both practical and decorative from jade, shells and bone; a skill that was passed down from generation to generation. If you too would like to learn these skills, join a master carver at Bonz ‘n’ Stonz for a tutorial on chiselling pounamu, as well as pāua shell or bone. You’ll get to immerse yourself in Māori culture while further understanding the cultural significance behind each process.

Pounamu/jade carving, Hokitika © Miles Holden/Tourism New Zealand

4. GLASS BLOWING

New Zealand Glassworks, Whanganui

Within easy walking distance of Whanganui’s CBD, this inspiring venue is the national centre for glass art. It’s a beautiful space, brimming with working glass blowers and a gallery of exquisite pieces. If you’d like an item stamped with your own style, book a 30-minute paperweight-making experience with a leading practitioner. Full-day workshops are also available. You won’t want to skip town too quickly though – every piece needs to anneal (cool down), so returning the next day is imperative.

Glass vases, New Zealand Glassworks, Whanganui © New Zealand Glassworks

5. PAVLOVA BAKING

Chelsea Sugar Factory, Auckland

This isn’t the kind of souvenir that will last a lifetime (or even half an hour if you’re hungry), but the classic Kiwi pavlova is synonymous with New Zealand. At Chelsea Sugar Factory – a piece of heritage unto itself – baking workshops collaborate two of our oldest and best-loved brands, Chelsea Sugar and Edmonds, to form the Edmonds Baking School. Hands-on classes take place in the state-of-the-art kitchen with up to 10 participants, and lessons include everything from pavlovas to lamingtons.

Edmonds Baking School, Chelsea Bay, Auckland © Chelsea Bay