A variation on this theme is the bone pendant. Several places around the country give you a chance to work a piece of cattle bone into your own design or something based on classic Maori iconography. With a little talent and application you should be able to whip up something to be proud of in a few hours. Something similar can be made of iridescent paua shell, or you can simply buy ready-made pieces fashioned into anything from buttons to detailed picture frames.
Sheepskin and wool products are also big, as are garments – socks, sweaters etc – at least partly made from possum fur. New Zealanders hate these pests and will thank you for supporting any industry which hastens their demise. A quality possum-fur throw will set you back over $1000 but cushion covers come much cheaper. Sheepskins go for around $100.
There’s plenty of outdoor clothing around, but look out for the Icebreaker (w icebreaker.com), Untouched World (w untouchedworld.co.nz) and Glowing Sky (w glowingsky.co.nz) brands of stylish Merino-wool garments, which are fairly pricey but feel great, keep you warm and don’t harbour nasty odours.
Some of New Zealand’s top fashion designers are world-class. Garments by Karen Walker, Kate Sylvester, Trelise Cooper, Alexandra Owen, Zambesi and World are expensive but coveted and unique.
