Waiheke Prime Tour: MEGUMI's Selection - 10 Recommended Souvenirs You Can Only Buy on Waiheke Island
- Megumi Hachisuka
- Jul 6
- 5 min read
1. Waiheke Wine
Waiheke Island is known as the "Wine Island"!
Their red wines, in particular, are highly regarded and are difficult to find in Japan.
The wine center in Oneroa, the island's main town, stocks wines from almost all of the island's said 30 wineries, as well as wines from New Zealand and around the world.
Owner Megumi works here on days when there are no tours, so she can introduce you to lots of recommended wines to take home at the end of the tour!
2. Waiheke Island Olive Oil
Waiheke Island is one of New Zealand's leading olive-producing regions.
Particularly popular is Allpress Olive Oil, which just reopened in October 2025 after renovations. This extra virgin olive oil, rich in polyphenols and considered the finest among olive oils, will elevate your everyday meals. My tour includes a tasting of this olive oil!
Price estimate
NZ$20-$100
3. Timmy Smith Sparkling Tea, Herbal Tea Blends, Jewelry
Timmy Smith, one of my absolute favorite shops in Oneroa, is a lovely store filled with beautiful herbal teas and jewelry. AKB48's Rino Sashihara even made her own original herbal tea there on YouTube! When you enter the shop, the friendly staff will let you sample sparkling herbal teas (they even have carbonated green tea!). It's perfect for gifts for people who don't drink alcohol.
Just looking at the beautiful jewelry created by owner Timmy makes for a blissful island experience.
4. Kawakawa Ointment
Kawakawa (Macropiper excelsum) is a plant native to New Zealand and a traditional medicinal herb that has been used for centuries in Rongoa, a traditional Maori medical system. It can be found throughout New Zealand.
Kawakawa is believed to have many medicinal properties and is used to alleviate various skin problems such as eczema, dermatitis, dry skin, sunburn, psoriasis, cuts, abscesses, and insect bites. It is also said to have blood circulation-promoting and anti-inflammatory effects.
This Kawakawa ointment is made from 100% natural ingredients and contains no artificial colors or fragrances, making it safe to apply directly to the skin. It is suitable for treating diaper rash in babies and as a protective skin barrier cream. It can also be used on animals.
This is the New Zealand version of Oronine, which I always keep on hand. The owner believes it's important to ask permission from the plants when harvesting these traditional herbs and to express gratitude for the healing benefits they provide.
This item can only be purchased at a local clothing store. If you'd like to buy it, I can take you there on my tour.
5. Waiheke Island Craft Beer: Alibi Brewing
Alibi Brewing , located in the Onetangi district of Waiheke Island, is a family-run craft brewery founded in 2016. Situated on the grounds of Tantalus Estate, famous for its wine and restaurant (which received a Michelin star in 2026!), Alibi brews a variety of unique beers, including IPAs that highlight the aroma of hops, hazy pale ales, and stouts. At "Alibi," which is attached to the brewery, you can enjoy freshly brewed craft beer while taking in the view of the vineyards. If you'd like to visit Alibi on a tour, please contact us and we'll be happy to take you there as part of a Waiheke Prime Tour!
Price estimate
NZ$4-$12
6. Waiheke Chocolate
This chocolate is made on Waiheke Island by a couple who were formerly pastry chefs, using only carefully selected cacao beans. The packaging, designed by an island artist, is also cute, making it a perfect souvenir. My favorite is the 87% dark chocolate; it's not bitter and has a refined taste, so I highly recommend it. This is also available for purchase at the Wine Center.
Estimated price
NZ$16
7. Waiheke Island Manuka Honey
Mānuka honey is a classic New Zealand souvenir, and honey from Waiheke Island is also available.
MGO ( Methylglyoxal ) is the main component responsible for the antibacterial properties of Manuka honey. The higher the MGO value, the greater the MGO content and the higher the antibacterial activity, so the price also increases as the MGO value rises.
The general guideline is as follows: MGO levels of 750+ or higher are reportedly used as medicine in medical settings.
Waiheke Island Manuka honey is only available on this island. It tastes absolutely delicious!
MGO value | Recommended uses |
MGO 100+ | For those trying Manuka honey for the first time, or for everyday use. |
MGO 250+ | Popular for maintaining daily health |
MGO 400+ | Popular among those seeking a higher grade product. |
MGO 550+ | High-quality premium grade |
MGO 850+ or higher | A very high concentration and rare grade |
Price estimate
NZ$20-$100
8. Aromatherapy soap, Chardonnay soap (Mudbrick)
Soaps made with natural plant oils from the island, olive oil, and essential oils can be purchased at the wine center.
The Chardonnay soap made with Chardonnay sold at Mudbrick's cellar door smells wonderful, and I often buy it as a souvenir for my friends.
It's lightweight and easy to carry, making it a popular souvenir for women.
Estimated price
NZ$8-$18
9. Locally produced craft gin, whiskey, and rum
Waiheke Island is famous for its craft gins and whiskies. It also produces rum, making it a true paradise for alcohol lovers.
Despite only being introduced a few years ago, the gin and whiskey are already gaining worldwide recognition. They're also available in small bottles, making them easy to take home. These Waiheke Island spirits are still relatively unknown in Japan, known only to those in the know. Be sure to bring some back to Japan and show them off to your friends! (laughs)
Estimated price
NZ$35-$105
10. Waiheke Island Eco Bag
Eco-bags and T-shirts featuring the "Waiheke Island" design are recommended as souvenirs of your trip.
I love the cute designs that you can only find here. The Island Grocer, a select grocery store in Oneroa, is a great place to find souvenirs and unique items.
This is the place to buy souvenirs!
📍 Oneroa Town
This is a very popular street lined with supermarkets, wine shops, herbal tea shops, art galleries, and souvenir shops. Timmy Smith is also located here.
The Waiheke Prime Tour includes free time for shopping at the end of the tour.
📍 Waiheke Wine Centre
This is the largest wine shop on Waiheke Island. You can buy all kinds of alcohol to take home here, from Waiheke wines and New Zealand wines to wines from around the world and even sake. One of the highlights is being able to taste the island's wines using their wine tasting machine. Manuka honey, chocolate, and soap are also available for purchase here.
Leave it to me to recommend a wine!
📍 Ostend Saturday Market
A local craft market held only on Saturdays. Light refreshments are also available. We will take those on the Saturday tour to the market.
📍 ALLPRESS Olive Oil
The olive groves are a must-visit on the Waiheke Prime Tour. There's also a bistro where you can have lunch.
📍 Mudbrick Celler door
This is a world-famous cellar door where you can enjoy wine tastings, but you can also buy Chardonnay soap and Mudbrick-exclusive souvenirs.
This is a spot that Megumi highly recommends and is a must-visit on the Waiheke Prime Tour.
Souvenirs my bird-loving father bought on Waiheke Island
I found these eyeglass cleaning cloths with native birds on them at the Pharmacy in Oneroa.
That concludes Megumi's selection of recommended souvenirs from Waiheke Island, chosen by Waiheke Prime Tours!
I hope that the wonders of Waiheke Island and the wonderful things made there will spread to Japan as well.
I am really looking forward to meeting you all throughout the tour!
Waiheke Prime Tour
Representative: Megumi Hachisuka
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