Souvenirs hold onto more than just memories – they capture the joy, wonder, and meaningful moments that make a trip truly unforgettable. In Rotorua, the heart of traditional New Zealand culture and history, you’ll find no shortage of beautiful treasures to take home. Whether you’re visiting from afar or exploring your own backyard, these 10 unique and handcrafted gift shops are the perfect way to take a little piece of Rotorua with you—wherever you’re headed next.
1. Tutanekai Gifts & Souvenirs
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Kiwi-owned and operated, Tutanekai Gifts & Souvenirs has all the charm of a classic New Zealand souvenir shop—right in the heart of Rotorua’s city centre. It’s a great spot to pick up favourites like highway magnets, Wild Ferns skincare, Funlicious chocolate, Mānuka honey, and more. The long-running store also proudly stocks locally made, handcrafted pieces. Take your time exploring their collection of carved woodwork and New Zealand greenstone jewellery—each one a meaningful reminder of your time in Rotorua.
2. iNZpired
Soar above Rotorua’s stunning landscape on the Skyline Gondola and arrive at iNZpired—a Rotorua souvenir shop that’s every bit as awe-inspiring as the ride up. The shop’s interior was designed by David Trubridge, an internationally renowned designer and Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit. iNZpired comes alive with tree-like structures and beautiful boardwalk accents made of local redwood timber, while Trubridge’s iconic abstract lights glow overhead in a cascade of colours. The result is a neo-natural space that feels as evocative as it looks—perfect for discovering NZ’s best home-grown clothing brands like Moana Road and Lothlorian.
3. Aeon Giftware
Image credit: @Aeongiftwareltd (Facebook)
Aeon Giftware is a locally owned and operated maker of uniquely Kiwi souvenirs. What began in a Katikati garage has grown into a full workshop in the Rotorua city centre—driven by a deep love for Māori art and design. Here you’ll find handcrafted wooden gifts with real meaning, from framed artworks and keychains to pocket puzzles, bottle openers, pens, and combs. For something personal, you can also shop online for custom-engraved pieces—like their iconic 21st keys, made to mark life’s big milestones.
4. Mountain Jade
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Pounamu—also known as New Zealand jade or greenstone—holds deep cultural significance in Māori tradition, symbolising strength, connection, and protection. Mountain Jade is one of Aotearoa’s most renowned pounamu carving studios. Its two Rotorua locations on Fenton Street feel more like mini museums than souvenir shops. Here, you can admire and purchase beautifully crafted jade jewellery and sculptures—or step into the Mountain Jade Carving Studio to watch master carvers at work. Daily behind-the-scenes tours offer a rare chance to witness the process, hear the stories behind the stone from local artists, and choose your own piece of pounamu to take home.
5. Oha Gift Store
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Te Puia is a must-visit destination in Rotorua—where bubbling geysers, cultural performances, and encounters with the native kiwi bring the spirit of Aotearoa to life. You’ll also find stunning works by traditionally trained artists at the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute. To mark the experience, explore Oha—the on-site gift shop—where you’ll find treasured taonga like handcrafted jewellery made of greenstone, paua and bone, Rotorua Natural Mud packs and possum clothing. For something truly one-of-a-kind, head to the Ahua Gallery at NZMACI for handcrafted carvings and weavings—or commission a custom piece from a master of Māori arts through their online store.
6. Rozcraft
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Tucked away in Rotorua city centre’s Mangakakahi suburb, Rozcraft is more than just a souvenir shop—it’s where many of New Zealand’s gifts are made. This proudly local manufacturer has been crafting keepsakes since 1976, supplying stores across NZ with everything from plush toys and Christmas decorations to contemporary korowai cloaks. Crafters will love the selection of possum fur and sheepskin offcuts—affordable, sustainable materials perfect for creating something of your own. Rozcraft also supports the local community, employing over 30 Rotorua residents, including stay-at-home parents and those looking for flexible, meaningful work.
7. Sulphur City Soapery
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Rotorua might be famous for its distinctive geothermal smell, but Sulphur City Soapery brings a breath of fresh air to your Rotorua experience. This boutique Rotorua gift shop offers a wide range of New Zealand-made bath and body products—free of harmful chemicals and enriched with locally sourced thermal mud. These feel-good formulations are packed with skin-loving minerals like sulphur, calcium, sodium, and silica. Everything is cruelty-free, eco-conscious, and vegan (aside from their Mānuka honey bars). Step inside and discover an uplifting collection of soaps, lip balms, natural deodorants, hair care, and more—each one made to nourish, restore, and delight.
8. Jelly Belly Store
Got a sweet tooth? You’re in for a treat at New Zealand’s first Jelly Belly concept store and art gallery—right at the top of Skyline Rotorua. Inside, you’ll find a rainbow of over 100 jelly bean flavours and jaw-dropping replicas of famous artworks, all crafted entirely from Jelly Belly beans! Pick up a gift pack to take home, or create your own pick’n’mix box with your favourite flavours. This fun souvenir shop is a short stroll from iNZpired, so make time to visit both before letting gravity take the lead on the Luge—because nothing pairs with thrills like a little sugar rush.
9. Rotorua Arts Village Shop
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Just a short stroll from the Government Gardens, the Rotorua Arts Village is a non-profit community hub run by local artists. Inside this Rotorua souvenir shop, you’ll find a welcoming space filled with handcrafted toys, jewellery, clothing, pottery, and paintings—one-of-a-kind pieces you won’t find anywhere else in New Zealand. With stock and displays that are always changing, there’s something new to discover every time you visit. The Arts Village also hosts seasonal art markets—lively, inclusive events that offer another chance to connect with local creativity and take home something made with heart.
10. Puawai Jade
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Just around the corner from the many cafes and restaurants of Eat Street, Puawai Jade offers a quiet moment of beauty and meaning. This dedicated greenstone store showcases a wide range of jade jewellery in traditional forms—like the spiral (koru), fish hook (hei matau), and infinity twist (pikorua), each rich with symbolism and story. You’ll also find striking contemporary sculptures influenced by Chinese jade artistry, shaped by the owner-operator’s experience in an international cultural exchange. It’s a place where tradition and innovation meet—inviting you to take home a truly timeless NZ souvenir.
Experience the best of Rotorua with Skyline
From handcrafted New Zealand souvenirs to spectacular views and unforgettable adventures, Rotorua is full of moments worth holding onto. Start with a visit to the city’s most unique gift shops—then explore our insider guides to the best pubs and bars, lakeside activities, and things to do at Skyline with the kids. While you’re here, gain a bird’s eye view of Rotorua and hop aboard the Skyline Gondola. Soak in the incredible vistas, then prepare for a heart-pounding ride on the Luge. Finish with a well-earned meal at Stratosfare Restaurant, where every table comes with a view. However you choose to spend your day here in Rotorua, Skyline makes it unforgettable.