t leaf T is a 100% New Zealand-owned family business, founded in 2005 by John and Amanda van Gorp. We are based in our own building in Petone, Lower Hutt, and operate a retail store in Wellington's CBD. We source premium teas and infusions from quality suppliers around the world, and every tea is hand-processed and hand-packed by our small, committed team. Over 20 years of direct supplier relationships mean you get quality you can trust.

t leaf T was founded in 2005 by John and Amanda van Gorp, making us a trusted New Zealand tea company with over 20 years of experience.

We offer over 160 premium teas and infusions sourced from quality suppliers around the world, all hand processed and packed for premium quality.

Yes. Every tea and infusion we sell is hand-processed and hand-packed at our Petone facility. We believe this attention to detail is part of what makes the t leaf T experience different, each order is packed with care by people who genuinely love tea.

Our warehouse and operations are based at 64 Victoria Street, Petone, Lower Hutt, 5012, just north of Wellington. We also have a retail store in Wellington's CBD where you can explore, smell, and taste our range in person. Click and collect is available at both locations.

You can reach our team by phone on 0800 853 238 (or +64 4 589 0085 from outside New Zealand) during business hours, or by email at support@tleaft.co.nz. For order-specific queries, you can also email orders@tleaft.co.nz. We aim to respond promptly and knowledgeably, tea questions welcome.

Simply browse our range, add items to your cart, and proceed to checkout. You can check out as a guest or create a free account to save your details for future orders. If you need help choosing, our team is available by phone or email, we love helping customers find their perfect cup.

Yes. We offer samples across over 160 teas and infusions. Samples let you explore new varieties without committing to a full pack. You can browse the sample range on our website, or visit our Wellington retail store to smell and taste teas in person before you buy.

Our sample packs contain enough tea for 4–6 cups. They're a great way to try a new variety before committing to a full pack, and with over 160 teas and infusions available as samples, there's plenty to explore.

We limit purchases to one sample per tea type per order. This ensures our sample range remains available for all customers to discover and try new varieties. If you'd like more of a particular tea, we have a full range of standard-sized pouches available.

Our Best Buy deal lets you buy three identical foil pouches and receive a fourth one free. Identical means the same tea and the same pack size, for example, three 100g pouches of Earl Grey Blue Flower would qualify, but three different 100g teas would not. The fourth free pouch is added to your cart automatically. Please note: the Best Buy deal excludes Samples, Tins, Bulk Packs, and the Zealong tea range, and cannot be combined with any other discount code or offer.

The most common reason is that a discount voucher code was entered at checkout. The Best Buy deal cannot be combined with any other offer, as soon as a discount code is applied, the system automatically removes the free pouch (this will be reflected in your order confirmation email). If you'd like to take advantage of both, give us a call on 0800 853 238 and we can help you arrange this.

If you need to amend your order, whether that's changing a quantity, swapping a product, or updating your delivery address, please get in touch as quickly as possible. Call us on 0800 853 238 or email orders@tleaft.co.nz with your order number and we'll do our best to accommodate changes before dispatch.

Yes. Gift wrapping is available as an option at checkout. We also have a range of curated gift boxes, from single tea gift boxes to multi-pack gift cans, if you'd like a ready-to-give present. Gift cards are also available.

Yes. We supply cafes, restaurants, offices, and hospitality businesses throughout New Zealand. To enquire about wholesale pricing and terms, please visit our Wholesale Enquiry page or contact us directly. We'd love to talk tea.

We offer tracked and insured courier delivery New Zealand wide via NZ Couriers. Shipping is free on orders of $85 or over, otherwise a flat rate of $8.90 applies. Click and collect is also available at our Wellington City retail store or our Lower Hutt warehouse in Petone, and is selectable directly at checkout. Please note: we are no longer able to ship to PO Boxes.

Yes. Orders placed by 3pm on business days are dispatched the same day. We pride ourselves on getting your tea to you quickly, it's one of the reasons our customers keep coming back.

Standard courier delivery typically takes 2–3 business days nationwide. Rural delivery addresses should allow 4–6 business days. Orders placed before 3pm on business days are dispatched the same day, so you can usually expect your tea to arrive within a few days of ordering. Please note: we are unable to deliver to PO Boxes.

We use NZ Couriers for all New Zealand deliveries. If you live in an area that can only be serviced by a specific carrier such as NZ Post, please get in touch and we'll do our best to accommodate this where possible.

Once your order has been dispatched, you'll receive a shipping confirmation email containing your tracking number. For New Zealand orders, simply enter this number on the NZ Couriers website to follow your parcel's progress. For international orders, tracking is available if you chose DHL Express at checkout, NZ Post International orders are not tracked.

If your order hasn't arrived within two business days of the expected delivery window, please contact us as soon as possible at orders@tleaft.co.nz or 0800 853 238 with your order number. We'll investigate promptly and, if your order cannot be located, we'll resend it. Please note: claims for non-delivery cannot be accepted more than 30 days after the date of order.

Free shipping applies to New Zealand orders of $85 or over delivered to a physical New Zealand address. For orders under $85, a flat courier rate of $8.90 applies. International shipping rates vary by destination and carrier, see our Shipping and Returns page for full details. International orders are not eligible for free shipping.

Yes. We ship to Australia and your order is tax-free (saving 15% off listed prices). Choose between NZ Post International (NZ$45, 10–15 working days, untracked) or DHL Express (NZ$60, 4 business days, tracked) at checkout. Please be aware of Australian biosecurity restrictions: teas or infusions containing seeds, nuts, fruits, citrus pieces, or flowers may be detained by Australian Customs and are purchased at your own risk. We do not recommend ordering herbal infusions or teas containing these ingredients for delivery to Australia. Please check current Australian biosecurity guidelines before placing your order.

Yes. We ship to Australia, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong SAR China, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Netherlands, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, and United Kingdom. International orders are shipped tax-free, saving 15% off listed prices, and leave our warehouse within 2–3 business days. For Australia, Canada, and the UK, choose between NZ Post International or DHL Express at checkout, see our Shipping and Returns page for full rates and delivery times. Rest of World: NZ$95 via NZ Post, 20–25 working days. Note: during the Christmas and holiday period (1 November to 15 January) delivery times may increase due to carrier delays beyond our control. As of September 2025, shipping to the United States has been temporarily suspended due to changing complexities around delivery and costs. We will update this page when US shipping resumes. For countries not listed, please contact us to check availability.

Unfortunately, we are no longer able to deliver to PO Boxes due to the significant increase in shipping costs for that service. Please provide a physical delivery address when placing your order.

Importation rules vary by country. We recommend checking your government's importation guidelines before ordering. Australian customers in particular should be aware that teas containing seeds, nuts, fruits, citrus pieces, or flowers may be detained at the border. If a tea does not meet a destination country's border requirements, it may be subject to heat treatment at the importer's expense or destroyed. We cannot accept responsibility for delays or issues that occur after an order has left our facility. If you have concerns about a specific country, please contact us at orders@tleaft.co.nz and we'll advise on any known issues.

We stand behind the quality of everything we sell. If you receive a product that is damaged, faulty, or not as described, please contact us within a reasonable timeframe and we will arrange a replacement or refund. For full details, please see our Shipping and Returns page.

International shipping charges are non-refundable. If you have a concern about an international order, please contact us and we'll do our best to resolve the situation fairly.

Click the account icon or "Create Account" link at the top of any page on our website. You'll be prompted to enter your name and email address and set a password. Creating an account lets you save delivery addresses, view your order history, and reorder your favourites quickly.

Click the account icon or "Sign In" link at the top of any page. Enter your registered email address and password to log in. If you've forgotten your password, the sign-in page also has a "Forgot your password?" link.

On the sign-in page, click "Forgot your password?" and enter your email address. You'll receive a reset link by email. If the email doesn't arrive, check your spam folder first. If there's still nothing, you may be registered under a different email address, contact us at support@tleaft.co.nz and we can look into your account for you.

Here are a few things to try:

• Make sure you're using the correct email address, you may have registered with a different one.
• Avoid copying and pasting your password, as this can sometimes add an invisible space that causes it to fail.
• If your password isn't working, use the "Forgot your password?" link on the sign-in page to request a reset link.

If you're still unable to log in, contact us at support@tleaft.co.nz or 0800 853 238 and we'll take a look.

Log in to your account and go to your Account Settings to update your email address. If you have any trouble, contact us at support@tleaft.co.nz and we can update this for you directly.

Yes. Your login email and your preferred contact email can be managed separately. If you'd like to set up a different contact email, get in touch at support@tleaft.co.nz and we'll help you get this sorted.

Log in to your account and go to the Addresses section. From here you can add a new address, edit an existing one, or set a default delivery address. If you have trouble locating this, contact us at support@tleaft.co.nz and we can update your details manually.

Log in to your account and go to the Addresses section. From here you can view all saved addresses and delete any you no longer need. If you have trouble finding this, contact us at support@tleaft.co.nz and we can help.

Log in to your account and go to Order History to view all past orders. From there you can check the status of recent orders, view order details, and easily reorder products you've purchased before.

If you've previously unsubscribed and would like to start receiving our updates again, simply enter your email address in the newsletter sign-up at the bottom of any page on our website. Alternatively, email us at support@tleaft.co.nz and we'll resubscribe you manually.

Most of our teaware is not suitable for microwave use. Cast iron teapots should never be placed in a microwave. Ceramic, stoneware, and glass items vary, check the individual product page for microwave suitability before use. For brewing, we always recommend heating water separately in a kettle and pouring it over your leaves at the correct temperature. If you want to reheat a brewed cup, use a standard microwave-safe mug rather than your teapot. If you're unsure about a specific item, contact us at support@tleaft.co.nz.

Yes. cast iron teapots offer the best heat retention. Their thick walls absorb heat and release it slowly, keeping your tea noticeably warmer for longer than glass, ceramic, or stoneware options. If you regularly pour multiple cups from one pot or prefer a slow brew session, cast iron is the right choice. A tea cosy over a ceramic or stoneware pot also makes a meaningful difference if heat retention is important to you.

Our tumblers, cups, and mugs range in size from 100ml to 450ml. The exact volume for each item can be found by clicking into the product page. If you need help choosing the right size for your brewing style, contact us and we'll point you in the right direction.

Yes. We carry spare parts for most of the teapots we sell. Email us at support@tleaft.co.nz and let us know what you need. Please note that the following parts are not available: cast iron teapot lids; Duo teapot infusers and lids; Viva teapot infusers (check with us, as we occasionally have spares).

We take a practical, honest approach to sustainability across our packaging and operations. For shipping, we use recyclable cardboard boxes sealed with paper kraft tape, biodegradable pallet wrap, and paper-based fill instead of plastic, and we up-cycle used cardboard wherever possible. Our stand-up pouches are soft plastic with a foil barrier to protect tea quality, and they can be recycled through the Soft Plastics Recycling Scheme at participating supermarkets. Our pyramid tea bags are made from plant-based PLA, commercially compostable and free from petro-based plastics. We are always looking for better solutions. For a full explanation of our packaging choices and the reasoning behind them, visit our Sustainable Packaging page.

Our pyramid teabags, including the tag and string, are made from polylactic acid (PLA), a plant-based material derived from non-GMO sugar cane. They contain no polypropylene and are biodegradable. PLA breaks down into CO2 and water over time and is especially well suited to commercial composting facilities, where the heat levels required for breakdown are reliably achieved. For home composting, the temperature may not be sufficient to break them down quickly, so they are not ideally suited to most home compost environments. We recommend checking whether your local council provides commercial composting services as an alternative.

Our pyramid teabags, including the tag and string, are made from polylactic acid (PLA), a plant-based material derived from non-GMO sugar cane. They contain no polypropylene. Each bag is sealed using a transducer that applies pressure at a precise temperature, cutting and sealing the bag without any additional adhesive materials. PLA products generally take several months to break down in a commercial composting facility. Home composting environments typically cannot reach the temperatures required for effective breakdown.

Our pyramid teabags range in weight from 1.4g to 4g per bag, depending on the variety:

Our stand-up pouches are made from soft plastic with a thin foil lining, which creates a barrier against light, moisture, and air, essential for maintaining tea quality over its shelf life. t leaf T is a member of the Soft Plastics Recycling Scheme, which means our pouches can be recycled via participating collection points. Look for a soft plastics collection bin at your local supermarket. While they are not compostable, recycling them through this scheme is a practical way to minimise their environmental impact.

Our stand-up pouches provide a foil barrier against light, moisture, and air that is essential for keeping tea in optimal condition throughout its shelf life. As flexible packaging, they also ship and store flat, reducing the materials needed to produce, transport, and store them compared to rigid packaging. They can be printed directly, eliminating the need for additional labels, and they can be recycled through the Soft Plastics Recycling Scheme.

We would genuinely love to offer a fully compostable pouch that maintains tea quality, but we haven't found one that meets our standards. Two main barriers prevent this: compostable packaging is not accepted in household kerbside collections or recycling, meaning it ends up in landfill; and biodegradable pouches break down over time in storage, compromising the tea inside. We tested compostable packaging and found significant cross-contamination of aromas over time, particularly problematic for premium teas with subtle character. We've chosen recyclable soft plastic with a foil barrier as the most practical, protective, and food-safe option, and we continue to look for better solutions.

We carry over 160 teas and infusions, including black teas (blends and single-estate), flavoured black teas, green teas, white teas, oolong teas, rooibos, herbal teas, fruit teas, organic teas, matcha, and our NZ Botanicals range. We also have a dedicated Wellness Teas collection, including blends for immunity, sleep, gut health, energy, and stress. If you're not sure where to start, our sample range is the perfect way to explore.

The majority of our teas have a best before of two years from the date of packing. Properly stored loose leaf tea, in an airtight container, away from light, heat, moisture, and strong odours, can retain excellent quality for this full period and often beyond. As a general guide, black teas and herbal teas last the longest; green teas are best enjoyed within 6–12 months of opening for optimum flavour. Matcha is the most sensitive and should be used within 4–6 weeks of opening. The best-before date is marked on your pouch. For best results, decant into a dedicated tea canister and enjoy within the two-year window.

Sencha is a popular style of green tea grown in both Japan and China. It is an excellent everyday green tea, the leaves brew to a golden liquor with a fresh, grassy aroma and a naturally sweet, clean aftertaste. Japanese Sencha tends to be steamed during processing, giving it a brighter, more vegetal character, while Chinese Sencha is typically pan-fired, producing a slightly softer, rounder flavour. Both are approachable and enjoyable whether you're new to green tea or a seasoned drinker. Browse our Sencha and green tea range.

All four come from the same plant, Camellia sinensis, but differ in how the leaf is processed. Black tea is fully oxidised, giving it a bold, robust flavour. Green tea is minimally processed, preserving a fresh, grassy or vegetal character. White tea uses the youngest buds and leaves with minimal processing, resulting in a delicate, subtly sweet cup. Oolong sits between green and black, partially oxidised, with a flavour range that spans floral and fruity to toasty and complex.

Herbal teas, fruit teas, and rooibos teas are naturally caffeine-free, they don't come from the Camellia sinensis plant. Our NZ Botanicals range is also caffeine-free. If you're sensitive to caffeine or looking for an evening option, these are great choices. For reference: black tea has the most caffeine, followed by oolong and green tea, with white tea generally the lowest of the true teas.

Pure loose leaf teas, black, green, white, oolong, herbal, and rooibos, contain no added sugar. Some flavoured teas and fruit blends include natural fruit pieces, flowers, or flavourings that contribute a naturally sweet character in the cup, but no sugar is added during processing. If you have specific dietary requirements, the full ingredient list is on each product page. If you're unsure about a particular tea, contact us and we'll advise.

Yes. A small number of our teas contain allergens. These are clearly noted in the ingredient list on each product page. The following products contain declared allergen ingredients:

• Almonds: Christmas Tea, Christmas Fruits, Fig Rose, Peanut Brittle
• Hazelnuts: Crème Brulee
• Milk products: Crème Brulee, Mmm Caramel, Red Cream Caramel, Berry Nice, Peanut Brittle

Some teas may also carry a cross-contamination risk due to being produced in supplier facilities that also handle allergen-containing teas. Products with a potential cross-contamination risk include: Earl Grey Excelsior, Fruits of the Forest, Manchuria Mango, Orange Oolong, Sakura Rose, Zesty Blueberry, Berry Nice, Pina Colada, Mmm Caramel, Red Cream Caramel, and Peanut Brittle. If you have a serious allergy, please contact us before ordering and refer to the individual product pages for specific cross-contamination details.

Our certified organic teas are grown without pesticides, all growers and organisations in the supply chain hold organic certification, from the tea garden to the cup. For our non-organic teas, all products must meet New Zealand or EU maximum pesticide residue limits, which are among the most stringent globally. The absence of organic certification doesn't necessarily mean pesticides have been used, many conventional growers operate to a high standard. If you have specific concerns about a product, please contact us.

Around 53% of our teas and infusions contain no added flavours, only their natural ingredients. For teas that include flavouring, t leaf T uses only natural flavours or what were formerly known as nature-identical flavours. Natural flavours are derived from plant sources such as fruits, herbs, spices, and roots. Nature-identical flavours are molecularly identical to flavour compounds found in nature, for example, a strawberry flavour with exactly the same molecular structure as the flavour in a real strawberry. If a tea contains natural flavouring, it will be listed as "natural flavour" in the ingredients; if it simply says "flavour", this refers to a nature-identical flavour.

We carry a range of certified organic teas, clearly labelled in our Organic Teas category. These teas hold BioGro or equivalent certification, sourced from farms committed to responsible growing practices. If organic certification is important to you, look for the organic label on product pages or browse the Organic Teas category directly.

While not all of our teas carry official Fairtrade certification, we are committed to working only with suppliers who share our values around fair and ethical trade. We source through direct relationships built over more than 20 years, and every sourcing decision is guided by our commitment to quality, integrity, and environmental responsibility.

Our NZ Botanicals range celebrates native New Zealand plants and ingredients. These blends incorporate botanicals like kawakawa and manuka alongside other carefully selected herbs and flavours, resulting in teas that are distinctly Kiwi. They are all caffeine-free and make a uniquely New Zealand gift.

Our Wellness Teas are blends formulated around botanicals traditionally associated with specific health benefits, including immunity, gut health, sleep, energy, stress relief, and anti-inflammatory support. These are herbal and botanical blends, not medicines. Any wellness benefits mentioned reflect traditional use only. Always consult a health professional if you have specific health concerns.

Our two decaffeinated teas are processed using the CO2 method, which uses pressurised carbon dioxide to remove caffeine from the leaf without chemical solvents, a cleaner, gentler process that preserves the tea's natural character. It's worth noting that decaffeinated tea is not completely caffeine-free, a small residual amount typically remains. If you need to avoid caffeine entirely, our herbal teas, fruit teas, rooibos, and NZ Botanicals ranges are naturally caffeine-free.

A strong black tea blend, such as an English Breakfast or our NZ Breakfast varieties, is often the easiest transition from coffee. These teas have a full body and bold flavour that holds up well with milk, making them a satisfying morning alternative. If you're open to exploring further, a chai blend or a malty Assam estate tea can also hit that robust, warming note coffee drinkers are used to. Our sample packs are a low-risk way to find your match.

Tea naturally contains caffeine as part of the Camellia sinensis plant. A typical cup of black tea (190ml) contains approximately 40–50mg of caffeine, roughly half the amount in a cup of instant coffee (around 75mg) and about one third of a freshly brewed coffee (100mg or more). Less-processed teas such as white and green teas generally contain less caffeine than black tea. If you need to avoid caffeine entirely, our herbal teas, fruit teas, rooibos, and NZ Botanicals range are all naturally caffeine-free.

Black tea contains low natural levels of sulphites, and fruit teas may contain slightly higher amounts. Our supplier specification sheets indicate that sulphur dioxide and sulphates are at concentrations below 10mg/kg (expressed as SO₂) for our teas generally. If you have a specific sensitivity to sulphites, please review the individual product ingredient list or contact us before ordering.

We're not medical professionals, and we'd encourage you to speak with your midwife or GP for personalised advice, there are many differing views on this topic. As a general guide, plain herbal teas such as ginger and rooibos are widely considered suitable in moderation, while teas containing caffeine (black, green, oolong, white) are typically recommended only in limited quantities during pregnancy. Our full ingredient lists are available on each product page, and we're happy to answer questions about specific teas if that helps.

We're not in a position to make medical recommendations or claims about teas and weight loss, there is a significant amount of conflicting information on this topic, and we recommend consulting your GP or a registered health professional. Our Wellness Teas range includes blends traditionally associated with gut health and general wellbeing, but these are not medicines and no therapeutic effect is guaranteed.

Use approximately one heaped teaspoon (2–3g) of loose leaf tea per 250ml cup. Place the leaves in an infuser, teapot, or strainer. Pour water at the correct temperature over the leaves and steep for the recommended time. Remove the leaves promptly to avoid over-steeping. Each product page lists specific brewing instructions for that tea, temperature and timing matter, especially for green and white teas. For a full walkthrough, visit our Brewing Guide.

Water temperature varies by tea type. As a general guide: black tea and herbal/fruit teas, 95–100°C (freshly boiled); oolong tea, 85–95°C; green tea, 70–80°C; white tea, 70–75°C; matcha, 70–80°C. Using water that's too hot for green or white tea can result in a bitter, astringent cup. If you don't have a temperature-controlled kettle, simply let boiling water cool for 2–3 minutes before pouring. For a full guide to brewing temperatures and steeping times, visit our Brewing Guide.

Steeping times vary by tea: black tea 3–5 minutes; green tea 2–3 minutes; white tea 3–4 minutes; oolong 3–5 minutes; herbal and fruit teas 5–7 minutes. Over-steeping, particularly with black and green teas, can introduce bitterness. If you prefer a stronger cup, use more leaf rather than steeping for longer. For detailed steeping guidance across all tea types, visit our Brewing Guide.

Bitterness is almost always caused by water that is too hot or an infusion time that is too long for that particular tea. Green and white teas are especially sensitive, boiling water will scorch the leaf and produce a harsh, astringent cup. Check the recommended temperature and brew time for your specific tea, use a timer, and remove the leaves as soon as the infusion time is reached. If you prefer a stronger cup, use more leaf rather than steeping for longer.

Yes. Many loose leaf teas, particularly oolongs, white teas, and quality green teas, can be steeped two or three times. Each infusion will taste slightly different as different flavour compounds are released. For black teas and herbals, a second steep can work but will be noticeably lighter. It's one of the pleasures of loose leaf tea.

Store tea in an airtight container, away from light, heat, moisture, and strong odours. Tea absorbs odours easily, so avoid storing it near coffee, spices, or strong-smelling foods. A cool, dark cupboard is ideal, the fridge is generally not recommended as condensation can affect the leaf. Our foil pouches are resealable and provide good short-term storage, but decanting into a dedicated tea canister is ideal for long-term freshness.

For most teas, the fridge is not recommended. Repeated removal causes condensation, which introduces moisture and accelerates deterioration. Matcha is the exception, it benefits from refrigeration in a sealed, airtight container to slow oxidation.

No. Tea readily absorbs surrounding aromas, including those of other teas. Mixing teas in the same container will cause them to take on each other's character and diminish both. Always store each tea separately in its own airtight container.

While teas can look nice in glass, an airtight tin is the better choice. Tins block light entirely and are less susceptible to temperature fluctuations. Glass exposed to light or variable temperatures will hasten flavour loss. If condensation forms inside, the moisture causes deterioration and dulls the flavour. Browse our range of tea canisters.

Absolutely. Fruit teas, green teas, and many herbal blends make excellent iced teas. You can either brew hot and cool over ice, or cold-brew by steeping leaves in cold water for 6–8 hours in the fridge. Cold brewing produces a naturally sweeter, smoother flavour with less bitterness, well worth trying with our fruit tea range.

Tea grading describes the quality and condition of the leaf based on what was picked and how it was processed. The system originated with South Asian and Western teas. As a general guide, higher grades indicate a higher proportion of young leaf tips, which typically results in a more nuanced, complex cup.

Whole leaf grades (from high to highest):

• OP, Orange Pekoe. Long, wiry leaf without tips.
• FOP, Flowery Orange Pekoe. High-quality, long leaf with few tips.
• GFOP, Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe. Higher proportion of golden tips.
• TGFOP, Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe. Highest proportion of tips; the main grade in Darjeeling and Assam.
• FTGFOP, Finest Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe. Highest quality whole leaf grade.

Broken leaf grades

(e.g., BOP, Broken Orange Pekoe) are smaller pieces that brew faster and with more intensity. They are common in everyday blends and teabags. Generally, broken grades produce a bolder, fuller cup; whole leaf grades offer more complexity and subtlety. The grade of a specific tea is often noted on the product page, if you can't find it, just ask us.

Our range spans teas sourced from over 20 countries. Black teas come from origins including India (Darjeeling and Assam), Sri Lanka, Kenya, and China. Green teas are sourced primarily from Japan and China. Oolong teas come from Taiwan and China. White teas from China and Sri Lanka. Herbal and rooibos teas are sourced from South Africa, Europe, and South America. Our NZ Botanicals range features ingredients sourced from within New Zealand.

We have been building direct supplier relationships for over 20 years. We don't buy through anonymous commodity channels, we work with specific farms, estates, and trusted partners we know personally. Those relationships mean we can verify quality directly and have honest conversations about how tea is grown, processed, and handled.

Not all of our teas carry official third-party ethical certifications such as Fairtrade or Rainforest Alliance. These schemes have genuine value, but they cover only a portion of the global tea supply, and many excellent small-estate and artisan producers operate to high ethical standards without formal certification. We rely on long-standing, trust-based supplier relationships built over more than 20 years, and choose partners who share our values. Our certified organic teas hold BioGro or equivalent certification from farm to cup.

Our foil pouches can be recycled through the Soft Plastics Recycling Scheme via collection points at participating supermarkets, and our pyramid teabags are made from plant-based PLA rather than polypropylene. Beyond packaging, we operate from a single facility in Petone, hand-processing and packing all teas ourselves rather than outsourcing to multiple locations. This keeps our operational footprint compact and gives us direct control over quality and process. We continue to review our materials and practices as better options become available.

The New Zealand botanical ingredients in our NZ Botanicals range, including kawakawa, manuka, and other native plants, are sourced from suppliers who harvest responsibly and do not deplete wild populations. If you have questions about the origin of a specific botanical ingredient, please contact us and we'll be happy to share what we know.

Our Wellington retail store is located in the CBD. Please visit our Retail Stores page for the exact address and current opening hours. In the store you can browse, smell, and taste teas before you buy, we encourage it.

Yes. Click and collect is available at both our Wellington City retail store and our Lower Hutt warehouse in Petone. Simply select the click and collect option at checkout and choose your preferred location. This is a great option if you'd like to save on shipping or pick up the same day.