Mindful Tea
Let tea become a soothing relaxing ritual to be savoured, and treat yourself to Blooming Tea Balls from the Better Tea Co. A multi-sensory delight, each tea ball is a delicate bundle of hand-sewn tea leaves and edible flowers, designed to slowly unfurl into a stunning bloom as it steeps. Better Tea Co is a New Zealand business lovingly crafting its delightful collection of need-based teas to support through life’s highs and lows. Whether you need a moment of tranquillity or a gentle pick-me-up, these thoughtfully blended teas embrace like a warm
hug. Bettertea.co
Tea Rituals
Loose leaf tea is back with a vengeance. Wild Seeds is a thoughtfully curated collection of organic loose-leaf teas, serving up classics like Earl Grey and English Breakfast, alongside herbal bends such as Chamomile and the new Crimson (hibiscus and rosehip) blend. Offering a bold, tangy profile and rich in vitamin C, Crimson steeps into a wonderfully evocative ruby-red tea. Depending on whether you’re looking for warmth and comfort, or to be refreshed and invigorated; enjoy your favourites either steaming or cold and at your own pace. Wildseeds.nz
A Roasted Brew
If you’re new to the Hojicha (roasted tea) party, get ready to shake up your 2026 tea drinking habits. A green tea with roasted leaves, Hojicha has a unique character with earthy undertones and a naturally sweet caramel aroma. It makes a rich, creamy latte (or tea infused dessert if you’re extra creative). During the roasting process, almost all of the caffeine is extracted, making Hojicha perfect to enjoy anytime, including in the evening as well as by those sensitive to the effects of caffeine. Matchamatcha.co.nz
Tea Thief
Thoughtfully designed in New Zealand, founders Ruth Wynne and David Capstick are wholly dedicated to sourcing only high-quality sustainably farmed ingredients from around the world. Such uncompromising standards have seen The Tea Thief achieve numerous accolades and industry awards. And while the ethics and behind-the-scenes story is impressive, what really lingers are the memorable flavours and beneficial health properties of The Tea Thief brews – from the unusual Butterfly Blue Pea Flowers at the heart of Tickety-Brew, to the gold medal-winning smoky and sultry Dark & Handsome, with cacao nibs (think the flavour profile of whisky and dark chocolate – but a healthier version!).
Ruth and David founded The Tea Thief in 2020, with their initial interest in understanding quality ingredients sparked during fertility treatment as they looked for caffeine-free alternatives to their daily brews.
“We’ve always loved the ritual of tea but realised how many wonderful healthy beneficial teas were around the world,” says Ruth.
“We wanted to be part of the journey of combining some of nature’s best remedies with the enjoyment of the ‘cuppa’ experience, and while it took years of tasting, blending and brewing to achieve what we wanted, it was worth every moment.”
Having perfected their unique blends, the couple added yet another arm to their business.
Foxy Lady is a lush travelling tea bar (available for hire), taking pride of place at everything from weddings and birthdays to infusing corporate and other events with a burst of fun and joy (as well as hot brews and iced tea). Fitted with solar panels (enough to power lights and phone chargers), Foxy Lady retains her original caravan charm – and then some.
