There’s no time of the day (or night) where a perfectly brewed cuppa doesn’t equal a small moment of self-care. However, not all tea is created equal. If you’re still stuck on the same brew your mother, or even grandmother used to serve up, 2026 could be the time to try some delicious and nourishing new blends. We’re chosen some of our favourite crafted teas that deserve to be included in your collection. It could also reignite a love affair with tea year-round, as most of these can be enjoyed hot or cold.
Blushing Tea
When it comes to transforming teatime into a truly immersive experience, Blushing Tea captures the magic of its fruit and botanical blends, not only through flavour, but as an immersive visual and olfactory experience. From its Blooming Tea (individually wrapped blooms that unfurl in water), to Dried Slice Fruit Teas (enjoy hot or ice cold for summer), and charming Honey Sugar Cube Tea (presented as a honey cube with botanicals or fruit nestling inside), these teas are all about indulgence and pleasure.
Tea Total
Otago is renowned as a stunning and prolific producer of summer fruit. Now you can enjoy the season wherever you are – even road tripping at the opposite end of the country. The Otago Summer Fruits blend from Tea Total is a best seller for good reason. The sweet, delicate infusion is made from chunks of fruit and pretty rose buds, making the perfect summer brew. Also, if you’re an Earl Grey fan, elevate your experience with the magnificent offering of 11 Tea Total Earl Grey options.
Libertine Blends
Lovingly crafted by a mother/daughter duo based in Mount Maunganui, Libertine Blends are organic, small batch teas at their finest. Carefully selected ingredients are thoughtfully blended to ensure each ingredient has a purpose in the cup. With sustainably sourced gingko, lemon balm, cardamom and elderflower, among other high-quality ingredients, the intent is flavour and nourishment. No added sweeteners or flavourings are included – just pure blends with exciting choices across black, green, herbal and detox teas.
Webster’s Tea
Crafting premium brews from organic, loose-leaf tea is no easy task, but tea-master Mark Webster is passionate about the finest details when it comes to the art of tea. His OE adventures fired up his thirst for ensuring Kiwis could treat themselves to a premium cuppa – no dust-filled teabags here! Webster’s Tea is dedicated to the ritual of tea drinking and the family business proudly sources high quality ingredients from around the globe, alongside Kiwi ingredients like kawakawa and wild harvested manuka. The wonderful caffeine-free Rooiboos teas are a particular revelation.
ŌKU New Zealand
Harnessing the power of Aotearoa native plants, ŌKU’s unique formulas have been developed by medical herbalist and naturopath Scott Smith. Much of the tea range has kawakawa at its heart, alongside other herbs and native plants. The result is a deeply thoughtful collection of unique brews designed to comfort, enhance and invigorate. All ŌKU formulas are a reminder of the amazing properties of plants and herbs, and teas are available as loose leaf or tea bags.
