You've driven through some of the most spectacular scenery in the Southern Hemisphere. The tussock hills, the turquoise lakes, the vast open sky of the Mackenzie Basin. Now comes the question every traveller faces: what do I take home?
The answer, if you're in Omarama or anywhere in MacKenzie Country, is closer than you think. New Zealand's high country has a craft tradition rooted in the land itself — wool, fibre, stone, and skin — and the best of it is available right here at The Wrinkly Rams.
Here's our guide to the best NZ-made gifts to buy in MacKenzie Country, whether you're shopping for someone else or treating yourself.
Merino Wool Garments
New Zealand merino is world-renowned for its softness, warmth, and breathability. Unlike coarser wools, merino sits comfortably against bare skin — making it ideal for scarves, gloves, and knitwear that you'll actually want to wear every day.
Our range includes merino scarves, gloves, hats, and ponchos — all made in New Zealand. These are the kind of pieces that last for years and get better with age. A merino scarf from the high country is a gift that tells a story.
Possum Fibre Knitwear
If you haven't heard of possum fibre, you're in for a treat. Blended with merino wool, possum fibre creates one of the warmest, lightest, and most luxurious textiles in the world. It's uniquely New Zealand — and it makes an extraordinary gift for anyone who appreciates quality.
Browse our possum merino knitwear range for scarves, gloves, and wraps that feel like nothing else.
Paua Shell Jewellery
Paua is New Zealand's native abalone — and its shell produces some of the most vivid, iridescent colours found in nature. Deep blues, greens, and purples that shift in the light. Paua jewellery is one of the most distinctly New Zealand gifts you can buy, and it's beautiful.
Our paua jewellery collection includes earrings, necklaces, and rings — all set in sterling silver and made in New Zealand. Perfect for anyone who wants a piece of Aotearoa to take home.
Sheepskin Products
There's something deeply fitting about buying sheepskin in the heart of New Zealand's sheep country. Our sheepskin range includes rugs, insoles, and accessories — all from New Zealand sheep, all made here. Warm, durable, and genuinely useful.
New Zealand Skincare
The high country air is clean, but it's also harsh. New Zealand's natural skincare tradition draws on native botanicals (including Kawakawa + organic rosehip) and lanolin — the natural oil from sheep's wool — to create products that genuinely work.
Our skincare range includes soaps, creams, oils, and lip care — all made in New Zealand. They make excellent gifts: practical, beautifully packaged, and authentically local.
Books and Art
For the reader or the art lover, our books and art collection celebrates New Zealand's landscapes, wildlife, and culture. From coffee table photography books to prints by local artists, these are gifts that bring a piece of Aotearoa into someone's home.
Leather Bags
Handcrafted leather bags are built to last. Our leather range is made with full grain leather with an eye for quality and practicality. A leather bag from The Wrinkly Rams is the kind of gift that gets used every day for decades.
Tips for Buying NZ Craft Gifts
- Look for the "Made in New Zealand" label — genuine NZ-made products are worth the investment and support local makers.
- Think about the recipient — merino and possum fibre are ideal for anyone who feels the cold; pounamu and paua jewellery suits anyone who loves colour and nature. Our skincare range also has portable 50-100ml pottles, perfect for travel and gifts.
- Buy something with a story — the best souvenirs are the ones that prompt a memory. "I remember I got this on my trip to NZ" is a great way to reflect on the journey long after you've returned home.
Visit Us in Omarama
The Wrinkly Rams is located in Omarama, right on State Highway 8. We're open daily and our team is happy to help you find the perfect gift. If you can't make it in person, our full range is available online — with shipping across New Zealand and internationally.
Whatever you choose, you're taking home a piece of the high country. And that's worth something. Find us here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/HGsX5ps15kBvEata7