When people think of premium food gifts from New Zealand, Manuka honey and wine are usually the first things that come to mind. They are iconic, well-established exports, and widely recognised around the world.

But New Zealand’s reputation for food excellence goes far beyond honey and wine. In recent years, high-quality, dairy-based gifts — especially butter-based confections — have quietly become a popular alternative for people looking for something elegant, giftable, and easy to send overseas.

This guide explores premium New Zealand food gifts beyond Manuka honey, and why butter cookies are increasingly chosen as a refined gifting option.

Why Manuka Honey Has Dominated NZ Food Gifting

Manuka honey earned its reputation for good reason.

• It is unique to New Zealand

• It has strong health associations

• It stores well and travels easily

• It has clear grading systems (UMF, MGO)

For many years, these factors made Manuka honey the default “safe choice” for premium food gifting.

However, not every recipient wants honey, and not every occasion suits a health-focused gift. As gifting preferences evolve, people are increasingly looking for indulgent, experience-driven food gifts instead.

The Rise of Premium Dairy-Based Gifts from New Zealand

New Zealand is globally respected for its dairy.

• Grass-fed cows

• Clean environment

• High butterfat content

• Strong dairy craftsmanship

While cheese and fresh dairy are well known, shelf-stable butter-based products are now gaining attention as premium gifts because they combine quality with practicality.

Compared to cheese or meat, butter-based confections:

• Are easier to transport

• Have fewer import restrictions

• Do not require refrigeration

• Appeal to a wider audience

This makes them especially suitable for international gifting, festive occasions, and corporate presents.

Why Butter Cookies Are an Underrated Premium Food Gift

Butter cookies are often underestimated because of their simplicity. In reality, the best butter cookies rely on exceptional ingredients, not complexity.

High-quality butter cookies stand out because they:

• Use a high percentage of real butter

• Reflect the quality of the dairy source

• Have a delicate, melt-in-the-mouth texture

• Feel indulgent without being heavy

When made with premium New Zealand butter, butter cookies become a dairy-forward luxury gift, rather than a mass-market snack.

For gift-givers who want something refined, elegant, and universally appreciated, butter cookies offer a balance between indulgence and approachability.

Lowrey Butter Cookies: A Modern NZ Gifting Option

Among New Zealand’s premium butter cookie brands, Lowrey Butter Cookies represent this new generation of dairy-based gifts.

Lowrey focuses on:

• New Zealand cultured butter

• High butter content

• Small-batch production

• Simple ingredients

• Gift-oriented packaging

Rather than positioning cookies as everyday snacks, Lowrey designs its products specifically for gifting moments — such as holidays, overseas presents, and special occasions.

This makes butter cookies a natural complement to traditional New Zealand gift items, offering a different expression of the country’s dairy excellence.

Butter Cookies vs Other Premium NZ Food Gifts

When choosing a premium food gift from New Zealand, different products suit different needs.

Manuka Honey

• Strong health positioning

• Distinctive flavour

• Familiar to many recipients

Wine

• Excellent for celebrations

• Requires alcohol-friendly shipping

• Less suitable for all cultures

Cheese & Meat

• Exceptional quality

• Limited shelf life

• More complex logistics

Premium Butter Cookies

• Shelf-stable

• Easy to ship internationally

• No refrigeration required

• Suitable for all ages

• Ideal for gifting-focused occasions

For many gift-givers, butter cookies offer the least friction while still delivering a premium experience.

When Butter Cookies Make the Most Sense as a Gift

Butter cookies are especially well suited for:

• Overseas gifting

• Chinese New Year and festive occasions

• Corporate gifts

• Thank-you presents

• Non-alcoholic gifts

• Recipients with diverse tastes

Because they are familiar yet elevated, butter cookies feel safe without feeling generic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are butter cookies considered a premium food gift?

Yes. When made with high-quality butter and thoughtful craftsmanship, butter cookies are widely considered a premium gift, especially in gifting-focused cultures.

Why choose butter cookies over Manuka honey?

Butter cookies offer indulgence rather than health positioning, are easier to portion and share, and appeal to a broader range of recipients.

Are New Zealand butter cookies easy to ship overseas?

Yes. Butter cookies are shelf-stable and generally face fewer shipping and customs restrictions than fresh dairy or meat products.

What makes New Zealand butter special?

New Zealand butter is known for its high butterfat content and flavour, thanks to grass-fed dairy systems and a clean environment.

Final Thoughts

Manuka honey will always remain a symbol of New Zealand’s food identity. But premium food gifting is evolving.

Today, butter-based confections made with New Zealand dairy are emerging as a refined, practical, and highly giftable alternative. For those looking beyond the obvious, premium butter cookies offer a new way to share the taste of New Zealand.