OUR BEAUTIFUL LAND
New Zealand maintains its status as one of the last remote natural playgrounds in the world, and is lucky enough to have the perfect climate for farming or growing nearly anything...
When The Heirloom Woollen Collection was first in its infancy, we looked for the perfect spot from which to create our bespoke, artisanal collections. That place is New Zealand. A remote wonderland that prides itself on the purity of its air and the protection of its environment, New Zealand provides the perfect conditions for sourcing the highest quality wools, fibre and yarn.
The quality and softness of the wool is determined a great deal by where the animal it comes from resides and grazes, and New Zealand’s climate and farming practices mean that the raw materials we have access to are amongst the finest in the world. The unique weather conditions, stringent animal welfare laws and government policy for conservation all contribute to the quality of our fibres.
The amazing, ever changing landscape of New Zealand means that New Zealand sheep are able to adapt to all weather conditions and even when the ground is covered with snow, they are able to descend to the seashore to feed. The purity of the land means that you can trust in the quality and durability of our wool, and we are doing all that we can to ensure that New Zealand maintains its status as one of the last remote natural playgrounds in the world.
NATURAL BEAUTY TO WATCH
Please enjoy these videos which capture the stunning natural beauty of New Zealand and huge variety of scenery and activities available should you be lucky enough to visit.
OUR FOUR SEASONS
Our beauty country is lucky enough to have the perfect climate for relaxing, exploring nature, farming and growing just about anything. We appreciate every season and the wonders that it brings us every step of the way.
Spring
This is an especially beautiful time of year in New Zealand as what was dormant through winter ‘springs’ back to life in abundance. The trees and wild flowers are blossoming everywhere you look and millions of young lambs and calves are bouncing around lush, green paddocks. Temperatures average in the mid to high teens but the weather can be quite changeable and brings more rain in the sub tropical north, so come prepared to embrace whatever the season throws at you.
Summer
With average temperatures in the 20’s for most of the country, New Zealand summers are pleasantly mild and most definitely enjoyed by all. The differences are often more humidity in the north whilst things can be drier in the south, and some areas can suffer from drought. Farmers have adapted to this though and stockpile feed as an alternative should things get too dry, as well as exploring new agricultural technology to apply when rain levels are low. If visiting New Zealand in the summer, be sure to cover up well with a hat and use sunscreen as our burn time is quicker than many other locations due to the thinness of our ozone layer.
Autumn
From March to May our country really showcases its natural beauty at its best. It brings slightly cooler but settled weather with many areas, especially Hawkes Bay and Otago, putting on wonderfully colourful displays as the leaves change colour and vibrancy is everywhere you look. Rainfall will start to increase in most areas turning the hills green again and creating more feed for the livestock who graze there. In areas like the ever-popular tourist destination of Queenstown the landscape bursts into a riot of red and gold before winter officially descends.
Winter
Being in the southern hemisphere, our winter runs from June to August officially, although May and September/October can still be a little cool in some areas. However, this means that skiing can be an option through to November in some parts, keeping the huge numbers of visitors who visit New Zealand for this reason very happy. Average temperatures range from around 11 degrees Celsius in the north to 3 or less in the Queenstown area, and on occasion the entire South Island can be blanketed in snow. Winter in Queenstown attracts snow-sport enthusiasts from around the world to enjoy easy access to some of New Zealand's finest ski and snowboard terrain, and vibrant après ski scene. In the North island Ruapehu and Ohakune are definitely the places to hit the slopes, and are an easy drive from Auckland. Generally snow is confined to the high country of both islands and at this time livestock are brought down to the warmer lower lands or into shelter.
