Candles are more than just a source of light or fragrance; they’re a way to transform your space and set the mood. Whether you’re creating a warm and cozy haven or a fresh, airy retreat, the right scent can make all the difference. This year, New Zealanders are loving a mix of classic fragrances and local inspirations, perfect for celebrating the unique beauty of Aotearoa. Here’s our list of the top 10 fragrances to light up your candles this Autumn.
1. Manuka Honey
A true reflection of NZ’s natural heritage, manuka honey is a warm and soothing scent with sweet, earthy undertones. With its subtly luxurious aroma, it’s perfect for creating comforting candles that bring a sense of warmth to any space.
Shop Honey Fragrance Oil
2. Pohutukawa Blossom
Known as New Zealand’s Christmas tree, the pohutukawa has a striking floral scent with hints of spice and citrus. Perfect for summer or festive candles, it adds a fresh and uplifting vibe inspired by coastal holidays and sunny Kiwi summers.
Shop Pohutukawa Fragrance Oil
3. Fresh Linen
Clean and timeless, fresh linen remains a hit. Its crisp and airy scent evokes feelings of simplicity and purity, making it ideal for bathrooms, laundry areas, or anywhere you want to create a serene and modern ambiance.
Shop Clean Linen Fragrance Oil
4. Bay of Islands Citrus
Capture the zest of summer with a citrus blend inspired by the Bay of Islands. Think lemon, lime, and a touch of orange, balanced with subtle green notes. This fragrance is fresh and invigorating, perfect for kitchens or brightening up any room.
Shop for Lime Basil and Mandarin Fragrance Oil
5. Forest Fern and Moss
Bring the lush greenery of New Zealand’s native bush indoors with this earthy blend. Imagine walking through a dew-kissed forest, with the grounding scents of ferns, moss, and hints of cedarwood. It’s the perfect fragrance for lovers of nature.
Shop Oakmoss & Amber Fragrance Oil & Silver Birch & Balsam Fragrance Oil
6. South Island Lavender
Lavender is a classic, but grown in NZ’s South Island, it takes on a unique character. This calming, herbaceous scent is softened with a gentle floral sweetness, ideal for relaxation candles or unwinding at the end of a busy day.
Why not try Smoked Lavender Fragrance Oil & Lavender and Sheer Vanilla
7. Kowhai
Kowhai is a Kiwi classic – as New Zealand’s “unofficial” national flower, the Kowhai fragrance emerges as a fresh floral powerhouse. Sweet, citrus blended with cinnamon, patchouli and cedarwood, it’s a vibrant choice for candles that is perfect for living rooms or as a thoughtful gift.
Why not try Kowhai Fragrance Oil
8. Coastal Driftwood
For lovers of the sea, this scent blends soft woodsy notes with salty ocean air. Inspired by long walks along NZ’s rugged coastlines, coastal driftwood offers a light, fresh, and slightly earthy aroma that works beautifully in natural, minimalist candle designs.
Don’t miss Driftwood Fragrance Oil
9. Spiced Kiwifruit
Add a twist to the quintessential Kiwi fruit with a touch of warming spices like cinnamon and clove. This unique blend is a cozy option for winter candles, offering a harmonious mix of fruity brightness and warm spice.
Shop All Spice Fragrance Oil
10. Vanilla Bean and Tobacco
Vanilla remains a favourite, but 2025 is all about pairing it with natural ingredients such as tobacco or clove. This blend is sweet and earthy and embodies both versatility and elegance, offering a scent that’s both comforting and intriguing, perfect for any room in the home.
Vanilla Fragrance Oil or Vanilla Woods Fragrance oil and Tobacco Fragrance Oil
Make Your Candles Shine in 2025
These scents showcase the perfect balance of tradition and innovation, celebrating New Zealand’s natural beauty and unique character. Whether you’re drawn to the floral brightness of pohutukawa, the fruity zing of citrus, or the comforting warmth of manuka honey, there’s a fragrance here to spark your creativity.
Which scent will you put in your next candle? Whether you’re making candles for yourself or your customers, these trending NZ-inspired fragrances are sure to be a hit. Happy crafting!
Shop our fragrance oils HERE
