Topic: A question of tea.

Hello, as I am new to this forum, I hope I am posting in the correct category. I actually have a silly question, but as I'm visiting NZ for a month soon, it's important to me: Can anyone recommend the best brands of tea to drink while I'm there? In particular, I'm thinking Orange Pekoe and Earl Grey, but any thoughts on herbal teas would be lovely as well. Thank you in advance. ._.

Ooh, you openin' up a right can o' worms there gal!

First, it is important to differentiate between REAL tea, and pansy fruit infusions. The former is drunk by hard-working farm staff out of a chipped mug with sheep-shed grease stains. The latter is (I believe) sipped from a lady's slipper by pretentious nancy-boys who still need to hold their mummy's hand when crossing the road, and whining tree-hugging lefties called Moonbeam.
Real tea comes in a range of manly varieties, although there are some sneaky half-caste types that have tried to slip in the odd flower petal (e.g. Orange Pekoe, Earl Grey). Good strong REAL tea is also known by the generic name Gumboot Tea, though it is uncertain whether this is due to the chosen footwear of the REAL tea drinker, or the fact that the unenlightened claim the taste is reminiscent of something brewed in a gumboot.
Two main brands are available in the REAL tea market: Bell & Choysa. While Bell held popularity for many years, it has now fallen from favour slightly with REAL tea drinkers due to its endorsement by equestrian Mark Todd, who has been accused of some unmanly habits (as have many other top male equestrians). Rumours circulate that his behaviour was in part thanks to Bell adulterating their blend with flowery stuff, though this has not been proven.
Being neither a nancy-boy, nor a Moonbeam, I can not comment with any certainty on the herbal varieties, suffice it to say that if it is a plant more commonly associated with flower-arranging, then some pillock has probably made a tea out of it.

I hope this has been helpful in your understanding of New Zealand's tea culture

See also:
www.belltea.co.nz/
www.twinings.co.nz/
www.thetshop.co.nz/

there is also a chain of shops around that are called T2 or something, and they have lots of tea. I don't drink it myself but theres lots around.

I appreciate the help either way, both of you. Caffeine is my vice, taking place of alcohol and other such habits, so knowing where to get the good stuff is important. n.n;;; If anyone else has an opinion, I'm open to anything, who knows, when I make the move proper, it may come in handy!

Styx, loved your rendition of tea drinkers. You've got to be careful with those herbal teas, drinking too much can cause giddiness. I know. Myself I prefer Choysa and Bell.

Green tea may heathier than coffee or alcohol.