FAQ

Frequently asked questions
Where is our matcha from?

We have sourced our matcha blends from generational tea farmers in Uji, Kyoto. Japan's most renowned matcha-producing region. Uji is widely regarded as Japan's top-tier matcha region as it has ideal tea growing conditions and over 800 years of history in the field.

Our JAS Organic Hojicha powder comes from Yame, Fukuoka. An area famed for it's nutty and toasty tasting notes in its tea.
What is matcha?

Matcha is a finely ground green tea powder made from specially grown and processed Japanese tea leaves. Unlike other green teas, where the leaves are steeped and removed, matcha is a powder and whisked into water and consumed whole. Allowing you to enjoy the full benefit of the leaf: flavor, nutrients, and antioxidants.

How is it made?

Matcha comes from shade-grown tea plants, typically covered for 2–4 weeks before harvest. This shading slows photosynthesis, boosting chlorophyll (vivid green color) and L-theanine (umami, natural sweetness). Only the youngest, most tender leaves- the first flush of the season- are picked, steamed to stop oxidation, dried, and stone-milled into an ultra-fine powder.

What does it taste like?

High-quality matcha has a vibrant green color, a smooth texture, and a delicate balance of rich umami sweetness with a hint of natural vegetal bitterness- think tender baby greens or sweet green peas, not harsh grassiness. It truly has to be experienced to be believed.
What is hojicha?

Hojicha is a traditional Japanese green tea made by roasting steamed tea leaves, stems, or powder over charcoal or hot air. This roasting transforms the flavor profile, producing a toasty, nutty, and slightly caramel-like taste, while naturally lowering caffeine content and astringency.

Originating in Kyoto in the 1920s, hojicha was created as a lighter, easy-to-drink tea, perfect for evenings or children.

High-quality hojicha powder, like ours from Yame, Fukuoka, uses first- and second-flush leaves, carefully roasted to bring out rich nutty and cacao notes while preserving subtle sweetness.
Do we do accept returns?

Under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 (NZ), you are entitled to a refund or replacement if the product:

  • Arrives damaged or defective
  • Is not as described
  • Is not of acceptable quality

Due to the perishable nature of our matcha products, we do not offer refunds for:

  • Opened or used items
  • Change-of-mind returns after an order has been processed or shipped
  • Personal taste preferences or dissatisfaction with results

See our refund policy for more information.
When will I get my order?

We will work quickly to ship your order as soon as possible (usually within 2-3 business days.)

Once your order has shipped, you will receive an email with further information. Delivery times vary depending on your location.
Why is matcha expensive?

High-quality Japanese matcha isn’t just tea, it’s the result of time, skill, and careful farming:

  • Tea bushes are shaded for weeks to boost sweetness and nutrients, but this lowers yield.
  • Farmers pick the youngest, most tender leaves which are the most flavorful and nutrient-rich.
  • Leaves are steamed, deveined, and stone-milled slowly (just 30–60 g per hour).
  • Authentic Japanese matcha must meet high standards from farm to tin.

Each step protects its vibrant color, umami flavor, and health benefits- making it more costly than regular tea, but also far more rewarding.
How much does shipping cost?

New Zealand: Flat rate $8 NZD. Orders over $100 NZD ship free. Free local delivery for postcodes 4310 and 4312.

Australia: NZ Post Economy Tracked $20 NZD. DHL Worldwide Express $35 NZD. Orders over $150 NZD ship free.

Europe: NZ Post Economy Tracked $35 NZD. DHL Worldwide Express $55 NZD. Orders over $250 NZD ship free.

Asia (Singapore, Hong Kong SAR, Taiwan, China, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Japan): Economy Tracked $25 NZD. DHL Worldwide Express $35 NZD. Orders over $250 NZD ship free.

Canada: DHL Worldwide Express $55 NZD. Orders over $250 NZD ship free.

United States: Shipping temporarily paused due to tariff changes.
Koharu no Shiro Superior Matcha for Tea Ceremony - Yamada Chaya

Finest matcha

from generational tea farms

Japanese owned

& based in New Zealand

Honouring tradition

as well as modern tea culture