Matcha is finely stone-milled green tea powder made from shade-grown Camellia sinensis leaves. Shading the plants for 3–4 weeks before harvest forces them to produce more chlorophyll and L-theanine — giving matcha its vivid green colour, deep umami flavour, and calm, focused energy. Unlike steeped tea, you consume the whole leaf, making it far more nutrient-dense.

What is the difference between koicha and usucha?

Usucha (thin tea) is the everyday preparation — light, frothy, approachable. Koicha (thick tea) is a ceremonial preparation using twice the matcha and half the water, producing a rich, paste-like tea with intense umami. Koicha requires a higher grade matcha.

What matcha grades do you offer?

We offer ceremonial grade matcha using only the youngest first-flush leaves from shaded plants — stone-milled to a silky powder with natural sweetness and umami. Our Premium Matcha is our latte-grade — smooth and balanced for daily use, holding up beautifully in milk.

Hojicha is Japanese green tea roasted at high heat, transforming its colour from green to warm amber and its flavour to nutty, toasty, and caramel-like. Our Organic Yame Hojicha is JAS-certified organic, sourced from Yame, Fukuoka. Because roasting reduces caffeine, hojicha is a beautiful evening tea.

Where does your tea come from?

Our matcha is sourced from generational tea farmers in Uji, Kyoto — the birthplace of Japanese matcha culture. Our hojicha comes from Yame, Fukuoka. Both regions have centuries of tea-growing heritage.

How should I store matcha?

Keep your matcha tin sealed, away from light, heat, and moisture. Once opened, use within 4–6 weeks for best flavour. Store in a cool, dark cupboard — not the fridge, as condensation can affect the powder.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes, we ship to New Zealand, Australia, the UK, Europe, Canada, Singapore, and Japan.

Shipping policy

*Orders placed 16 May–7 June 2026 ship from 8 June 2026 as we source our next harvest in Japan. Thanks for your patience!

Shipping Locations

All orders are shipped from Taranaki, New Zealand. We currently ship to select destinations worldwide and have flat shipping rates for the following named countries:

New Zealand (nationwide)
Selected international destinations of Australia, Singapore, Indonesia, Japan, United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Germany, Netherlands, Norway and Sweden. We also now ship to Canada.
Shipping to the USA is paused due to the new tariff rules.

If your country is not listed at checkout or you have special shipping requirements, please contact us at hello@yamadachaya.co.nz before placing your order.

Processing Times

Orders are usually processed within 1-2 business days (Monday to Friday).
No dispatches on weekends or New Zealand public holidays.
During sales, holidays, or peak times, processing may take slightly longer.

You'll receive a shipping confirmation email with tracking once your order has been dispatched.

Delivery Times & Carriers

We ship via NZ Post Courier, NZ Post International, DHL Express Worldwide, or other international couriers depending on your location.

Estimated delivery times (after dispatch):

New Zealand: 2–4 business days (rural may take longer)
Australia: 3-10 business days
Rest of World: 5-10 business days

Delivery timeframes are estimates and not guaranteed. Customs delays may extend delivery times.

Shipping Rates

New Zealand: North Island $8. North Island Rural $12. South Island $15. South Island Rural $20. 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: 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.

International Shipping Terms

All international shipments are DDU (Delivery Duties Unpaid). You are responsible for any customs duties, import taxes, or local charges in your country.
We are not liable for delays caused by customs or incorrect declarations.
If your parcel is refused due to unpaid customs or import duties and returned to us, the original shipping fee is non-refundable, and a restocking fee may apply.

If you're unsure of your country’s import rules, please check with your local customs authority before placing an order.

Missed Deliveries & Address Issues

Please ensure your shipping address is correct. Yamada Chaya is not responsible for:

Delays caused by incorrect addresses
Missed deliveries
Reshipping fees due to returned parcels

Returned packages can be resent at the buyer’s cost.

Wholesale Orders

Wholesale shipping is calculated case-by-case. We will confirm:

Dispatch timeline
Delivery method
Bulk freight or customs considerations for international wholesale clients

Questions or Shipping Issues?

For tracking help, shipping delays, or changes to your order, please email us at hello@yamadachaya.co.nz with your order number.