Post Boxes of New Zealand

“Oh yes, wait a minute, Mr Postman” 

Travelling around Northland in New Zealand, there is so much natural beauty; lush dense forest, rugged coastland and rolling hills, you would be forgiven for missing the many unique and unusual postboxes positioned along the roadsides, tucked away in rural areas and clustered in the towns.  However, once you spot them you quickly realise that New Zealand post boxes are far from the ordinary and so much more than a receptacle to receive bills and junkmail, they are in fact a quintessential part of the country’s history and cultural identity. 

I first spotted this row of post boxes at the start of a local walk – Wairakau Stream Track to Lane Cove Hut, in Totara North. From this my interest grew and I started to take notice of all the postboxes along my walking routes and our drives across the Northland.  From the colourful, vibrant, quirky designs to the hidden gems scattered across the rural landscape, New Zealand post boxes are such a delightful surprise I feel they deserve a blog of their own. 

Post boxes of New Zealand

All homes in New Zealand have outdoor mailboxes for their post and these mailboxes are an iconic feature of the landscape often designed for both practicality and creativity.  The mailboxes come in a variety of shapes, sizes and designs adding a charm and personality to the streets and rural areas they inhabit. 

Post Boxes in Auckland, New Zealand

The ingenuity of the individual styles is fabulous to see; from simple wooden structures to old microwave ovens, outboard engines, breadbins or elaborately decorated works of art. 

Outboard engine post box!

Quirky New Zealand Post Box

So come take a tour with me of the post boxes I have discovered across the Northland, from the most creative designs to the charming rural ones that tell a story of their own.  These mailbox gems are one of New Zealand’s hidden delights I want to share with you. 

A bit of history first.... 

New Zealand's postal system dates back to 1840, just months after the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. The country’s first post office was established in the town of  Kororāreka, which was later renamed Russell in Northland, and it wasn’t long before the need for post boxes became apparent. Early post boxes were simple metal boxes, usually attached to buildings, and were a necessity for the country's expanding communication network. 

As towns grew and rural areas developed, free-standing post boxes began to appear. The tradition of decorating and personalising these post boxes began in the 20th century, giving rise to the charming, quirky and wildly inventive postboxes seen throughout New Zealand today. 

Microwaves and plastic containers as postboxes!

Rural NZ postboxes in a beautiful setting

There’s something inherently charming about New Zealand’s post boxes. Whether they are quirky, personalised, or beautifully designed, these small, unassuming objects are symbols of the country's creativity, its rural heritage, and its love for individuality. This is just a tiny selection of postboxes and I will continue to look out for and photograph these little roadside gems.

Standard NZ post box given a personal touch

If you find yourself driving through the New Zealand countryside, take a moment to appreciate the beauty and personality of these New Zealand icons —they’re more than just a place for mail, they’re a testament to the Kiwi spirit that embraces both function and fun.

Why be a postbox when you can be a Sea Horse?

Postboxes photographed in New Zealand 2024 by Julie and friends 📫