Frequently Asked Questions

Kava (Piper methysticum) is a plant native to the Pacific Islands, where it has been cultivated and shared for thousands of years in ceremonial, social, and cultural contexts. The root is ground and mixed with cool water to make the drink at the centre of a gathering — the sevusevu, the tanoa circle, the shared bilo. Unlike alcohol, kava is drunk to slow an evening down rather than speed it up: clarity stays intact, and there is no hangover in the morning. Kava is a food, not a medicine, and we make no therapeutic claims.

Most people describe a gentle change of pace — noticeable, without taking you out. The active compounds in the root are called kavalactones. Effects typically begin within 20–30 minutes and last 2–4 hours. Everyone is different, so start with a smaller shell and find your own baseline. Many first-timers notice very little in their first session or two; that is normal, and it is worth giving it a few tries.

Noble kava refers to traditional varieties cultivated specifically for safe, regular consumption. They produce clean, balanced effects and are considered the gold standard for drinking kava. Tudei (or "two-day") kava is a different variety that can cause prolonged side effects including nausea, lethargy, and dermopathy with regular use. All kava we sell is 100% noble variety.

Yes. Kava is legal to purchase, possess, and consume in New Zealand for personal use. It is not a controlled substance. Kava has long-standing cultural significance in the Pacific community in New Zealand, and it is widely consumed.

Traditional preparation is simple. Add 2–4 tablespoons of kava powder to a muslin or straining bag. Place the bag into a bowl with 1–2 cups of cool or lukewarm water (not hot — heat can degrade the kavalactones). Knead and squeeze the bag in the water for 5–10 minutes until the water turns a deep earthy brown. Remove the bag, squeeze out all remaining liquid, and serve in a shell or cup. Start with a smaller dose and adjust to your preference.

All you need is a muslin straining bag (sometimes called a kava strainer or nut milk bag), a bowl, and water. A traditional tanoa (carved wooden bowl) adds to the experience but is entirely optional. Straining bags are inexpensive and available at most kitchenware or health food stores.

For beginners, start with 2 tablespoons (around 10–12g) per 1.5 cups of water. Regular drinkers often use 3–4 tablespoons per session. Kava can take time to work — many people report a "reverse tolerance" effect where the first few sessions feel mild before the effects become more pronounced. Give it a few tries before adjusting your dose.

Kava is traditionally consumed on its own. Avoid mixing with alcohol, as both affect the central nervous system and the combination can intensify sedative effects. Some people add a small amount of coconut cream or lecithin to help extract the kavalactones more efficiently — this is a legitimate technique and can improve potency.

We currently ship to all addresses within New Zealand. We're working on expanding to Australia and other Pacific destinations — stay tuned.

Most orders are dispatched within 1–3 business days. Once you receive your tracking number, delivery typically takes 2–3 business days anywhere in New Zealand.

Standard shipping is $7.50 NZD on orders under $120, and free on all orders $120 and over. Local delivery is available in Auckland and Christchurch for $10 (free over $85).

Yes, and it is free. Order online, choose Pickup at checkout, and we will message you the moment it is ready — usually within 24 hours. Our Christchurch branch is open 24/7 for pickup — just message or call at least 15 minutes before you arrive. Our Auckland branch (Silverdale) is open for pickup until 9pm daily. Neither location is a walk-in shop — both are for pickup and local distribution only.

Yes. All orders ship in plain, sealed packaging with no product branding on the outside. The sender name on the label will be The Kava Shop.

We stand behind every bag of kava we ship. Our Colocolo Gold is sourced directly from Kadavu, Fiji, and is 100% noble variety. If you receive an order that doesn't meet your expectations — damaged, incorrect, or not as described — contact us within 7 days and we'll make it right.

Due to the nature of food and consumable products, we're unable to accept returns on opened kava. If you're new to kava, we recommend starting with the 100g Starter Pack to try it before committing to a larger size. If there is a quality issue with your order, please reach out — we'll always find a fair resolution.

We're sorry to hear that. Please email us at himextradingltd@gmail.com with your order number and a photo of the damage within 7 days of receiving your parcel. We'll arrange a replacement or refund promptly.