When it comes to buying candles made in New Zealand, one name has been there the longest: Golden Glow Candles. Founded in 1969 by Murray Davies and now operated by his son Glenn from our Birkenhead, Auckland factory, Golden Glow is New Zealand’s longest-serving candle manufacturer — and the only NZ company making the full breadth of candle types from taper and pillar candles through to tea lights, scented soy candles, floating candles, and church altar candles.
If you want genuinely NZ made candles for your home, here’s what sets Golden Glow apart — and why our range should be your first stop.
Made in Auckland, Not Just Labelled NZ
There’s an important distinction in the NZ candle market: many retailers sell imported candles packaged or branded locally. Golden Glow actually manufactures at our Auckland factory. Our taper candles, pillar candles, Festival church candles, and core product lines are produced on-site in Birkenhead using wax formulations we’ve refined over 55+ years. We also import selected products from quality suppliers in the USA and China where they meet our standards — but our NZ-made candles are the heart of what we do.
When you buy from candles.nz, you’re supporting NZ manufacturing, not just NZ retail.
The Golden Glow Range for NZ Homes
Scented Soy Candles
Our glass jar soy candles are handcrafted in Auckland from 100% soy wax. Popular home scents include Black Raspberry & Vanilla, French Pear, Sandalwood, and Cinnamon — all chosen for their clean, true-to-label fragrance in a real room setting. Burn times of 30–50+ hours make these excellent value for everyday home use and gifting.
Taper & Dining Candles
Our handcrafted dining taper candles are made in Birkenhead and come in 125mm and 250mm heights in white, ivory, gold, silver, and colours. The 250mm tapers burn for approximately 8 hours — ideal for dinner parties and special occasions. Sold by the dozen so you always have consistent colour-matched candles on hand.
Pillar Candles
From compact 60×80mm pillars to statement 100×200mm centrepiece candles, our NZ-made pillar range covers home décor, event styling, and institutional use. Our Festival brand pillars are particularly well regarded by NZ churches and event venues for their consistent performance and minimal drip.
Tea Light Candles
Available in 3-hour, 4-hour, and 9-hour burn options, our tea lights are used across NZ homes, restaurants, spas, and event venues. We also carry rechargeable LED tea lights for venues where open flame rules apply. Available in bulk quantities.
Candle Safety & Care Tips
Whatever candles you choose — Golden Glow or otherwise — these basics will extend their life and keep your home safe:
- Trim the wick to 5mm before every light to prevent smoking and uneven burn
- Allow the top layer of wax to melt fully on the first burn to prevent tunnelling
- Keep candles away from drafts, which cause uneven burning and soot
- Never leave a burning candle unattended or within reach of children and pets
- Discontinue use when 5mm of wax remains
For a complete candle care guide, visit our Hints & Tips page and FAQ.
Shop NZ Made Candles at candles.nz
Golden Glow has been making candles in New Zealand since 1969. Our full range — over 190 products spanning every candle type and occasion — is available online at candles.nz with free shipping on orders over $99 throughout New Zealand. If you’re in Auckland, you’re welcome to visit our factory shop at 30 Enterprise Street, Birkenhead.
Questions? Call us free on 0800 CANDLE (0800 226 353).