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Trail Notes
22 July 2025
Published: 22 July, 2025
Just around the corner from Coffee Outdoors, down another wee laneway is a Candle Factory, National Candles, one of New Zealand’s oldest and most respected candle makers who have been handmaking candles for over half a century. Those who go tramping during the darker months know how important candles are for illuminating huts and how special the light is whilst you’re tucking into your dinner or playing cards with friends whilst the fire keeps you cosy 🤗 So we teamed up to create Candles Outdoors - A beeswax blend made using an ancient technique, perfectly sized to prevent against pack snappage and in a handy pack of three.Alex caught up with Elliot, National Candles’ General Manager to chat about our little collaboration 🤭
First off, I’m so excited for these candles. How did the idea to make them come about?
Us too! We connected with Tom and Shev towards the end of last year, where they had the idea of creating an ultralite hut candle - designed specifically for lightweight packing and the use on overnight hikes. We’re huge fans of Coffee Outdoors, and we loved the idea of collaborating to craft something that serves such an important function and complements such cup-filling moments.
National Candles have been makers of fine New Zealand candles for over half a century and the candles are made right here in Wellington. Could you tell us a little bit about the history of the business?
While National Candles was officially established in 1969, our roots actually trace back about 100 years. Originally Prices Patent Candle Company as part of Shell Oil, when Shell divested its candle businesses a little over half a century ago, National Candles was officially born. More than half a century later, we're still proudly handcrafting locally made candles right here in the heart of Wellington.
The candles we’re collaborating on are made in the 'Majella' part of the factory. Can you tell us what makes Majella candles special, and share a little bit about the process?
Majella is one of our most traditional ranges, with a history of its own dating back to the 1930's. Originally made almost exclusively for church use, Majella candles are unique in that they are crafted using the ancient 'drawing' method — a slow, layering process where raw cotton wicks are repeatedly drawn through a pool of wax. This method builds the candle up layer by layer, creating a beautifully textured finish and an exceptionally clean burn. We're pretty sure it's the only machine of its kind in the southern hemisphere - a very special experience to watch it run!
The candles are 50% pure New Zealand beeswax and 50% food and cosmetic grade Japanese paraffin. Can you tell us a little bit more about this blend?
A traditional wax blend for a traditional candle making process - one that's been used for generations, particularly in ceremonial and church candles. The combination of pure New Zealand beeswax and premium-grade Japanese paraffin strikes a wonderful balance: the beeswax offers a wonderful colour, subtle scent and natural purity, while the paraffin provides a structural integrity and consistency. Together, they deliver a clean, bright burn and a prolonged burn time.
Can you tell us how the candles are suitable for travel and DOC huts?
We wanted to make these candles compact enough to avoid the classic space squeeze when every bit of pack room counts — but still big enough to serve their purpose. They’re sized just right to sit securely in the wall-mounted holders you’ll find in DOC huts, and slightly shortened to help prevent breakage on the way in. Then we bundled them into neat little 3-packs to keep things light and low-bulk. The right balance of long-burning and pack-friendly.
What's your favourite adventure in New Zealand that you've been on and did you take a candle?
Recently I hiked to the Turere lodge in the Orongorongo's with my partner, a couple of good friends, and a healthy dose of National Candles. We wasted no time in filling the beautiful wall mounted DOC sconces with candles. It was pretty special seeing our candles in that setting - lighting the space as people played cards and cooked dinner. There's nothing quite like candlelight when it's the only light on the menu.
Coffee Outdoors
Coffee Outdoors x National Candles Hut Candles
$18.50
