Where can you buy Labubu in NZ and what should you know before collecting?

You can buy official Labubu figures in New Zealand from several online retailers like Pop Stop, Mighty Ape, and Hobby Zone. Some physical stores in major cities also stock them. While you can order from the global Pop Mart site, buying locally often saves on shipping costs and avoids potential customs delays.

What is a Labubu figure?

Short answer: A Labubu is a popular character in the world of designer art toys. It's a mischievous, rabbit-like creature with large eyes and a toothy grin, created by artist Kasing Lung and produced by the collectibles company Pop Mart. They are typically sold in "blind boxes."

Labubu is one of the most recognizable characters in the Pop Mart universe. It's not just a single character but a whole species of forest sprites, each with a unique personality. The core design features long, floppy ears and a set of prominent teeth that give it a slightly cheeky expression. This blend of cute and mischievous has made it a favorite among collectors worldwide, including a growing community here in New Zealand.

The figures themselves are usually made from high-quality PVC and stand about 7-10 cm tall. Each series features Labubu in different costumes, poses, and themes, from whimsical forest adventures to collaborations with other brands. The appeal lies not just in the character but in the artistry and detail that go into every single figure.

The creator: Kasing Lung

The mind behind Labubu is Kasing Lung, a Hong Kong-based artist and illustrator originally from Belgium. Before creating his monster universe, Lung was known for his enchanting children's book illustrations. He published his first European illustration book, "My Little Planet," in 2011. His art style is heavily influenced by Nordic folklore and fairy tales, which is evident in the whimsical and sometimes slightly spooky nature of his characters.

Labubu is part of a larger family of characters known as "The Monsters." This group includes other figures like Zimomo (a larger, more ferocious version of Labubu) and Tycoco. Kasing Lung's collaboration with Pop Mart began around 2017, and it catapulted his creations to global fame. His work has a distinct hand-drawn feel, and this artistic integrity is maintained even in the mass-produced vinyl figures, which is a major reason for their popularity among serious collectors.

Understanding the blind box concept

If you're new to Labubu, the most important thing to understand is the "blind box" sales model. You don't just pick a specific figure off the shelf. Instead, you buy a sealed box, and the figure inside is a surprise. It’s like a modern-day trading card pack, but for designer toys.

A typical Labubu series contains 12 different regular designs. When you buy a single box, you have a 1 in 12 chance of getting any specific one. This is what makes collecting so exciting and, at times, frustrating. You might get the one you want on the first try, or you could end up with several duplicates while hunting for your favorite.

To make things more interesting, most series also include a hidden "secret" or "chase" figure. These are much rarer than the regular designs. The production ratio for a secret figure is often 1 in 144 boxes. Finding one is a big deal in the collector community, and these figures command much higher prices on the secondary market. The box and foil packaging for a secret are identical to the others, so there's no way to know you have one until you open it.

Where to buy official Labubu figures in New Zealand

Short answer: Your best bets for buying Labubu in NZ are established online collectible stores like Pop Stop and Mighty Ape, as well as some physical pop culture shops in larger cities. Ordering directly from Pop Mart's global store is an option, but be mindful of shipping costs to NZ.

Finding legitimate sources for your collection is the first step. The popularity of Labubu means there are fakes out there, so sticking to authorized retailers is your safest option. Luckily, New Zealand has a good number of them.

Major online retailers in NZ

For most Kiwis, buying online is the most convenient way to get the latest Labubu series. These retailers are based in New Zealand, which means faster shipping and easier customer service if something goes wrong.

• Pop Stop: This is one of the most well-known official Pop Mart distributors in NZ. They have a wide selection of Labubu series, both new releases and older ones. Their pricing is competitive, and they often run pre-orders for upcoming series.
• Mighty Ape: A giant in the NZ online retail space, Mighty Ape has a dedicated section for Pop Mart and other art toys. They have a great stock system, so you know what's available, and their shipping is famously fast, especially if you live in the North Island.
• Hobby Zone: Another excellent choice, Hobby Zone often carries a variety of blind box series, including many Labubu collections. They are a reliable source and have been serving the NZ hobbyist community for years.
• EB Games / Zing Pop Culture: While their primary focus is video games, Zing Pop Culture (often located inside EB Games stores) carries a curated selection of collectibles, which frequently includes popular Pop Mart lines like Labubu. Their stock can vary by store, but it's worth checking their website.

Physical stores and pop-up locations

Sometimes you just want the satisfaction of picking a box from a shelf yourself. If you live in a major city, you might have a physical store nearby. Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch are the most likely places to find them.

Pop culture stores, comic book shops, and dedicated hobby stores are your best bet. Keep an eye out for stores like Pop Stop's physical locations or other independent collectible shops. Pop Mart has also been known to host occasional pop-up events or have dedicated vending machines (known as "Roboshops") in major international cities, so it's worth following their official social media channels to see if any events are planned for New Zealand.

Buying from the official Pop Mart global store

You can also buy directly from the source: the official Pop Mart Global online store. They ship to New Zealand and sometimes have exclusive items you can't find anywhere else. However, there's a common misconception that this is always the cheapest or best option. It's not that simple for NZ collectors.

First, consider the shipping costs. International shipping can be expensive and often takes several weeks to arrive. Second, you need to account for GST. For orders over a certain value, you'll be charged New Zealand's 15% Goods and Services Tax. While many international retailers now collect this at checkout, it's an added cost to remember. Finally, there's the risk of your package being held up at customs. While this is less common for small orders, it can cause significant delays.

In most cases, by the time you add shipping and potential taxes, the price is very similar to buying from a local NZ retailer. Buying local supports New Zealand businesses and usually gets the product into your hands much faster.

How much do Labubu figures cost in NZD?

Short answer: Expect to pay around $20-$25 NZD for a single standard Labubu blind box in New Zealand. A full case of 12 typically costs between $240 and $280 NZD, while rare "secret" figures can sell for hundreds on the secondary market.

Setting a budget is a good idea before you start collecting, as the costs can add up quickly. Prices in New Zealand are fairly consistent across official retailers, but they can fluctuate wildly on the resale market.

Standard blind box prices

The retail price for one Labubu blind box is generally very stable. You'll find them priced between $20 and $25 NZD. If you see them for significantly less from an unknown seller, be cautious, as they could be counterfeit.

Many collectors choose to buy a "case," which is a sealed display box containing a full set of figures. For a series of 12, a case will contain 12 boxes. The main benefit of buying a case is that you are guaranteed to get all 12 regular designs without any duplicates. If the series contains a secret figure, one of the regular designs in the case will be replaced by the secret. A case is a bigger upfront investment, typically costing $240-$280 NZD, but it's the most efficient way to complete a set.

The cost of 'secret' and chase figures

This is where pricing gets interesting. The rarity of secret figures drives their value way up. A secret Labubu that has a 1/144 chance of appearing can sell for anywhere from $200 NZD to well over $1,000 NZD, depending on its popularity and the series it belongs to.

The price is determined entirely by supply and demand within the collector community. Some secret figures from older, out-of-production series are incredibly hard to find and become key pieces for serious collectors. If you're lucky enough to pull a secret from a box you paid $25 for, you've done very well.

Navigating the secondary market: resellers and traders

The secondary market is where collectors buy, sell, and trade to complete their sets. In New Zealand, the main platforms for this are Facebook collector groups and Trade Me.

On these platforms, prices for opened figures (non-secrets) are usually close to the original retail price, sometimes a little more for popular designs or a little less for less popular ones. Duplicates are often sold here so collectors can fund their next purchase. When buying from resellers, always check their feedback and reputation. As a rule of thumb, if you're buying an opened box from a reseller, always ask for photos of the actual figure and its card. This is the quickest way to check for authenticity and condition before you pay.

A beginner's guide to collecting Labubu in NZ

Short answer: To start collecting, focus on learning to spot fakes, find a good way to display and protect your figures, and familiarize yourself with a few key series to understand what you like.

Once you've bought your first few figures, you're officially a collector. Here are some practical tips to help you get the most out of the hobby and protect your investment.

How to spot a fake Labubu

Counterfeit figures are a real problem, and some are very convincing. Learning to identify them is a critical skill. Here’s a checklist of things to inspect:

• The box: Official boxes have sharp, high-quality printing. The colors should be vibrant and the text clear. Fakes often have blurry text, faded colors, or flimsy cardboard.
• The foil bag: Inside the box, the figure is sealed in a foil bag. Official bags are thick and well-sealed. Counterfeit bags can feel thin or cheap.
• The figure's weight and feel: Authentic Labubu figures have a solid, weighty feel. Fakes are often made from cheaper, lighter plastic and can feel hollow or brittle.
• Paint application: Pop Mart's quality control is generally very good. Look for clean paint lines and fine details. Fakes often have messy paint, smudges, or colors bleeding into each other.
• The collector card: Every official Labubu comes with a small card showing the character. The card should be printed on thick, quality stock with a clean finish. Fake cards are often thin, glossy, and have poor print quality.
• The smell: This might sound strange, but fake plastic figures often have a strong, unpleasant chemical smell. Official figures are largely odorless.

Tips for storing and displaying your collection

You'll want to show off your collection, but it's important to protect your figures from damage. The two biggest enemies of vinyl figures are dust and direct sunlight.

Sunlight, especially the harsh UV rays we get in New Zealand, can cause the colors on your figures to fade and the plastic to yellow over time. Always display your collection away from windows where they'll get direct sun.

Dust can be a pain to clean, especially on detailed figures. Many collectors use clear acrylic display cases. These keep the dust off and can be stacked to create an impressive display. You can find these at stores like Kmart, The Warehouse, or online. For individual figures, some people use small glass domes or bell jars. If you prefer an open-shelf display, a soft makeup brush is perfect for gently dusting your figures without scratching them.

Key Labubu series to know

With so many series released, it can be hard to know where to start. Here are a few notable collections that are popular with fans:

• The Monsters Camping Series: This is a classic and a great entry point. It features Labubu and friends enjoying the outdoors with cute accessories like tents and lanterns.
• The Monsters Fruits Series: A colourful and fun series where each character is dressed as a different fruit, like a strawberry or a pineapple. It's one of the more popular and widely available sets.
• Labubu The Little Monsters Series: This is one of the original series that helped establish the character. The designs are simple but full of personality, making them foundational pieces for any collection.
• Collaborations: Keep an eye out for special collaboration series, like the Labubu x Spongebob or other pop culture crossovers. These are often produced in limited quantities and can become harder to find later on.

The Labubu collector community in New Zealand

Short answer: The NZ Labubu community is most active on social media platforms like Facebook, where dedicated groups exist for collectors to trade, sell, and share their collections.

Collecting can be a solitary hobby, but it doesn't have to be. Connecting with other fans can make it much more enjoyable. You can get tips, find out about new releases, and, most importantly, trade your duplicates for figures you're missing.

Online groups and forums

Facebook is the primary hub for the Pop Mart collector community in New Zealand. Search for groups using terms like "Pop Mart NZ," "Designer Toys New Zealand," or "Art Toy Collectors NZ." In these groups, you'll find people posting photos of their latest finds, asking for help identifying figures, and arranging trades.

These communities are generally very welcoming to newcomers. Don't be shy about posting what you're looking for or what you have available to trade. It's a great way to engage with the hobby on a deeper level.

Trading and selling within the community

Trading is a core part of the blind box experience. It's the best way to get rid of your duplicates and get the figures you want without having to buy more boxes. When trading or selling with others online, it's important to be safe and clear.

Here's what to do for a smooth trade:

• Be clear about condition: State whether the figure's box and foil have been opened. Take clear photos from multiple angles so the other person knows exactly what they're getting.
• Agree on postage: Decide who will pay for shipping. Usually, each person pays to ship their own figure. Using tracked postage is highly recommended to ensure nothing gets lost.
• Package securely: Wrap the figure and its box carefully in bubble wrap and use a sturdy shipping box to prevent any damage during transit.
• Communicate: Keep the other person updated. Let them know when you've posted the item and provide them with the tracking number.

Pro	Con
The thrill of the surprise: The blind box format makes every opening an exciting event.	Risk of duplicates: You can end up with multiple copies of the same figure, which can be frustrating.
High-quality designs: The figures are well-made with great attention to detail and artistic vision.	Can become expensive: The cost of buying individual boxes or full cases adds up over time.
Strong community: There is an active and friendly community of collectors in NZ for trading and discussion.	Fakes are common: The popularity of Labubu has led to a market for counterfeit products you need to watch for.
Good resale value: Rare or popular figures can hold their value or even increase in price over time.	Space for storage: A growing collection requires dedicated space for display and storage to keep it safe.
Variety of series: New themes and designs are released regularly, keeping the hobby fresh and interesting.	Fear of missing out (FOMO): Limited edition releases can create pressure to buy quickly before they sell out.

Common mistakes to avoid when collecting

• Overpaying on the secondary market: A new collector might see a figure they want and pay an inflated price on Trade Me. The fix: Before buying, check what the same figure has recently sold for in NZ Facebook groups to get a sense of its true market value.
• Throwing away the box and card: The original packaging, including the box, foil bag, and collector card, are part of the collectible. Discarding them significantly reduces a figure's resale or trade value. The fix: Carefully flatten the boxes and store them with their corresponding cards and figures.
• Not checking for authenticity: Buying from unofficial sources like AliExpress or random market stalls is risky. You could easily end up with a poor-quality fake. The fix: Stick to the authorized NZ retailers mentioned earlier in this guide, especially when you are just starting out.
• Storing figures in direct sunlight: As mentioned before, UV light is the enemy of vinyl toys. A figure left on a sunny windowsill for a few months can show visible signs of fading. The fix: Choose a display spot away from windows or use a display case with UV protection.

Alternatives to Labubu

Short answer: If you enjoy the blind box concept, Pop Mart offers other popular character lines like Molly, Skullpanda, and Dimoo. Other brands like Sonny Angel or Smiski offer a similar collecting experience with different aesthetics.

While Labubu is fantastic, it's not the only art toy out there. If you're looking to diversify your collection or find something with a different style, here are a few alternatives popular in New Zealand:

• Molly: Another huge star from Pop Mart, designed by artist Kenny Wong. Molly is a cute, pouting girl with a crown and is often featured in elaborate, high-fashion-inspired outfits. She is a great choice if you prefer a more chic and stylish aesthetic.
• Skullpanda: For those who like a cooler, edgier design. Skullpanda figures often have a futuristic or cyberpunk theme with incredible detail in their outfits and accessories. They offer a different feel from the whimsical nature of Labubu.
• Sonny Angel: These are small, cherub-like baby figures wearing different headgear. They have a massive global following and are a staple of the "kawaii" or cute collecting scene. They are smaller and often cheaper than Labubu, making them an accessible starting point.
• Smiski: These are strange little glow-in-the-dark creatures discovered in corners. Each series has them in different funny poses (like hiding behind a plant). They are perfect if you want something quirky and minimalist.

Quick recap

• You can buy official Labubu in NZ from online stores like Pop Stop and Mighty Ape, or some physical pop culture shops.
• A single blind box costs around $20-$25 NZD, while rare "secret" figures are worth much more.
• Always check for signs of a fake, including poor paint quality, flimsy packaging, and a low price from an unknown seller.
• The New Zealand collector community is most active on Facebook, which is a great place to trade duplicates.
• Protect your collection by displaying it out of direct sunlight and keeping it free from dust.

Frequently asked questions about Labubu

Is Pop Mart available in NZ?

Yes, Pop Mart products, including the Labubu series, are widely available in New Zealand. You can purchase them from several authorized online retailers like Pop Stop, Mighty Ape, and Hobby Zone, as well as in some physical Zing Pop Culture stores and other independent collectible shops.

What is the most popular Labubu?

This changes over time, but generally, the "secret" figures from any given series are the most popular and sought-after due to their rarity. Among regular figures, designs from collaboration series or early series like "The Monsters Camping" are often favorites with long-time fans.

How do you know if a Labubu is real?

To check if a Labubu is real, inspect the quality of the box, the feel of the figure's material, and the precision of the paint job. Real figures have crisp printing, a solid weight, and clean paint lines. Also, check the collector card for quality. Buying from authorized retailers is the safest way to guarantee authenticity.

How much does a Labubu usually cost in New Zealand?

In New Zealand, a standard Labubu blind box typically costs between $20 and $25 NZD. If you buy a full case of 12, it will usually cost between $240 and $280 NZD. Prices on the secondary market for opened figures can vary, and rare secret figures can sell for hundreds of dollars.