A garden moment with Aotearoa’s most joyful bird.
It’s hard not to smile when a fantail appears — flitting between trees, chattering loudly, and always keen to follow you through the bush. This life-sized silhouette captures the cheek and charm of one of Aotearoa’s most treasured native birds: the Pīwakawaka.
In Māori tradition, the Pīwakawaka is seen as a messenger — a guardian, a symbol of transformation, and sometimes a spiritual presence. Whether gifted as a remembrance piece or installed simply to bring some motion and meaning to a garden, this bird always carries something deeper.
Crafted from 3mm Corten® steel, it’s designed to endure the elements and grow more beautiful with time. The metal weathers naturally, forming a deep patina that blends into your surroundings — while always catching the eye.
Our Fantail is:
✓ Beautiful garden companion – 27 cm H × 24 cm W, approx. 300 g
✓ Easy to gift – Flat-packed in an A4 box (31 × 21 × 1 cm)
✓ Swift dispatch – Same-day shipping before 2pm on weekdays
✓ Proudly made in NZ – Crafted in a local family-run workshop
✓ Built for the outdoors – Weathering Corten® steel ages beautifully
✓ Meaningful memorial gift – A natural symbol of presence and memory
No tools needed — just a moment and a hammer.
1. Choose a wooden spot like a fence post, gate, or tree edge
2. Hold the stake on a downward angle to the surface
3. Tap the thickest part of the stake with a hammer or mallet until secure
4. Tilt slightly forward or level for best visual angle from below
5. Step back and smile — your fantail has found its perch
Top Tip: Fantails are always on the move. Place it where it catches the light or motion — near a garden path or overlooking a veggie patch.
Is this the same size as a real fantail?
Yes — it’s life-sized to match the real Pīwakawaka. Around 27 cm high, it’s instantly recognisable.
Is this okay to leave outside?
Absolutely. It’s made from weathering Corten® steel, designed to last decades outdoors and develop a natural patina that protects it from the elements.
Can this be a memorial gift?
Yes — many customers choose the fantail to honour a loved one. Its symbolism in Māori culture makes it a meaningful tribute.
What tools do I need?
Just a hammer or mallet. It’s designed to tap easily into wood at a downward angle — no screws or brackets needed.
Where do you make it?
Right here in New Zealand — in a small family-owned factory that’s been cutting Corten steel for years.
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