"Exquisite Wool Traders was established in 2008, building on our family’s deep roots in the wool industry. For years, our family business, Yaldhurst Wools, proudly supplied New Zealand wool to the renowned A W Hainsworth Mill in England. Sourcing from farms across the South Island, we’ve remained dedicated to showcasing the exceptional quality and versatility of New Zealand wool.

Driven by a passion for wool and high-quality products, we’re proud to offer an extensive range, including woollen bedding blankets, throws, scarves, Brora Knitwear, Natural Legacy Woollen Caskets and Ash Urns.

Most recently, we have had the pleasure of working with Nadia Lim and her husband, Carlos, from Royalburn Station, in developing their own woollen blankets and throws from their wool. In 2021, we launched The Wool Pot, and in 2024, we unveiled The Wool Bag, which Nadia and I had been working on and testing since 2021 and sold out almost instantly.

I love to see wool working for you and the planet."

- Polly McGuckin

Director

Expertly crafted by England’s most renowned textile mills.

Fortunately for the New Zealand wool industry, English mills have long supported us by purchasing our wool, ensuring a stable market for our farmers. With centuries of expertise, mills such as AW Hainsworth (established in 1783) and Abraham Moon & Sons (founded in 1837) produce the exceptional blankets, throws, woollen caskets, and woollen urns we proudly offer. Pairing New Zealand wool with centuries-old English craftsmanship, we bring a colourful, diverse range of throws and blankets to the New Zealand market, which we are proud of.

There’s nothing quite like the gift of quality, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see our blankets and throws gracing so many homes and businesses.

Meet the team

  • Polly McGuckin

    As the Founder and Director of Exquisite Wool Traders, Polly brings a lifelong passion for wool, inspired by her father’s work as a wool buyer. Previously a sales representative in the South Island for Estée Lauder, she now oversees every aspect of the business, working closely with customers to bring their visions to life through premium New Zealand wool products. Polly is also driven by her passion for expanding the use of wool in innovative and sustainable ways.

  • PatrickCotter

    Patrick Cotter

    As Operations and Marketing Manager, Patrick works closely with our customers, stockists and corporate clients to ensure they have the best possible experience, while also managing orders, finance, customer accounts, logistics, marketing, and day-to-day operations. Currently studying Agribusiness and Food Marketing with a focus on Supply Chain Management, Patrick brings his studies to life in his role at Exquisite Wool Traders, applying his knowledge to drive business success.

  • Cyclone Gabrielle

    During the devastation of Cyclone Gabrielle, Exquisite Wool Traders donated blankets to aid those who lost their homes and to support emergency shelters. These donations provided warmth and comfort to affected families during a critical time.

  • NZ Flying Doctors

    We proudly support the NZ Flying Doctors, helping ensure patients in need of urgent surgeries receive the care they require. Our donation is part of our commitment to supporting essential healthcare services across New Zealand where we can.

  • Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue

    Every year, we donate to the Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue. This vital service saves lives through emergency response missions, and we are honored to play a part in keeping this lifesaving service operational.

  • New Zealand Red Cross

    In the wake of the Kaikoura earthquakes, we partnered with the New Zealand Red Cross by donating blankets to support recovery efforts. These contributions helped families in emergency shelters and those rebuilding their lives after losing their homes.

  • 2019–20 Australian Bushfires

    Amid the catastrophic Australian bushfires in 2019-2020, Exquisite Wool Traders donated blankets to wildlife rescue efforts. These blankets provided comfort and care to animals affected by the fires, reflecting our commitment to both people and nature.

  • The proud history of Exquisite Wool Traders starts here in New Zealand and stretches to an English woollen mill that dates back to 1783. In 1893, this mill began purchasing New Zealand wool—a fact proudly recorded in a logbook still kept at the Yorkshire mill today. Remarkably, our family wool-buying business, Yaldhurst Wools in Christchurch, continues to buy wool from the same farm featured in that logbook, along with wool sourced from other South Island farms. Some of this wool is still exported to the same English mill.

    This specialist mill, AW Hainsworth, has supported the New Zealand wool industry for well over a century. Their craftsmanship turns NZ wool into exquisite blankets, fabrics for furnishings, clothing, royal and military ceremonial attire, snooker and pool table cloth, and even woollen caskets. Every Natural Legacy Wool Casket, for example, contains three fleeces of NZ wool, showcasing the unique beauty of this incredible fibre.

    Yaldhurst Wools’ long association with AW Hainsworth inspired me to establish Exquisite Wool Traders in 2008. It’s a privilege to offer beautiful woollen products, from our bedding blankets and luxurious throws to the Natural Legacy Wool Caskets, all crafted from the wool we are so proud to source and supply.

    Over the years, members of the Hainsworth family have visited Yaldhurst Wools to learn about the process behind growing and selecting top-quality wool fibre. This shared passion for wool also led us to partner with Abraham Moon & Sons, another renowned mill, to create our luxury Merino and Pure Wool throws range.

    New Zealand would struggle to sustain its wool industry if it weren’t for mills in the UK and Europe—businesses that value traditional craftsmanship while embracing innovation. That’s why we must all support each other here in NZ. When you see a product made with NZ wool, get behind it. Every business using wool is part of preserving this incredible natural resource.

    The Campaign for Wool, a global initiative, works to raise the profile of wool—and I encourage everyone to join in supporting a better future for this wonder fibre.

    Happy shopping at our online wool store! I can confidently say our range of woollen products has something to suit everyone’s taste.

    Warm regards,

    Polly X

Testimonials

  • Excellent merino wool throws, worth every penny! I bought three.

    If you're looking for a throw that's both cozy and stylish, I highly recommend Exquisite Wool Traders merino wool throws. They're not just soft; they're incredibly luxurious to the touch, providing warmth without being too heavy or bulky.

    The quality of these throws is outstanding. The craftsmanship is evident in every stitch, and the attention to detail really sets it apart from other blankets. It's the kind of product that feels like an investment, not just a purchase, because you know it's going to last.

    And, when I say it's worth every penny, I mean it. The comfort, durability, and overall experience are fantastic. If you're in the market for a new throw or blanket, you can't go wrong with Exquisite Wool Traders products.

    Glen Simmons

  • Thank you so much for your amazing quick service. My bedding blanket arrived in the weekend!  I have been a long sufferer of insomnia and have woke at am every morning.  I never throught I would break this terrible routine but after a week of receiving my bedding blanket I have been sleeping until 7am. I have read about the benefits of sleeping under wool but truly didn’t feel it would make a difference to my terrible routine. I am overwhelmed to say I have been proven wrong. Thank you, Polly, for your help, I am feeling like a new person now I am getting a good nights sleep. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

    Sara (Auckland)

  • I love my new woollen bedding blanket in forest green. Wasn’t sure what the colour would be like, but it's just gorgeous, well-stitched and suits our bedroom decor very well. This is the third blanket I've purchased from you, the other 2 being beautiful throws I bought for Christmas gifts, and I love them all. I also love your story about homegrown wool & the relationships you have with mills in England, where my ancestors hail from. Your blankets certainly are exquisite & I’m looking forward to enjoying them even more in the colder months.

    Mirella (Tauranga)

  • For as long as I remember I have been a customer of yours to the point I am now addicted. The quality in your blankets are like no other and I am just so happy I get to enjoy your beautiful range for many years to come. 

    Glennis (Napier)

  • I originally spotted these gorgeous throws on Instagram, and after investigating the Exquisite Wool Traders website, so I ordered the Harlequin "Tutti Frutti". The delivery was super speedy, and brilliant customer service. Their collection of wool and merino throws available online are truly amazing ... The quality is exceptional, with some stunning designs and vibrant colours, and very reasonably priced! I had recently bought this New Zealand-made sofa, so this particular throw has just added a pop of colour.

    Vicki Davies

  • The parcel arrived on my daughter's doorstep yesterday; very quick delivery. She already has one of your beautiful rugs from a couple of years ago and was delighted to receive a second, this one for her baby daughter, to remind them both of New Zealand and its marvellous wool.

    Sarah-Jane

  • I have just received my 1st-time order and am absolutely delighted with both of the throws, the colours are beautiful and the wool so very soft. Your dispatch and delivery was very quick indeed, thank you!

    There's nothing that beats good quality wool and natural fibres. These throws are sitting in my lounge looking absolutely gorgeous and ready to be used as the chilly winter weather starts to bite in. Exquisite is absolutely the right word for your company!

    Lorna
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Our Projects

View a list of businesses, groups, people and projects we have worked on and with.

Our Projects

Press Releases

The latest news from Exquisite Wool Traders including the realease of our new project - The Wool Pot.

Press Releases

Royalburn Station

Since 2021 we have been collaborating with Royalburn Station to design beautiful throws and bedding blankets to represent the central Otago landscape, deep blue lakes, blue skies, snow and tussock. 

Learn more