About MindFuel
Explorers since the early days of Aotearoa’s smartshop culture.
MindFuel began in 2004, back when online smartshops were still an experiment and most of us were learning by trial, error and late-night curiosity. What started as a small operation in New Plymouth grew into one of Aotearoa’s longest-running sources for elevated botanicals, kava, smartshop herbs and headshop essentials. We ran a physical shop for a good stretch (2005 - 2013), but these days everything flows through our online store and our wholesale network - easier for us, and much easier for fellow explorers near and far.
What we do
MindFuel is built around a simple idea: find the plants, blends and tools that actually hold up in real use, and share them responsibly. No gimmicks, no shortcuts. Just well-sourced botanicals, clean formulations and reliable gear.
We put most of our energy into three areas:
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Kava, especially noble kava from growers we’ve worked with for many years
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Elevated botanicals, from classics like kanna and blue lotus to rarer herbs and blends
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Practical tools, including vaporizers, grinders, infusers and accurate test kits
If something makes it into our catalogue, it’s because it earned the space.
A few things we’re known for
Noble Kava
There’s plenty of weak or muddled kava out there. We work directly with Vanuatu growers to bring in noble varieties with clean chemistry, steady effects and proper drying. It’s been one of our specialties since day one.
Ecsplore
Our in-house energizer. Built for clear, social stimulation without the messy comedown. Developed the slow way: testing, adjusting and listening to what actually works for people.
Blue Lotus
Our organic Thai lotus remains one of our most requested botanicals - full petals, strong aroma, traditional sun-drying and none of the bulk-farmed shortcuts.
Elevated Botanicals
Our own herb range. Straightforward, single-plant offerings alongside blends for energy, mood, relaxation and more. Many of these herbs we’ve worked with for over twenty years.
Vaporizers & Headshop Gear
We stock the devices and tools that do the job properly; from Storz & Bickel medical units to locally made hardwood and glass pieces, plus rolling gear and practical accessories.
How we work
We’ve always taken a harm-reduction approach. That means clear information, responsible sourcing, accurate dosing guidance and products that don’t cut corners. We’d rather offer fewer things and stand behind all of them than chase trends or race to the bottom.
We also care about where our plants come from. Many of our botanicals are grown by small producers using traditional methods - rain-fed ponds, hand-harvesting, organic practices. Supporting them keeps quality high and honours the cultures these plants come from.
Still exploring
Two decades in, we’re still doing what first pulled us into this world: testing plants, refining formulas, and looking for better, safer ways for people to explore mind-altering experiences. The landscape changes, but the curiosity stays the same.
If you’re here for kava, botanicals, nootropics, vaporizers, extracts or just a starting point for your own journey - welcome. We’re fellow explorers. Always have been.