Cans of New Zealand air sold at $98 a bottle

Fresh air from New Zealand goes on sale at a duty free shop for $100

NZ Herald,

5 October, 2018

Cans of New Zealand air have sparked outrage after they were spotted on sale for almost $100.

Four cans of the 'Pure Fresh New Zealand Air' were seen on display with a price tag of $98.99 at a duty free shop at Auckland International Airport, the Daily Mail reported.

A photo of the 'value pack' cans - saving customers $20 off the normal retail price - was shared to Twitter by journalist Damian Christie on Thursday.

"You've got to be s***ting me. Also, $98 so not exactly a cute prank gift," he posted alongside the photo.

Others speculated if the air bottling required resource consent.

We have hit peak capitalism," another person said.

The bottles - which come with breathing masks attached - are sold around the world by a company called Kiwiana.

Five-litre cans of air are sold on the Kiwiana website for $34.50 each.

"New Zealand's unique position in the Southern Ocean means Kiwiana Air has crossed no major landmass before flowing over the pristine Southern Alps of New Zealand and into this can," a message on the back of the product reads.

According to the Kiwiana website, the company harvests the air "above the snow line" on New Zealand's South Island.