Mermaiding is making a splash in New Zealand! Whether you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade to a high-performance tail, choosing the right mermaid tail is essential. From fun fabric tails for beginners to professional-grade silicone tails, there’s a mermaid tail for every level and budget. This guide will help you navigate the different types of mermaid tails available in New Zealand, including their materials, monofin options, and price ranges.
Beginner Mermaid Tails: Fabric Tails
Perfect for children and beginners, fabric mermaid tails are a great way to start your mermaid journey. These tails are usually made from swimsuit fabric (such as spandex or polyester blends) and are lightweight, easy to wear, and affordable.
Pros:
- Affordable and widely available
- Lightweight and easy to swim in
- Available in a variety of colours and designs
- Machine washable and travel-friendly
Cons:
- Less realistic compared to silicone or hybrid tails
- Not as durable as higher-end options
Price Range in NZ:
- Fabric tails (without monofin): $50 – $150
- Fabric tails (with monofin): $100 – $250
Popular brands in New Zealand include Fin Fun and Sun Tails, which offer fun and colourful designs for kids and adults alike.
Intermediate Mermaid Tails: Neoprene & Hybrid Tails
As you progress in your mermaiding skills, you may want to upgrade to a more durable tail. Neoprene tails, sometimes called ‘hybrid’ tails, are a step up from fabric tails and provide a more realistic look.
Materials Used:
- Neoprene (the same material used in wetsuits)
- May include a fabric covering for colour and texture
- Some hybrid tails incorporate partial silicone flukes for a more realistic appearance
Pros:
- More durable than fabric tails
- More form-fitting and realistic
- Suitable for deeper dives and more advanced tricks
Cons:
- Heavier than fabric tails
- More expensive
Price Range in NZ:
- Neoprene tails: $250 – $600
- Hybrid tails: $500 – $1,200
Brands like Mertailor and Finfolk Productions create high-quality hybrid tails that balance beauty with practicality.
Professional Mermaid Tails: Silicone Tails
For serious mermaids, silicone tails are the ultimate choice. These tails are handcrafted, fully customisable, and designed for professional mermaid performances.
Materials Used:
- 100% platinum-cured silicone
- Some feature reinforced internal structures for durability
- High-quality monofins embedded within the tail
Pros:
- Ultra-realistic appearance
- Durable and long-lasting
- Customisable colours, textures, and designs
- Ideal for professional performances and underwater photography
Cons:
- Expensive
- Heavy (often weighing 10-20 kg)
- Requires training and strength to swim effectively
Price Range in NZ:
- Entry-level silicone tails: $1,500 – $3,000
- Fully custom silicone tails: $3,500 – $10,000+
Top-tier brands like Mertailor, Finfolk, and Merbella Studios offer stunning silicone tails that are works of art.
Types of Monofins: Choosing the Right One
A monofin is the essential component of a mermaid’s tail, providing propulsion and stability while swimming. Here’s a look at different types:
1. Beginner Monofins
- Typically made of flexible plastic
- Comfortable foot pockets
- Suitable for recreational swimming
- Price: $60 – $150
2. Intermediate Monofins
- Made of more durable materials like rubber or fibreglass
- Provides more power and control
- Price: $150 – $400
3. Professional Monofins
- High-performance freediving fins (fibreglass or carbon fibre)
- Integrated into silicone tails for ultimate realism
- Price: $500 – $1,500
Popular monofin brands available in New Zealand include Mahina Mermaid, Finis, and DMC Fins.
Where to Buy Mermaid Tails in New Zealand?
New Zealand has a growing mermaiding community, and you can find mermaid tails from both local and international suppliers. Here are some places to check:
- Making Mermaids (NZ-based) – Certified mermaiding courses, custom tails, and accessories
- Mermaid Kat Shop – High-quality neoprene and silicone tails
- Fin Fun (NZ stockists available) – Great beginner options
- International brands (Mertailor, Finfolk, Merbella Studios) – Custom and professional tails (shipping to NZ required)
Start Your Mermaiding Journey Today!
No matter your skill level, there’s a mermaid tail for you! Start with a beginner-friendly fabric tail, progress to a hybrid or neoprene tail, and work your way up to a stunning professional silicone tail. Whether you’re swimming for fun, training for mermaid performances, or using your tail for underwater photography, there’s never been a better time to embrace your inner mermaid in New Zealand!
Need help choosing the right mermaid tail? Making Mermaids offers expert advice, certified mermaiding courses, and professional mermaid services. Dive into the magic today!
