Coffee in the colonies is truly unique and better than that in the homeland. Still, a proper cup of tea is quite nice.
I would recommend purchasing an electric gooseneck kettle. I can heartily endorse this model when found on sale for under $45, in your local currency.
The important aspects of a cup are clean water, proper heating, and good tea.
Seeing as the beverage is mostly made of water, it is important that the aforementioned water be of quality. Particularly in coastal areas, or the homeland, it may be necessary to employ the use of a water filter. Obviously, your water should be fresh, never stagnant, and clean.
Once you have your sourced your water, you must heat it. For a proper english black, boiling water is ideal. If you wish to experience the pleasures of the orient, oolong can be brewed at 88 degrees, white tea at 82 degrees, and of course, the most delicate of green teas must be steeped below 71 degrees. Most importantly of all, however, is that you must use a kettle. If you are misfortunate enough to not have the means for a proper electric model, a stovetop will suffice. Under no circumstances should you ever employ the use of a microwave, as the continentals do.
And finally, your tea. There are a great many varieties available in modern markets. Since you are in the colonies, I will endorse Twinings English breakfast. It is simple, reliable, economical, and available in most colonial markets. Their products are of generally satisfactory quality, and generally satisfactory price, although many other merchants will have superior offerings in smaller scales.