Get to Know the Local Herbs That Give Our Drinks Their Taste

Say Hello to Kanuka Horopito, and Kumarahou — Nature’s Bounty in Every Gulp

Imagine if each cool sip you took told a tale — one that’s rooted in NZ’s native herbs shaped by Māori wisdom passed down through the ages, and blended into a modern drink to nourish your body and mind. That’s what makes Atutahi special.

At Atutahi, we think taste should go beyond pleasing your taste buds — it should link you to the land and its knowledge. Our drinks and chutneys contain NZ’s native herbs such as kanuka, horopito, and kumarahou each with a long history in rongoā Māori (traditional Māori healing). These plants do more than add flavor to our drinks; they bring natural health, balance, and a bit of Aotearoa’s untamed beauty into every bottle.

Kanuka — The Soft Healer with Secret Power

Kanuka (Kunzea ericoides), manuka’s relative, gets called the “milder spirit” among New Zealand’s healing trees. But its gentleness doesn’t mean it lacks power — kanuka has remarkable natural qualities.

In the past, Māori healers turned to kanuka for its calming and germ-fighting abilities putting it on skin to relieve irritation, cuts, or swelling. They even used steam from boiled leaves to help open up the chest and ease colds.

Today, that same goodness shines in our Kanuka Beetroot Chutney — an earthy bright spread that balances sweet beetroot with kanuka’s mild herbal notes. This tasty creation shows how healing and flavor can coexist.

Kanuka also forms part of the thinking behind our drink range — bringing natural calm and clarity without artificial additives. Each product from Atutahi celebrates the strength of nature’s quiet healers.

Horopito — The Fiery Guardian of the Forest

Horopito (Pseudowintera colorata) stands as one of the oldest flowering plants still thriving in Aotearoa — a genuine native survivor. Its eye-catching red-speckled leaves and spicy kick make it both appealing and resilient.

Nicknamed “the pepper tree”, horopito has a long history in Māori medicine to combat infections and boost digestive health. Current research supports these traditional uses — scientists have found that horopito contains polygodial, a natural substance with fungus-fighting and germ-killing properties.

You’ll experience its heat in our Horopito Blackcurrant & Boysenberry Drink — a zesty tart mix where horopito’s kick meets the rich sweetness of berries. We also offer a sugar-free option for those who want to enjoy natural flavor without added sugar.

Horopito is more than just an ingredient — it shows that tough plants can taste amazing. It adds complexity, spice, and personality to every Atutahi drink showing that nature’s power when used right, can wake up your taste buds.

Kumarahou — The Golden Cleanser of Aotearoa

Many people call kumarahou (Pomaderris kumeraho) the “gumdigger’s soap”. Early settlers used it to wash gold dust off their hands. When mixed with water, its natural saponins make a mild cleansing foam.

But Māori knew kumarahou had an even more valuable use — it could clean the blood and help lung health. They put it in tonics and teas trusting this plant to improve breathing and purify the body.

At Atutahi, we respect the past in our refreshing Kumarahou Lemon & Lime Drink — a light, citrus mix that tastes like bottled sunshine. You can also get it as a sugar-free option great for people who want less sugar but still crave zest and natural energy.

Kumarahou stands for cleansing and renewal — qualities that run through every Atutahi product. This plant refreshes, both inside and out, and its story shows us that healing often starts with simplicity.

From Forest to Bottle — Respecting Nature’s Plan

Every Atutahi drink starts with one simple question: how can we honor native ingredients without overwhelming them?

We pick herbs like kanuka, horopito, and kumarahou mixing them with real fruits and botanicals to create balance and stay true to their roots. Each recipe shows what we believe in — natural, free from preservatives, and drawing inspiration from traditional Māori wisdom.

When you pick our drinks with less sugar or native chutneys, you help a brand that cares — about the earth, about the ingredients, and about the people who keep these stories going.

Our founder’s goal is straightforward: to introduce the flavors of Aotearoa to the world while preserving their significance. Each bottle you open connects the past to the present offering a modern take on traditional tastes.

Why Pick Atutahi?

• 100% NZ-made, with native ingredients.
• Drawn from rongoā Māori concepts.
• No preservatives, no artificial colors just the real stuff.
• Offers low-sugar and sugar-free choices.
• uses local sources and eco-friendly bottling.

Every taste is more than just a beverage — it links you to culture, community, and promotes your health.

Taste NZ’s Native Herbs in Every Drink

Want to experience the wild essence of Aotearoa? Check out the complete Atutahi line and bring our native herbs’ spirit to your home.👉 Buy now: Atutahi Drinks Collection 👉 Find chutneys: Native Chutneys 👉 See our values: What We Value at Atutahi

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