A Wild Invitation to Aotearoa’s Taste
Picture yourself on a foggy path in Te Waipounamu where the breeze shakes the kawakawa and kanuka leaves. You inhale —that crisp verdant air tells a story. Now imagine bottling this very essence. This is what Atutahi does: it captures the heart of Aotearoa native forests for your hands and taste buds.
Whether you’re a curious traveler exploring New Zealand’s untamed landscapes, or someone at home wanting a drink that’s not just fizzy and sweet, Atutahi gives you a unique Kiwi experience. Their native plant blends have roots in Māori rongoā (traditional medicine), contain little sugar, and are made with care in Nelson. This drink is more than just a beverage — it takes you on a journey through the land, whakapapa (genealogy), and health.
The Story Behind the Sip
From Forest to Bottle
Atutahi has its origins in deep roots – both cultural and botanical. The company’s founders gather native plants such as kawakawa, kūmarahou, horopito, and kānuka with great care. They follow tikanga (Māori values), karakia (prayers), and show respect for the whenua (land). They pick each leaf and berry by hand from cherished family whenua in Te Waipounamu. Then, they turn these into refreshing drinks and chutneys using gentle methods.
A Legacy in Every Bottle
The name Atutahi holds power and significance. It points to the “lone star” in the Matariki group — a sign of being one-of-a-kind, tough, and a guide. Reni Wereta‑Gargiulo, who started it all, began by making kawakawa tea to help with joint pain using knowledge her family had passed down. This focus on healing stays at the heart of what Atutahi does.
Ingredients with Deep Roots & Health Benefits
Atutahi’s native mixes offer more than just taste — they put wellness in a bottle. Each plant has its own traditional uses:
- Kawakawa helps digestion and soothes discomfort in rongoā Māori practices.
- Kūmarahou nicknamed “the lungs of the forest,” aids breathing.
- Horopito also called the Māori pepper tree fights inflammation and fungi.
Current research backs up these age-old uses linking past wisdom to present-day health.
Low Sugar, High Integrity
Unlike many soft drinks, Atutahi’s drinks go easy on sugar. Their regular bottles have less than 5 g of sugar per 300 ml—about 85% lower than typical soda. They also offer a sugar-free range, so you can enjoy native flavor without giving anything up.
Why Atutahi Is the Adventure You Never Knew You Needed
A Sample of Aotearoa’s Untamed Spirit
Every taste of Atutahi brings to mind a stroll through New Zealand’s woodlands. The Kawakawa Lemon & Lime blends zesty citrus with kawakawa’s spicy warmth; while the Horopito Blackcurrant & Boysenberry combines tart berries with a mild herbal touch. For those minding their sugar intake, the sugar-free mixed 15‑pack offers a chance to try three botanicals—kawakawa, kūmarahou, and horopito—without any added sugar.
More Than a Drink — A Connection
Drinking Atutahi helps you bond: with your surroundings, heritage, and health. Your purchase supports Māori-run companies and promotes responsible harvesting methods.
But there’s more to it. Besides beverages, Atuthai’s chutneys bring local plants to your table. The Horopito Tomato Chutney gives you a hot spicy taste rooted in Māori customs, while the Kānuka Beetroot Chutney tastes rich and sugary with a hint of flowers.
Gift with Meaning
Atutahi’s gift sets blend culture, class, and consideration. They’re perfect to give a friend, bring to a special dinner, or enjoy yourself. Each pack combines drinks, chutneys, and other items – all with roots in New Zealand’s land and Māori knowledge.
Start Your Wild Flavor Adventure
Want to taste the untamed spirit of New Zealand? Here’s how to begin:
- Check out Atutahi’s complete selection of native‑infused blends and gift packs on their website.
- Pick the low-sugar or sugar-free choices if you keep an eye on your daily sugar intake.
- Sample the chutneys — such as Horopito Tomato or Kānuka Beetroot — to add a flavor of Māori whenua to your dishes.
- Locate a retailer close to you across New Zealand through their website if you prefer to buy drinks in stores.
- Join their newsletter or connect on social platforms to stay informed about their progress upcoming flavors, and tales from the land.
When you pick Atutahi, you do more than select a beverage — you back Māori customs applaud local ecosystems, and savor wellness made with care.
Travel + Taste: An Aotearoa Journey
For travelers in New Zealand, Atutahi feels like the ideal companion to your adventures. After you hike through native woods, or paddle along the shoreline, you can open a bottle of Atutahi’s kawakawa or horopito drink to take a breather — a mindful ritual. This links you back to the land you just discovered anchoring your experience in place and history.
Pack a few bottles for your road trip. Split them with locals or other travelers. Take them out for a cool break. Make Atutahi part of your journey — a flavor memento of the land you trod, the foliage you spotted, the breeze you sensed.
Once you’re back home, that wild feeling doesn’t have to fade. Atutahi’s web store ships all over New Zealand, and their products make meaningful, story-filled presents for loved ones, or even for yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Atutahi is a New Zealand company that produces drinks and chutneys from native plants. They use traditional Māori botanicals such as kawakawa, horopito, and kūmarahou in their products.
Kawakawa has a warm peppery flavor. Atutahi often mixes it with citrus fruits like lemon and lime in their blends. This creates a drink with a spicy, herb-like taste that’s also refreshing.
Atutahi drinks aren’t medicine, but they contain botanicals that Māori rongoā uses. Their low-sugar (less than 5g per 300 ml) or sugar-free options make them a better choice than regular soda.
Atutahi makes all its products in Nelson, New Zealand.
Atutahi creates unique artisan chutneys like Horopito Tomato and Kānuka Beetroot. These chutneys use native plants and have little sugar.
Yes – Atutahi offers well-chosen gift sets that combine their drinks, chutneys, and other products inspired by native ingredients. Atutahi | Made with Love by KiwiKai