Why Real Māori Wellness Drinks Can Be Hard to Find
Here’s the honest truth: you won’t find Māori wellness drinks in every supermarket. Most are made in small batches by whānau businesses. So you may have tried a kawakawa tonic at a café, loved it, and then come home empty-handed.
There’s another catch. Lots of drinks now use words like “native” or “botanical” on the label. That doesn’t always mean a Māori-owned business made them. It doesn’t mean the plants were harvested with care, either. This guide clears that up. It shows you where to buy the real thing online and what it costs. It also shows you where to find it in person if you live in Nelson Tasman.
The easiest way to buy Māori wellness drinks online in NZ is straight from the Atutahi online shop. Atutahi is a Māori-owned whānau business based in Nelson. You can order kawakawa, horopito and kūmarahou drinks in 15-packs of glass bottles or 18- and 24-packs of cans. Delivery is a flat $20 to most of New Zealand, plus $15 for rural addresses. Would you rather shop in person? Use the stockist map further down this page.
Key Takeaways
- Buy direct: The Atutahi online shop has the full range and current specials.
- Māori-owned: Atutahi is a whānau-run, Māori-owned business from Nelson.
- Three native plants: Kawakawa, horopito and kūmarahou, harvested with tikanga.
- Simple delivery: $20 flat to most of NZ, plus $15 for rural addresses.
- Best value: Bigger packs spread the $20 delivery cost across more drinks.
- In person: Nelson Tasman has more than seven stockists. Use the map and call ahead.
A Quick Look at Māori Wellness Drinks
Māori wellness drinks are ready-to-drink beverages made with native plants from Aotearoa. They use plants that Māori have relied on for generations in rongoā, the traditional Māori system of healing. The best known are kawakawa, horopito and kūmarahou, and you can meet the native herbs behind the drinks in our plant guide. Makers blend them with fruit, water and a light fizz. The result tastes like a grown-up soft drink, not a bitter herbal tea, which makes it an easy swap for everyday soda.
What makes a drink truly Māori is more than the plant on the label. It’s who harvests the leaves, how they do it, and who owns the business. Our guide to Māori-owned wellness brands to support in NZ explains how to tell the difference.
Where Can I Buy Māori Wellness Drinks Online in NZ?
You can buy Atutahi Māori wellness drinks directly from the Atutahi online shop, with delivery right across New Zealand. They’re also sold through cafés, farm shops and gift stores around the country. Check the stockist map below for the most current retailers near you.
Buying direct gets you the full range, the current specials and fresh stock. Your money also goes straight to the whānau who make the drinks. Stockists are handy when you want one cold bottle today. When you want a fridge full, ordering online is simpler.
Meet the Whānau Behind Atutahi
Atutahi started with one person, one plant and a market stall. Founder Reni Wereta-Gargiulo has whakapapa to Ngāti Ruanui, Ngā Rauru Kītahi and Te Atiawa. She turned to kawakawa leaves when she wanted a more natural option in her own life. Her ancestors had used kawakawa as rongoā for generations, often served as a tonic. So Reni started testing it with different flavours at home.
Reni first shared her drinks at the local market, and people kept coming back for more. She then worked with a local brewer to learn how to carbonate them. With her partner Andrew, she began harvesting enough leaf to make larger batches. As demand grew, more of the whānau joined in. The name Atutahi is a star in the Matariki cluster, and it was also the name of Reni’s koro, her grandfather.
Today the whānau still collects leaves and berries from whānau sites throughout Te Waipounamu. Preparation follows tikanga, and a karakia is performed at harvest. You can read more on the About Atutahi page, in the story behind Atutahi and in how Atutahi chooses its ingredients. The What We Value page shows what drives the business.
Which Atutahi Drink Should You Try First?
If you’re new to native drinks, start with the flavour that matches what you already like. Here’s a simple guide.
| Flavour | What it tastes like | Great for | Formats |
| Kawakawa Lemon & Lime | Zesty citrus with a gentle, peppery warmth | An everyday afternoon refresher | 15-pack bottles, 18-pack cans (check stock) |
| Horopito, Blackcurrant & Boysenberry | Rich berry with a soft, spicy kick | Fans of fruity drinks and whānau fridges | 15-pack bottles, 24-pack cans |
| Kūmarahou Lemon & Lime | Bitter-sweet and tonic-like, with bright citrus | People who enjoy tonic water or bitters | 15-pack bottles, 18-pack cans (check stock) |
Kawakawa is the easiest place to start. The Kawakawa Lemon and Lime 15-pack is light, zingy and easy to love. Curious about the plant itself? Read about the traditional uses of kawakawa. If you prefer something deeper and fruitier, try the Horopito, Blackcurrant and Boysenberry 15-pack. Horopito is sometimes called New Zealand’s pepper tree, so expect a little warmth. Our five warming ways to enjoy horopito will give you ideas.
Kūmarahou is the one for adventurous palates. It has a grown-up bitter edge (here’s why herbal drinks taste bitter), balanced with lemon and lime. You can read how it went from the bush to the bottle. The Kūmarahou Lemon and Lime 15-pack was out of stock when we checked, so pop your details on the product page or contact the team. Still not sure? Our kawakawa vs horopito comparison and which Atutahi drink suits your lifestyle guides go deeper. To learn about the plants themselves, visit Your Health or meet the Māori botanicals behind Atutahi.
How to Order Atutahi Drinks Online
Ordering takes about five minutes, on your phone or your computer. Here’s how it works.
First, head to the drinks shop. Go to the Native Drinks NZ page. You’ll see every flavour and pack size in one place, with any current specials marked “Sale”.
Next, choose your pack. Pick glass bottles or cans and a single flavour or a mix. Items marked “out of stock” show “Read more” instead of “Add to cart”.
Then, check out. Add your delivery address. Shipping and any rural fee are worked out at checkout, so you’ll see the full cost before you pay. It’s worth a quick look at the returns policy too.
Finally, chill and enjoy. The drinks keep well in a cool, dark cupboard. Pop a few in the fridge so you always have a cold one ready.
Atutahi Pack Sizes and Prices (Checked September 2026)
The best value right now is the September–October special on selected packs. Prices below were checked on the Atutahi shop on 29 September 2026. Specials and stock change, so always confirm the price in the shop before you order.
| Pack | Format | Price | Stock |
| Kawakawa Lemon & Lime 15-pack | 330ml glass bottles | $55 (usually $75) | In stock |
| Horopito, Blackcurrant & Boysenberry 15-pack | 330ml glass bottles | $55 (usually $75) | In stock |
| Horopito, Blackcurrant & Boysenberry 24-pack | Cans | $88 (usually $120) | In stock |
| Horopito & Kawakawa 18-pack (9 of each) | Cans | $90 | In stock |
| Mixed 15-pack | 330ml glass bottles | $75 | In stock |
| Kūmarahou Lemon & Lime 15-pack | 330ml glass bottles | $75 | Out of stock |
| Kumarahou Lemon & Lime 24 pack | Can | $96 | In stock |
| Mixed 24 pack | 330ml glass bottles | $96 (usually $108) | In stock |
Bottles or cans?
Choose glass bottles for the table and cans for the road. Bottles feel special, which makes them great for dinners and gifts. Cans are lighter, chill faster and are easy to throw in a chilly bin for the beach, a hike or the sideline. The recipe is the same either way, so pick the format that fits your week. Planning a picnic or barbecue? See our picks of the best non-alcoholic drinks in NZ.
How to get the most for your money
Buying a bigger pack spreads the delivery cost. Delivery is a flat $20, so on a 15-pack it adds about $1.33 per bottle. On a 24-pack of cans it adds only about 83 cents each. If you already know you love one flavour, the larger pack is the smart buy. If you’re still exploring, the Mixed 15-pack lets you try the range before you commit.
What Does Delivery Cost?
Atutahi delivers contactless to homes and businesses across New Zealand, and the pricing is simple. Here’s what you’ll pay, based on the current shipping policy.
| Delivery address | Cost |
| Most New Zealand addresses | $20 flat rate |
| Rural addresses | $20 + 15ruralfee(35 total) |
| Stewart Island, Great Barrier Island, Waiheke Island and the Chatham Islands | Not covered by the flat rate, so contact the team first |
The shipping policy doesn’t list delivery times. If you need your order by a certain date, such as a birthday or an event, get in touch before you order. The team will tell you honestly what’s possible.
Prefer to Shop in Person? Find a Stockist Near You
If you’d rather grab a bottle today, use the map below to find your nearest Atutahi stockist. The map is updated whenever a retailer joins or changes, so it’s the most current list available.
In Nelson Tasman, you’re spoilt for choice. In Nelson city, look for Atutahi at River Kitchen on Trafalgar Street. Around Richmond and Appleby, try The Junction, The Grape Escape Cafe and The Craftsman Cafe. Further out, you’ll find it at Māpua Village Bakery, Neudorf Vineyards in Upper Moutere and Toad Hall in Motueka. You can also meet the whānau behind Atutahi at the KiwiKai stall at the Nelson Saturday Market and the Motueka Sunday Market.
Further afield, Atutahi turns up in some lovely places. They include Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa and Wai-O-Tapu in Rotorua, Huka Lodge near Taupō and Over the Moon Dairy in Putāruru. Stock varies from shop to shop, so it’s worth calling ahead. For tips on finding Atutahi in stores, see our guide on where to buy Atutahi in NZ or the full stockists page.
Why Kiwis Keep Coming Back to Atutahi
Real native plants, not flavourings. Every drink is made with leaf harvested from Te Waipounamu by the whānau, following tikanga. You taste the plant, not a lab version of it. Learn more about what makes a wellness drink functional.
Less sugar than a typical fizzy drink. Atutahi was created because Reni wanted natural, low-sugar drinks that used the goodness of Aotearoa’s plants. If you’re cutting back on sugar, our guide to sugar-free vs low-sugar drinks explains what the labels really mean, and our tips on reading wellness drink labels help you compare brands.
A local, whānau-run business. Atutahi is made in Nelson by a Māori whānau. Every order supports local jobs and keeps traditional knowledge in the hands of the people it belongs to. Take a look behind the bottle to see the journey, or read why buying drinks made in NZ matters.
Packs that fit your life. Bottles, cans, single flavours and mixed packs let you shop for yourself, your whānau or your office. Our tips on building a home wellness fridge show you how to make the most of a bulk order, and here’s how functional drinks fit a busy day.
A gift with a story. The Atutahi gift packs, such as Gift Tahi and Gift Rua, pair native drinks with treats like Atutahi’s native chutneys. For whānau occasions, browse our Māori-inspired gift hamper ideas. For work gifts, see our guide to corporate wellness gift packs.
Ready to Stock Your Fridge?
Your easiest next step is to browse the Atutahi drinks range and grab a pack while the spring specials last. If you’re not sure where to start, the Mixed 15-pack is a friendly first order.
Want first dibs on new flavours and specials? Join the Atutahi community by adding your email in the sign-up box at the bottom of any page. Run a café, shop or workplace and want to stock Atutahi or order in bulk? Contact the team for a kōrero. They love hearing from people who share their passion for native kai and drinks.
Your Next Sip Starts Here
Finding real Māori wellness drinks used to take some luck. Now it takes a few taps. Order online and you get the full Atutahi range, fair delivery pricing and drinks made with care by a Māori-owned whānau business in Nelson. If you’re local to Nelson Tasman, you can also pick up a bottle at a nearby café, bakery or market stall.
Whichever way you buy, you’re choosing more than a drink. You’re backing native plant knowledge, a local whānau and a better option than the usual sugary fizz. Choose your first pack today and taste the difference for yourself. Want to learn more first? Explore the Māori wellness blog.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can buy Māori wellness drinks online from the Atutahi shop, with delivery across New Zealand. Atutahi is a Māori-owned whānau business in Nelson that makes kawakawa, horopito and kūmarahou drinks. Packs come as 15 glass bottles or 18 or 24 cans. Delivery is a flat $20 to most addresses, plus $15 for rural ones. You can also find Atutahi at the cafés and shops on the stockists page.
Yes. Atutahi was founded by Reni Wereta-Gargiulo, who has whakapapa to Ngāti Ruanui, Ngā Rauru Kītahi and Te Atiawa. It is run by her whānau in Nelson. The name comes from her koro, and the whānau harvests the native leaves for every drink from whānau sites in Te Waipounamu, following tikanga and karakia. You can read the full story on the About Atutahi page. Every drink carries that story.
Delivery is a flat $20 to most addresses in New Zealand. Rural addresses pay an extra $15, so $35 in total. The flat rate doesn’t cover Stewart Island, Great Barrier Island, Waiheke Island or the Chatham Islands, so contact Atutahi before ordering to one of those places. Shipping costs are shown at checkout, so you’ll always see the full price before you pay. You can check the full policy online.
Yes. Atutahi delivers to rural addresses across New Zealand. A $15 rural fee is added to the $20 flat rate, so rural delivery costs $35 in total. The fee appears automatically at checkout. If you live rurally, ordering a bigger pack, like a 24-pack of cans, is the best way to spread that delivery cost across more drinks and keep the price per drink down. The full cost always shows before you pay.
The cheapest way is to buy a larger pack during a special. In September 2026, the Kawakawa and Horopito 15-packs of bottles were $55 and the Horopito 24-pack of cans was $88, each about $3.67 per drink. Because delivery is a flat $20, bigger orders lower the shipping cost per drink too. Prices change, so check the online shop for current specials before you order. Mixed packs cost more per drink.
Yes. Atutahi was created because its founder wanted natural, low-sugar drinks made with Aotearoa’s native plants. The drinks use native leaf extracts with fruit for flavour, so they’re lower in sugar than a typical fizzy drink. If you’re watching your sugar closely, check the label on each flavour (here’s how to read one), as the fruit content and sweetness vary slightly between the kawakawa, horopito and kūmarahou drinks.
Kawakawa drinks have a fresh, gently peppery flavour with a slightly herbal finish. Atutahi pairs kawakawa with lemon and lime, so the result is zesty and light, a bit like a grown-up lemonade with a warm edge. It’s the easiest Atutahi flavour for first-timers. It’s also a nice swap for an afternoon soft drink, served cold straight from the fridge. Many people add ice and a slice of lemon.
Choose glass bottles if you want something that looks special on the table or as a gift. Choose cans if you want something light and portable that chills fast, which is great for picnics, hikes, sports and the beach. Both formats hold the same Atutahi recipes, so the taste is the same. It really comes down to where and how you’ll be drinking them. Both are 330ml, so you get the same amount.
Yes. When you order online, simply enter your friend’s or whānau member’s address as the delivery address. For something extra special, Atutahi gift packs pair native drinks with other treats, and they suit birthdays, thank-yous and corporate gifts. If the gift needs to arrive by a certain date, contact the Atutahi team before you order so they can advise on timing. Some gift packs include chutneys too.
Yes. Atutahi works with cafés, farm shops, lodges, spas and gift stores across New Zealand, including many in Nelson Tasman. If you’d like to stock Atutahi or place a large order for an event or workplace, get in touch through the Atutahi contact page. The team is happy to kōrero about wholesale options and help you choose the right flavours for your customers. Current outlets are listed on the stockists page.