Introduction
Along the coastlines and forest edges of Aotearoa New Zealand grows one of nature's most extraordinary healing plants. Kawakawa (Macropiper excelsum). Sacred to Māori and revered in Rongoā Māori (traditional Māori medicine) for centuries, Kawakawa is far more than a tea. It is a living taonga, a treasure, that connects us to the land, to ancestral wisdom, and to our own wellbeing.
At Tī Ani, we wild-harvest our Kawakawa by hand with care and intention, picking with a karakia (blessing) and drying it naturally to preserve every drop of its healing goodness. Because we harvest small batches by hand, our Kawakawa blends can be limited in stock. When it’s gone, it’s gone until the next harvest!
The Story of Kawakawa in Rongoā Māori
Kawakawa holds a deeply sacred place in Māori culture. Its leaves are used to adorn pōwhiri (welcome ceremonies) and tāngihanga (funerals), and Kawakawa wreaths (pare kawakawa) are worn at both celebrations and times of mourning, making it one of the most culturally significant plants in all of Aotearoa. It symbolises the connection between the living and the ancestors.
In Rongoā Māori, Kawakawa was one of the most widely used medicinal plants. Māori healers (tohunga) brewed it into tonics, ground it into poultices for skin and inflammation, and even chewed the leaves to relieve toothache. Early European settlers quickly adopted it as an alternative to black tea, and for good reason.
🌿 Fun Facts About Kawakawa
Kawakawa leaves with holes, eaten by the native peppered looper moth (Cleora scriptaria), are the most prized for brewing. When insects attack the leaves, the plant floods them with extra nutrients and medicinal compounds as a defence response. More holes = more healing power!
Kawakawa thrives in filtered light and is commonly found along coastlines, forest edges, and stream banks. It loves the dappled sunshine of Aotearoa's coastal landscapes rather than deep forest shade.
Kawakawa belongs to the Piperaceae family, the same family as black pepper. That explains the distinctive warm, peppery taste our customers love so much!
Kawakawa grows nowhere else on Earth naturally. It is endemic to New Zealand, found across the North Island, northern South Island, and offshore islands including the Kermadecs and Manawatāwhi (Three Kings Islands).
Kawakawa is completely caffeine-free, unlike black or green tea, making it a perfect morning, afternoon, or evening brew.
Every leaf is hand-picked by us in small batches, which means each cup carries real care and intention. It also means stock can be limited, so if you find it available, it’s worth stocking up!
Health Benefits of Kawakawa Tea
A cup of Kawakawa tea is refreshing, revitalising, and deeply nourishing. Traditional Rongoā Māori uses, supported by growing interest from modern researchers, suggest it may help with:
- Digestive support - may help soothe bloating, cramping, constipation, and IBS symptoms
- Anti-inflammatory support - traditionally used to ease joint pain, swelling, and general inflammation
- Skin health - historically used for eczema, psoriasis, acne, and dry skin conditions
- Urinary health - traditionally supports a healthy bladder and urinary system
- Cleansing and circulation - traditionally used as a cleansing tonic to support the body’s natural detoxification processes, including healthy digestion, liver function, and circulation. Think of it as a gentle internal reset rather than a dramatic "detox"
- Energy and vitality - an uplifting tonic that may improve energy and stamina, without caffeine
Curious to try it? Browse our Kawakawa blends →
How To Brew Kawakawa Tea
Brewing Kawakawa is a ritual worth slowing down for.
- Take one teaspoon of Kawakawa leaves per cup.
- Pour 500ml of water into a pot and bring to the boil. (Optional: add a slice of fresh ginger for extra warmth.)
- Add the dried Kawakawa leaves to the boiling water.
- Reduce to a simmer and brew for 10 to 15 minutes. The longer you brew, the stronger and more medicinal the flavour.
- Strain into your favourite cup and enjoy slowly. Breathe it in first. 🌿
Tip: Kawakawa pairs beautifully with a little raw honey or a squeeze of lemon.
What Our Customers Say
Rated 4.8/5
"I had one cup and the generalised swelling started to subside. Abdominal distention has eased. My swollen joints have found some relief. A cup of kawakawa tea each day is now part of the pain relief arsenal."
Stella, Verified Buyer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"After travelling through most of North and South Island and sampling Kawakawa wherever I could find it, I can definitively say THIS IS THE BEST KAWAKAWA IN NZ. It has a fresh, slightly spicy, vegetal taste and warms the heart as much as the cup does for the hands. Kia ora Annette!"
Will, Verified Buyer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"The Kawakawa comes through with a strong, wild presence. The Ginger complements it very nicely... body, mind, spirit, kawakawa, ginger, sencha."
Kate, Verified Buyer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Great after dinner tea. It’s good for bloating, it’s calming and it has a peppery, gingery flavour, not too overpowering."
Ana, Verified Buyer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"It is a real treat to brew a pot, so relaxing to sit and enjoy the experience like never before. Totally recommend."
Helen H., Verified Buyer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌿 Ready to experience Kawakawa for yourself?
Tī Ani sources wild-harvested Kawakawa from the coastlines and forest edges of Aotearoa New Zealand, picked by hand with a karakia and dried naturally to preserve its full healing power.
Please note: As a small-batch, hand-harvested product, stock can be limited. We recommend grabbing yours while it’s available!
Shop Kawakawa Ora (Wild & Organic) Shop Tī Oranga Wellness Tea Shop Kawakawa Tea (Wild Harvest)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rated 4.8/5 by our customers · Wild harvested from Aotearoa · Rongoā Māori inspired
🗣️ Join the Kōrero! Have you tried Kawakawa tea? We’d love to hear how you drink it, what you’ve noticed, or just what you thought of that first earthy, peppery sip. Leave a comment below and join the conversation!
