.jpg){kind=small}
Kawakawa Tea - New Zealand's Native Wellness Herb
- eloise102
- Jul 8
- 6 min read
Kawakawa has been treasured in Aotearoa for generations, and today it is becoming one of New Zealand's most sought-after native herbal teas. Valued for its distinctive flavour, rich cultural heritage, and role in daily wellness rituals, Kawakawa tea offers a simple way to reconnect with nature.
Recognised by its distinctive heart-shaped leaves—often marked with small holes from the native looper caterpillar—Kawakawa represents a remarkable connection between nature, tradition and everyday wellbeing.
Today, people across New Zealand are rediscovering the pleasure of enjoying Kawakawa as a caffeine-free herbal tea. Whether you're seeking a calming evening ritual, a warming tea after meals, or simply wanting to experience one of New Zealand's most iconic native plants, Kawakawa offers a uniquely local cup of botanical goodness.
At Herbal Healing, we believe wellness begins with simple daily rituals inspired by nature. Our premium Organic Kawakawa Leaf Tea celebrates the pure flavour of this treasured native herb, while our Certified Organic Kawakawa, Lemongrass & Ginger Tea brings together three carefully selected botanicals to create a refreshing, aromatic herbal infusion that can be enjoyed throughout the day.
This guide explores the fascinating history of Kawakawa, its traditional significance, modern scientific interest, and why so many New Zealanders are making it part of their everyday wellness routine.
What is Kawakawa And Kawakawa Tea?
Kawakawa (Piper excelsum) is New Zealand's Native Wellness herb. An evergreen shrub native to New Zealand and belongs to the same botanical family as black pepper (Piper nigrum).
Traditionally found growing along forest edges, coastal bush and sheltered native environments, Kawakawa thrives in the unique climate of New Zealand. The plant produces glossy green leaves, orange berries and aromatic stems, with almost every part of the plant having been valued in traditional Māori practice.
One of the most recognisable features of Kawakawa leaves is the presence of small holes caused by the Kawakawa Looper Caterpillar. Rather than indicating poor quality, these naturally occurring holes are often considered a sign that the plant is part of a healthy native ecosystem.
For generations, Māori have regarded Kawakawa as one of the country's most important native plants. Today it continues to be appreciated not only for its cultural significance but also for its distinctive flavour and its place in contemporary herbal tea traditions.
Kawakawa is a Plant Deeply Connected to Māori Tradition
Long before herbal teas became popular wellness beverages, Kawakawa was already an important plant within rongoā Māori, the traditional knowledge system of plant use and holistic wellbeing.
For Māori, Kawakawa has never simply been "another herb." It is regarded as a taonga species—a treasured native plant with cultural, spiritual and practical significance.
Historically, Kawakawa leaves were prepared in various ways depending on the intended traditional use. Leaves, bark and berries all had their place within customary practices passed down through generations.
Beyond its practical uses, Kawakawa is frequently associated with occasions of remembrance and respect. Sprigs of Kawakawa are often worn during tangihanga (funeral ceremonies) as symbols of mourning, healing and new beginnings. This enduring cultural significance continues today and reflects the deep relationship between Māori and the natural environment.
As interest in native New Zealand botanicals grows, it is important to acknowledge and respect these traditional origins. Modern appreciation of Kawakawa tea exists because of centuries of mātauranga Māori (traditional knowledge), and enjoying Kawakawa today is also an opportunity to honour that heritage.
Why Has Kawakawa Tea Become So Popular?
Over the past decade, New Zealanders have become increasingly interested in locally grown botanicals and caffeine-free alternatives to coffee and black tea.
Consumers are looking for products that are:
Naturally caffeine free
Locally sourced
Sustainably harvested
Rich in botanical tradition
Gentle enough for everyday enjoyment
Connected to New Zealand's unique natural environment
Kawakawa fits all of these preferences beautifully.
Unlike imported herbal ingredients, Kawakawa tells a uniquely New Zealand story. Kawakawa Tea - New Zealand's Native Wellness Herb in every cup reflects our forests, our native flora and the rich traditions that have shaped our understanding of plant wellbeing.
For visitors to New Zealand, Kawakawa tea offers an authentic taste of Aotearoa. For locals, it provides a meaningful way to reconnect with one of our country's most treasured native plants.
The Natural Plant Compounds Found in Kawakawa
One reason scientists have become increasingly interested in Kawakawa is its diverse range of naturally occurring plant compounds. Researchers have identified numerous phytochemicals within Kawakawa leaves, including:
Pellitorine
The most well-known compound in Kawakawa, pellitorine is currently being studied for its interaction with inflammatory pathways and sensory receptors.
Essential Oils
Kawakawa naturally contains aromatic volatile oils that contribute to its warm, peppery aroma and distinctive flavour profile. These aromatic compounds are responsible for much of the enjoyable sensory experience when drinking freshly brewed Kawakawa tea.
Polyphenols
Like many green botanical leaves, Kawakawa contains naturally occurring polyphenols widely recognised as plant compounds that contribute to the antioxidant content of many fruits, vegetables and herbal teas.
Flavonoids
Flavonoids contribute to the overall botanical complexity of Kawakawa and are one reason many herbalists value whole-plant preparations rather than isolated extracts.
Together, these naturally occurring compounds are part of what makes Kawakawa such a fascinating native botanical and why researchers continue to investigate its unique properties.
Why Many People Enjoy Kawakawa Tea, as New Zealand's Native Wellness herb
Traditionally, Kawakawa has been associated with digestive comfort.
Its naturally warming, peppery flavour makes it particularly enjoyable after eating, and many people appreciate it as part of their post-meal routine.
This is one reason Herbal Healing created two different Kawakawa teas.
Our Pure Organic Kawakawa Leaf Tea allows customers to experience the authentic flavour of New Zealand's native leaf.
Our Organic Kawakawa, Lemongrass & Ginger Tea combines three complementary botanicals to create a brighter, citrus-inspired infusion that many people enjoy after meals or whenever they want a refreshing herbal tea.
The addition of ginger contributes a gentle warming character, while lemongrass provides a fresh citrus aroma that balances the earthy notes of Kawakawa beautifully.
Together they create a tea that is both uplifting and comforting.
When you prepare a cup of Kawakawa tea, you are creating a simple water infusion that gently extracts many of the leaf's water-soluble compounds while preserving the plant's natural flavour and aromatic qualities.
___________________________________
Unlike highly processed beverages, a loose-leaf herbal infusion remains one of the most traditional ways of enjoying botanicals.
____________________________________
The ritual itself is equally important.
Boiling the kettle.
Watching the leaves infuse.
Breathing in the warming aroma.
Taking five quiet minutes before the day begins.
These moments encourage mindfulness, hydration and intentional self-care—benefits that extend well beyond the tea itself.
Why Loose-Leaf Tea Makes a Difference
Quality begins with the leaves.
Unlike finely ground tea bags, premium loose-leaf tea allows larger pieces of the herb to expand fully during brewing. This helps create a fuller flavour, richer aroma and a more enjoyable tea-drinking experience.
Why Choose Herbal Healing Kawakawa Tea?
At Herbal Healing, every blend is carefully developed to celebrate the natural character of the herbs while creating an enjoyable drinking experience.
Whether you choose our Pure Kawakawa Leaf Tea or our refreshing Kawakawa, Lemongrass & Ginger Blend, you'll discover premium loose-leaf herbal teas inspired by New Zealand's unique botanical heritage.
Compare Our Kawakawa Teas
Feature | Kawakawa Leaf Tea | Kawakawa, Lemongrass & Ginger Tea |
Best For | Those wanting the pure, authentic flavour of Kawakawa | Those who enjoy a brighter, citrus-infused herbal tea |
Flavour Profile | Earthy, peppery, smooth and herbaceous | Fresh, citrusy, gently warming and refreshing |
Primary Ingredients | 100% Premium New Zealand Kawakawa Leaf | Kawakawa Leaf, Lemongrass and Ginger |
Caffeine | Naturally caffeine free | Naturally caffeine free |
Ideal Time to Enjoy | Morning, after meals or evening | Morning, after meals or afternoon refreshment |
Daily Wellness Ritual | A simple native herbal infusion to enjoy throughout the day | A vibrant botanical blend that brings warmth and freshness to your daily tea ritual |
Aroma | Earthy with subtle peppery notes | Bright citrus aroma with warm ginger undertones |
Perfect For | Lovers of traditional native New Zealand herbs | Those looking for a balanced blend with a refreshing flavour |
Pairs Well With | A quiet morning, journalling, mindfulness or an evening wind-down | Breakfast, a light lunch, afternoon tea or a mindful work break |
Recommended Brewing Time | 5–10 minutes | 5–7 minutes |
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose Kawakawa Leaf Tea if you enjoy the pure character of New Zealand's native wellness herb and appreciate a traditional herbal infusion with an earthy, peppery flavour.
Choose Kawakawa, Lemongrass & Ginger Tea if you prefer a brighter, more aromatic cup that combines the grounding qualities of Kawakawa with the refreshing citrus notes of lemongrass and the gentle warmth of ginger.
Whichever blend you choose, you'll be enjoying a premium, caffeine-free herbal tea inspired by the unique botanical heritage of Aotearoa and carefully crafted by Herbal Healing.
Check out Herbal Healing's Kawakawa Plus Soap or Lemongrass Soap
Explore the Herbal Healing collection and discover how one simple daily ritual can help you reconnect with nature, slow down and enjoy the remarkable gifts of New Zealand's native botanicals.
Eloise Tzimas
Founder and Director
Herbal Healing Limited
