The mineral springs in Te Aroha have a long and unique history – almost as unique as the drink itself.
WHERE IT ALL BEGAN...
The hot springs have always held importance with local Māori tribes. For Maori, it was traditionally believed the mineral water contained medicinal properties – and bathing or drinking the water was to heal many diseases and conditions.
In the 1800's, Te Aroha become one of the most popular spa towns in New Zealand. Visitors flocked to the famed spas to ‘Take the Waters’ - enjoying the fabled healing properties they were believed to hold. They came to drink and bath in the the mineral water to cure aliments such as arthritis, rheumatism, skin conditions, digestive problems and even… hangovers!
THE WHITAKER STREET SPRING
The first record of our Whitaker Street spring dates back to 1901, with Mrs Anna Marie Gathercole Williams – when it became known as the ‘Williams Magnesia Springs and Strawberry Garden’.
It was a hit among locals and tourists alike, with guest book records detailing how enchanting the springs and gardens were:
"A delightful place of winding paths, shady nooks and leafy boughs laid out in a bewildering maze of flower gardens, strawberry plots and an orchard whereon the marvellous waters, direct from natures own laboratory provide health giving waters"
You don’t often read reviews that descriptive anymore!
TE AROHA MINERAL WATER CO.
Mrs Williams never bottled the water commercially, but she gave tourists the opportunity to take the ‘all curing’ waters away with them - having the mineral water available at the spring or for sale at Mr Williams Domain Emporium, next to the Grand Hotel.
The Te Aroha Mineral Water Co. purchased the lease to the Whitaker Street Spring. Later that year, Te Aroha News reported that the waters from the Whitaker Street spring were being commercially bottled under a new name, Wai Aroha - with their first production of 240 dozen or 2880 bottles!
New Zealanders were delighted they could now enjoy the famed waters of Te Aroha at home.
THE ORIGINAL FIZZY LEMON DRINK
We can’t forget the introduction of the original fizzy lemon drink. This quirky beverage was created way back in 1887, initially going by the name Te Aroha and Lemon, combining the famed mineral water with a dash of lemon to produce a delightful natural fizzy drink.
Being the first drink of its kind, Te Aroha and Lemon paved the way for similar beverages in New Zealand. The drink eventually came to be known as Lemon and Te Aroha, which was a much-loved beverage among New Zealanders up until 1962.
Many have been quietly waiting for its returned ever since…
TE AROHA MINERAL WATER
MAKING A COMEBACK!
IT’S TIME TO REDISCOVER THIS KIWI CLASSIC.
Nowadays, Te Aroha Mineral Water is a homage to the town’s historical beverage.
Richard Revell spent his childhood enjoying Te Aroha Mineral Water and Lemon and Te Aroha – sipping the delicious fizzy drink after swims at his local swimming spot, Te Aroha Domain. After years of involvement in the production of carbonated beverages, his love of the drink led him back to his roots and the Whitaker Street spring in 2019.
Richard has been working tirelessly behind the scenes to bring back the great tasting mineral drink Kiwis know and love.
Using the same methods, our drinks are still naturally carbonated, bottled, and brought to you from the only hot soda water geyser.
Goodness preserved from source to serve.