Wild Manuka Tonic wasn’t so much crafted as it was discovered—an accidental masterpiece born at our former distillery Schnapp Dragon by our founder, Terry Knight. It all began with a 100kg batch of pears destined for poaching, left simmering overnight with a spice mix on what Terry thought was low heat. Instead, the tank bubbled away furiously, leaving behind a rich, golden concentrate. Ever the innovator, Terry couldn’t bear to waste it. He mixed the syrup with soda water, took a sip, and realized he’d stumbled upon something extraordinary.
This serendipitous moment set off a years-long process of refining the recipe, balancing the flavors, and perfecting the production. Wild Manuka Tonic was first released with a simple green label printed at home, boldly emblazoned with its name. It became an instant hit at the Nelson Market and at Schnapp Dragon Distillery. Over time, it underwent several evolutions, including an international debut as Bite Me Wellness Tonic, which found its way onto shelves across the United States. Today, Wild Manuka Tonic is a firm local favourite and has a dedicated following, even recently getting stocked in nearly 400 Woolworths stores in Australia. Not bad for little old Golden Bay!
The label design of Wild Manuka Tonic remains one of our all-time favorites. It features artwork originally created by Golden Bay artist Dean Raybould, which was then skillfully adapted into a bottle label by our designer Nick Heng from Heng Design. The result is a vibrant and striking label that perfectly encapsulates the bold spirit of the tonic. Paired with the bottle’s strong, elegant shoulders, the design creates a package we’re immensely proud of—and one that stands out on shelves wherever it’s sold.
The secret to our Wild Manuka Tonic’s vibrant flavour lies in its premium, locally sourced real ingredients. Golden Bay Manuka Honey, supplied by the family-run team at Freebees, provides its delicate sweetness, while organic Nelson Apple Cider Vinegar from Goulters adds a tangy brightness. The fresh lemon and lime juice comes from the passionate team at St Andrews Limes, whose citrus is renowned as some of the best in the country. Then we add beautiful fresh root ginger and Cayenne Pepper to give it a good kick, these exceptional ingredients come together to create a product that’s as wholesome as it is delicious and completely non-alcoholic.
At Kiwi Spirit Distillery, producing Wild Manuka Tonic remains a labour of love. Each 1000L batch begins with the herculean task of pouring drums of melted Manuka honey into our huge cooker—a feat that’s all about leverage. The tonic is bottled while hot, requiring a bustling team of ten to cap around 4000 bottles before the mixture cools. Even our herd of cows gets in on the action, enjoying the sweet spoils from the bottom of the tank—a treat Terry swore was the ultimate man-flu cure.
To us, Wild Manuka Tonic is more than just a drink; it’s a testament to the magic of creativity and the joy of sharing something truly special. Whether enjoyed as a wellbeing tonic to get your daily dose of Apple Cider Vinegar to help boost immunity, or with soda and ice on a summer’s day or even mixed with olive oil as a salad dressing.
Wild Manuka Tonic continues to win hearts with its vibrant flavors, pure ingredients, and local craftsmanship. From humble beginnings to international acclaim, Wild Manuka Tonic remains a wild little wonder with big personality.