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What is the best bottled water to drink in NZ?

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7 min read

According to a 2018 Consumer NZ report, bottled water marketers in New Zealand often use buzzwords like 'pure' and 'pristine' to influence consumers. Therefore, the question of what is the best bottled water to drink in NZ depends on individual preferences. The answer hinges on what you value: superior mineral content, sustainability, or the most affordable option.

Quick Summary

This guide provides a detailed assessment of leading bottled water brands in New Zealand, considering mineral content, pH levels, taste, and environmental impact. It compares premium mineral waters like Pure One with pure alternatives such as Pure Dew and sustainable options such as Anew, helping to choose the best hydration product.

Key Points

  • Pure One: High-quality mineral water from a Taranaki aquifer with alkaline properties.

  • Antipodes Water: Offers purity and is carbon zero certified.

  • Pure Dew: Purified water through advanced filtration.

  • Anew: A sustainable choice with reusable, plant-based bottles.

  • Aspiring Water: Provides a plastic-free option with aluminium cans.

  • Tap Water is a Solid Alternative: New Zealand's tap water is safe and a more affordable and eco-friendly option.

  • Factors to Consider: Evaluate mineral content, pH levels, taste, cost, and environmental impact.

In This Article

Navigating New Zealand's Bottled Water Options

Choosing bottled water in New Zealand, which is known for its pristine natural environments, can be complex. While the country's tap water is generally high-quality, consumers may opt for bottled water for taste preferences, mineral content, or convenience. A variety of products are available, from deep artesian mineral waters to purified spring waters and environmentally conscious options. The personal best choice will be influenced by priorities—the unique mineral profile of a specific source, an alkaline pH level, or a minimal environmental footprint.

Premium Mineral Waters: For the Connoisseur

For those seeking a water with a distinct character and mineral composition, several local brands stand out. These products are often sourced from deep, protected aquifers, giving them unique properties. Pure One is a notable example, sourced from a 1,000m deep artesian aquifer in Taranaki.

  • Pure One: This alkaline artesian water boasts a high Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) count of 780 mg/L, putting it in the medium mineral water category. Sourced from a 46,000-year-old aquifer, it is prized for its soft, slightly sweet taste and silky texture. Pure One is also rich in 17 essential minerals and has a naturally occurring pH of 8.4-8.5. For those in Taranaki, the brand offers eco-friendly refill options to reduce packaging waste.
  • Antipodes Water: Claiming to be one of the purest waters in New Zealand, Antipodes is sourced from a deep artesian aquifer in the Bay of Plenty. It has a neutral pH of 7.0 and a low TDS, resulting in a clean, subtle taste. Antipodes is also the world's first premium bottled water to be carbon zero certified, a significant factor for environmentally conscious buyers.

Pure & Purified Waters: When Purity is Paramount

Some consumers prioritise the removal of all impurities. Brands offering purified water focus on advanced filtration methods to strip the water of everything but H2O. This can appeal to those who dislike the taste of chlorinated tap water.

  • Pure Dew Water Co: This company guarantees their water is 100% free from fluoride, chlorine, nitrates, and other common impurities through a combination of five purification technologies, including steam distillation and reverse osmosis. This process makes it exceptionally pure and pH-neutral, with a clean, fresh taste.
  • Pure NZ Spring Water (NZ Drinks): Sourced from natural springs, this brand also focuses on high-quality production. For environmentally conscious drinkers, their still water bottles are made with 100% recycled plastic (rPET), helping to reduce the overall environmental impact of single-use plastic.

The Sustainable Choice: Reusables and Alternative Packaging

Environmental concerns are a major factor for many New Zealanders when considering bottled water. Luckily, some brands are innovating beyond standard plastic bottles.

  • Anew: This brand offers reusable, plant-based bottles filled with naturally alkaline water (pH 7.8–8.2). Made from carbon-negative, fossil-fuel-free materials, Anew bottles are reusable, dishwasher-safe, and recyclable. They are also tested for microplastics and PFAS, ensuring a safe and sustainable product.
  • Aspiring Water: Based in Wanaka, this company packages its natural alpine water in infinitely recyclable aluminium cans. This provides a great alternative to plastic and glass, as aluminium recycling is more energy-efficient.

Comparison of Top New Zealand Bottled Water Brands

Feature Pure One Antipodes Pure Dew Anew Aspiring Water
Source Artesian Aquifer (Taranaki) Artesian Aquifer (Bay of Plenty) Purified (Filtered) Artesian Aquifer (NZ) Alpine Water (Wanaka)
Mineral Content High (780 mg/L TDS) Low (130 mg/L TDS) Very Low (Purified) Medium (Specific TDS varies) Medium (Specific TDS varies)
pH Level High Alkaline (8.4-8.5) Neutral (7.0) Neutral Alkaline (7.8–8.2) Natural (Specific pH varies)
Packaging Glass (refillable options) Glass Only Plastic (some rPET) Reusable Plant-Based Bottle Recyclable Aluminium Cans
Sustainability Committed to sustainability, refills available in-store World's first Carbon Zero Certified Uses recycled plastic (rPET) for still water bottles Carbon-negative, reusable, no microplastics Aluminium cans (infinitely recyclable)
Best For Health-focused drinkers seeking natural minerals and alkaline properties Those valuing environmental credentials and pure, subtle taste Maximum purity, for those who want a neutral, clean taste The most eco-conscious, seeking reusable, plant-based packaging Convenient, plastic-free option for on-the-go hydration

The Tap Water Consideration

While this article focuses on bottled options, it's crucial to acknowledge New Zealand's high-quality municipal tap water. In most areas, it is safe, clean, and regulated to strict national standards. Many consumers choose bottled water for taste concerns, a perception of greater purity, or convenience. Investing in a high-quality filter for tap water is often the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative for daily hydration. Filtered tap water provides peace of mind regarding purity and dramatically reduces plastic waste, a significant issue associated with the bottled water industry. This option is particularly compelling given the high price markup on bottled water, which primarily covers packaging, transportation, and marketing.

Conclusion: Finding the Right Balance

Ultimately, there is no single best bottled water for everyone in NZ. The choice depends on a balance of taste preference, health priorities, and environmental considerations. For superior mineral content and natural alkalinity, Pure One is an outstanding premium choice. For unparalleled purity from a processed water, Pure Dew is a leader. When sustainability is the primary driver, innovative options like Anew (reusable plant-based bottles) and Aspiring Water (aluminium cans) are excellent. However, for most everyday hydration needs, New Zealand's tap water, potentially enhanced with a simple filter, remains the most sustainable and economical choice. Evaluating the trade-offs between convenience, cost, and ecological impact will help you select the best bottled water that aligns with your personal values and hydration goals.

Bottled water regulations in NZ are robust, which provides assurance that products meet safety requirements, though transparency on specific test results can be less stringent than for public tap water.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main types of bottled water available in NZ? The main types are artesian or mineral water, sourced from underground aquifers with natural mineral content; purified water, treated to remove impurities; and spring water, collected directly from a spring.

Is bottled water safer than tap water in New Zealand? In most cases, New Zealand's tap water is subject to more stringent and frequent testing than bottled water. While both are generally safe, bottled water does not offer a guarantee of superior safety.

Which bottled water in NZ is best for high mineral content? Pure One is an excellent option for high mineral content, with 780 mg/L of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and a rich profile of 17 essential minerals.

Are there any eco-friendly bottled water brands in NZ? Yes, several brands are focusing on sustainability. Anew offers reusable, plant-based bottles, while Aspiring Water uses infinitely recyclable aluminium cans. Brands like NZ Drinks use 100% recycled plastic (rPET) for their still water bottles.

What does "artesian water" mean? Artesian water comes from a confined aquifer, trapped between layers of impermeable rock, that is under pressure. This pressure naturally forces the water to the surface without the need for pumping, indicating a well-protected and pure source.

What is the environmental impact of bottled water in New Zealand? The environmental impact primarily comes from single-use plastic bottles, which contribute to waste and pollution, and the energy required for production and transportation. Sustainable alternatives like refillable plant-based bottles or aluminium cans help mitigate this.

How does pH affect my choice of bottled water? pH is a measure of a water's acidity or alkalinity. Some people prefer alkaline water, like Pure One or Anew, believing it offers health benefits like improved hydration. Others prefer a neutral pH. The difference is largely a matter of personal preference, and a balanced diet provides the necessary minerals regardless.

Is it worth buying bottled water over filtering tap water? From a cost, safety, and environmental standpoint, filtering NZ tap water is often a superior choice for daily use. However, bottled water offers unmatched convenience and access to specific mineral profiles, making it suitable for occasional use or for those who prefer specific characteristics.

Citations

Frequently Asked Questions

Consider the water's source, mineral content, pH, taste, packaging's environmental impact, and cost.

Yes, taste varies based on mineral content and source. Waters like Pure One have distinct mineral profiles.

Anew, Aspiring Water, and brands using recycled plastic such as NZ Drinks focus on sustainability.

Mineral water must contain at least 250 mg/L of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS); spring water does not.

NZ tap water is safe and frequently tested. Bottled water isn't necessarily cleaner, and filtering tap water is often better for daily use.

The downsides include high cost, plastic waste, and the lack of superior safety compared to tap water.

Alkaline water may have hydration benefits, but a balanced diet offers essential minerals, and health benefits are still debated.

References

  1. 1
    Pure One I Alkaline Artesian Mineral Water NZ I 750ml Glass - Case of 6
  2. 2
    Anew - Plant-based, reusable bottles – Anew NZ
  3. 3
    NZ Drinks | Pure NZ Spring Water | Nature's Best New ...
  4. 4
    About Us – Antipodes Water
  5. 5
    Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in New Zealand?

Related Topics:

#hydration #health and wellness #Bottled Water #New Zealand #sustainable packaging #NZ bottled water brands #Pure One water #Anew water

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.