Mānuka oil and tea tree oil are often mistaken for being similar, but they are in fact very different. Tea tree oil has long been a familiar household product, while mānuka oil is a relatively new and emerging industry.

Mānuka oil is produced exclusively in New Zealand from Leptospermum scoparium, a unique native myrtle. It has a long history of traditional use by Māori and early settlers.

What Are the Differences Between Mānuka Oil and Tea Tree Oil?

Mānuka oil (Leptospermum scoparium) is rich in triketones, flavonoids, and other bioactive compounds that give it strong antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Tea tree oil also has antibacterial and antifungal properties, but typically at a lower potency. It is high in monoterpenes, which contribute to its very strong, sharp aroma.

Mānuka oil has a much milder scent due to its high concentration of sesquiterpenes, which are less volatile than monoterpenes.

Where Do Both Plants Grow?

Mānuka (Leptospermum scoparium) is indigenous to New Zealand and grows across the country in a wide range of environments — from alpine regions to coastal areas and even cliff faces.

Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) belongs to the myrtle family, which includes over 40 species. Most commercial tea tree varieties are native to Australia, where the tea tree oil industry has been established since World War II.

Are There Key Health Differences Between the Oils?

Yes. Testing conducted by the Cawthron Institute in Nelson and the Microbiology Department at the University of Otago found mānuka oil to be significantly more effective against certain bacteria, viruses, and fungal strains.

Is the Extraction Process Similar?

Yes. Mānuka oil is extracted through a steam distillation process. At Aotea, we have built our own on-site distillery to carefully vaporise the oil stored in the leaf sacs. The vapour is condensed, separated from plant matter, and then bottled.

Steam distillation was introduced relatively recently and uses low temperatures to ensure potent enzymes and active compounds are not destroyed during extraction.