Forest & Flower | Natural Kawakawa & Citronella Bug Spray

Rongoā Māori-Inspired Botanical Insect Repellent – Water-Based, DEET-Free & Skin-Soothing

Step into the outdoors wrapped in the protective embrace of Aotearoa’s native bush and pure botanical essences. Handcrafted by House of Rehua, Forest & Flower is a 100% natural, water-based insect repellent designed to keep New Zealand sandflies (namu), mosquitoes (waeroa), and biting insects at bay—without a single drop of harsh synthetic chemicals or sticky oils.

Grounded in Rongoā Māori Wisdom

At the heart of Forest & Flower is wild-harvested native Kawakawa (Piper excelsum), a cornerstone of traditional Rongoā Māori healing. Known for its natural insect-deterring compounds and skin-calming properties, Kawakawa works in harmony with powerhouse botanicals—Citronella, Lemongrass, Eucalyptus, and Rose Geranium—to create an invisible, aromatic shield that masks human scents from biting bugs while smelling like a fresh botanical mist.

Why You’ll Love Forest & Flower:

• 100% DEET-Free & Non-Toxic: Safe, plant-powered protection free from synthetic pesticides, parabens, and artificial fragrances.
• Refreshing Water-Based Formula: Unlike heavy oil sprays that stain clothing or alcohol sprays that sting and dry out the skin, our pure Aqua base feels weightless, cooling, and hydrating.
• Dual-Action Skin Care: Soothes existing bites and calms sensitive or irritated skin while actively repelling new bites.
• Botanical Aroma: A crisp, uplifting scent where earthy forest notes of Eucalyptus and Kawakawa meet the bright citrus of Citronella and Lemongrass, balanced by soft floral Rose Geranium.

Key Botanical Ingredients & Their Purpose:

• Aqua (Purified Water): Provides a lightweight, non-greasy, hydrating mist base that cools the skin without stinging.
• Kawakawa (Piper excelsum): A traditional Rongoā Māori botanical that naturally deters insects while soothing inflammation, redness, and existing bites.
• Citronella (Cymbopogon winterianus): A proven natural insect repellent that masks the skin scents that attract mosquitoes and sandflies.
• Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus): Naturally rich in citral and geraniol to ward off biting insects while uplifting the senses.
• Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus): Delivers a crisp, cooling woodland aroma that confuses insect receptors and refreshes hot skin.
• Rose Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens): Adds a soft floral finish that deters ticks, mosquitoes, and sandflies while balancing and conditioning the skin.

How to Use:

Shake gently before each use to awaken the natural botanicals. Hold the bottle 15–20cm from your skin and mist generously over exposed areas before heading outdoors. For face application, spray onto your hands first and pat gently onto the skin, avoiding the eyes and mouth. Reapply every 1.5 to 2 hours for continuous natural protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Kawakawa and Citronella bug spray work on New Zealand sandflies and mosquitoes?
Yes. Forest & Flower combines native Kawakawa with Citronella, Lemongrass, Eucalyptus, and Rose Geranium. Together, these botanicals naturally mask the scents that attract NZ sandflies (namu) and mosquitoes (waeroa).

Why choose a water-based bug spray over an oil or alcohol spray?
A water-based (Aqua) bug spray hydrates and cools the skin without the drying sting of alcohol or the heavy, sticky residue of carrier oils. It is gentle on sensitive skin, won't stain clothes, and feels comfortable in warm weather.

Is House of Rehua Forest & Flower Bug Spray DEET-free?
Yes, our formula is 100% natural and completely free from DEET, synthetic pesticides, alcohol, parabens, and artificial fragrances.

How often should I reapply natural bug spray?
Because natural botanical oils evaporate gently over time without synthetic fixatives, reapply Forest & Flower every 1.5 to 2 hours for continuous outdoor protection.