A sweet milestone

Celebrating 30 years of Huka Honey Hive

The bees are a-buzz with birthday celebrations, as iconic attraction Huka Honey Hive celebrates 30 years in business. Since 1993, the family-friendly destination has been promoting the sustainability and welfare of bees while enabling visitors to learn about and share their passion for bees and artisan honey.

On a tranquil section of land located close to Huka Falls, Huka Honey Hive offers a sensory experience of a different kind. Coming from humble beginnings as a beekeeper’s group of hives, Huka Honey Hive moved into their current location in 1993. Back then, the philosophy was much the same as it is today: education about bees and their role in nature, honey tasting and hands-on discovery.

In 2018, current owners Jo and Mark Saville took over the business from the founders, having been long time visitors. Jo herself has fond memories of visiting as a child over summer holidays, and says she loves that the attraction brings in visitors from all generations - some of their returning guests are even bringing their grandchildren now!

Huka Honey Hive is committed to sustainable tourism, helping to support local environmental initiatives like Greening Taupo. They also stock the largest range of honey across New Zealand, supporting generations of small independent beekeepers, including BioGro certified organic honeys. They are a low carbon impact business and advocate for healthy bee ecosystems, both onsite and in the wider environment. The bee friendly garden is a great place to get up close to these wonderful creatures and watch them in their natural habitats.

Alongside the large range of honey and honey related products, including skincare, health and wellbeing, mead, and liqueurs, there is a fabulous café on site, serving delicious Kapiti ice creams, sundaes, coffees, teas, and hot honey drinks. Kids can enjoy watching the bees in the hives both from inside the safety of the shop and outside in the gardens, learn some neat bee facts, or play in the kids’ area – complete with a bee simulator game.

If you haven’t been to visit, come see what the “buzz” is about – and help this amazing local business celebrate 30 years.