Where are Sweetree bees?

We currently have a handful of specially chosen apiary sites, an apiary is where beehives of honey bees are kept. Here is a little description about each of our special spots where Sweetree bees work their magic!

Horsham Downs, Hamilton

Our Horsham Down's apiary site is just a few minutes from the northern Hamilton City boundary along River Road. This area is predominantly dairy farmland and country living with bush gullies nearby and the Waikato river to the east.

There is an enormous variety of flowering plants year round including clover, five finger, gorse, fruit trees, buttercup, willow, barberry, dandelion and lotus. The honey taken from this area is full flavoured and sweet which we sell as 'Horsham Downs Country'.

Our bee pollen is supplied from this apiary and the wide variety of plants ensures that it is of high nutritional quality.

Hakarimata Range

The Hakarimata range forms part of the western rampart of the Waikato Basin. Nestled in the foothills, our bees feast themselves on the copious sources of nectar from native flowers above and pasture flowers below.

The range is a popular walking area for the locals. One of the favourite walking spots, referred to as 'The Haks' takes 1349 steps to get to the top, but the view is well worth the effort!

Our Hakarimata honey has won many awards over the years.

Four Brothers Reserve

The Four Brothers Reserve is a scenic area situated between Hamilton and Raglan. Located alongside the bush clad deviation, the area offers superb 360-degree views and impressive limestone bluffs. On the horizon wind turbines produce renewable power while our bees gather nectar from nearby floral sources.

Sweetree beehives are located on the adjoining Four Brothers Farm and have ready access to the surrounding native bush and high country pastures. The honey harvested from this area is predominantly clover and native bush including kanuka, and more recently manuka.

Kirikiriroa (Hamilton City)

Kirikiriroa is the Maori name for Hamilton. We are proud to bring you this honey from three Hamilton City Council iconic parks - The Hamilton Gardens, Hamilton Zoo, Claudelands Events Centre and the Taitua Arboretum. Try a taste of Hamilton!

Sweetree's Kirikiriroa honey won silver at the 2015 National Beekeepers Association Honey Competition.

Ohinewai

Ohinewai is the childhood home village of Martin and where the apprentice beekeeper began a love for bees. Sweetree's Ohinewai honey is a journey full circle as we bring this delicious honey to your table. Kanuka, clover, river and pasture flowers interwind with fond memories and community spirit.

Martin's grandad started beekeeping in Ohinewai in the early days and that love of bees continued through the generations, to Martin's dad, uncle and then Martin.