Frequently Asked Questions

About Our Honey

Why is my honey hard or crystallized?

Honey naturally crystallizes (becomes hard or grainy) over time - this is completely normal and doesn't mean the honey has gone bad! Natural sugars in honey form crystals, and some varieties crystallize faster than others. Raw, unprocessed honey tends to crystallize more quickly.

To soften crystallized honey: Gently warm the jar in warm (not boiling) water, or microwave in short 10-15 second intervals, stirring between. Store at room temperature to slow crystallization.

What types of honey do you offer?

We offer a variety of premium New Zealand honey including Mānuka, and seasonal wildflower varieties. Each has its own unique flavor profile and characteristics.

Is your honey organic and certified?

Yes, our honey is certified organic and meets New Zealand's strict organic standards. We work with our whānau of beekeepers who follow sustainable, chemical-free practices.

Where is your honey sourced from in New Zealand?

Our honey comes from pristine locations across New Zealand's North Island East Coast and Central Taupo Regions, where our whānau beekeepers maintain hives in untouched natural environments.

What's the difference between raw and processed honey?

Raw honey is unheated and unfiltered, preserving natural enzymes, pollen, and nutrients. Our Whenua Honey is minimally processed to maintain these beneficial properties.

Do you test for purity?

Absolutely! All our honey undergoes rigorous testing by third party laboratories for purity, authenticity, and quality to ensure you receive genuine New Zealand honey that is both MG and UMF Certified.  Click on the link below and enter our UMF License 2906 and your honey's batch code to check for authenticity.  Reach out to Laney if you need awhi/support with this!  https://www.umf.org.nz/manuka-honey-certification-search/.

Health & Safety

Can diabetics consume your honey?

While honey is a natural sweetener, it still contains sugars that affect blood glucose. Diabetics should consult their healthcare provider before consuming honey.

Is your honey safe for children under 12 months?

No, honey should not be given to infants under 12 months due to the risk of botulism. This applies to all honey, including ours.

What are the health benefits of your honey?

Our raw honey contains natural antioxidants, enzymes, and trace minerals. Mānuka honey is particularly known for its unique antibacterial properties.

Does your honey contain allergens?

Our honey may contain traces of pollen, which could affect those with severe pollen allergies. It's naturally gluten-free and contains no artificial additives.

Is your honey suitable for vegans?

Honey is an animal product, so it's not considered vegan. However, our ethical beekeeping practices ensure bee welfare is prioritized.

Storage & Usage

How long does honey last?

Pure honey has an indefinite shelf life when stored properly in a sealed container at room temperature. Crystallization doesn't affect quality or safety.

How should I store my honey?

Store honey in a cool, dry place at room temperature in its original container. Avoid refrigeration as this speeds up crystallization.

Can I cook and bake with your honey?

Yes! Our honey is perfect for cooking and baking. When substituting for sugar, use 3/4 cup honey for every cup of sugar and reduce liquid by 1/4 cup.

What's the best way to measure crystallized honey?

Gently warm crystallized honey first to make measuring easier, or use a scale for more accurate measurements in recipes.

Orders & Shipping

Do you ship throughout New Zealand?

Yes, we ship nationwide across New Zealand. Shipping costs and delivery times vary by location.

Do you offer bulk discounts?

Yes! We offer discounts for bulk orders. Contact us directly for pricing on larger quantities or wholesale inquiries.

Can I track my order?

Absolutely! You'll receive a tracking number via email once your order ships, allowing you to monitor its progress.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept all major credit cards, PayPal, and other secure payment methods available at checkout.

Can I cancel or modify my order?

Orders can be cancelled or modified by noon weekdays, we send out our parcels daily at  3:30pm. After that, we may have already prepared your order for shipping.

Do you offer gift packaging?

Yes! We offer beautiful gift packaging options perfect for sharing the taste of New Zealand honey with loved ones.

Business & Visits

Can I visit your facility?

We'd love to have you visit! Please contact us in advance to arrange a visit to our iti (small) honey shop.  For a tour of our honey farms and to learn about our honey production process please contact Laney.

Kaitiaki & Rewards Program

What is your kaitiaki program?

Our kaitiaki program connects you to the land and our iwi partners through environmental stewardship. At checkout, you can choose to either sponsor a native tree planted by our iwi partners (becoming kaitiaki of your tree) or receive native seeds to grow your own tree at home and become a kaitiaki in your own space.

Do you have a loyalty program?

Yes! We offer a sustainable rewards program focused on building our honey community. Earn points by leaving detailed product reviews and referring friends to discover our honey. Points can be redeemed for discounts on future purchases, helping you enjoy more of our premium New Zealand honey while supporting our sustainable practices.

How do I earn and redeem loyalty points?

Earn points by writing verified product reviews (especially with photos) and successfully referring friends who make their first purchase. Redeem your points for discounts on future orders or free shipping vouchers. This way, your advocacy for our honey is rewarded with savings on your next honey purchase.

Returns & Exchanges

What if my honey arrives damaged?

We package our honey carefully, but if damage occurs during shipping, please contact us immediately with photos and we'll arrange a replacement.

What is your return policy?

We want you to be completely satisfied with your honey. If you're not happy with your purchase, please contact us within 30 days for a return or exchange.

Can I return opened honey?

For food safety reasons, we cannot accept returns of opened honey products unless there's a quality issue. Please contact us to discuss any concerns.