From its humble beginnings selling honey at the end of a driveway in the 1970s, Huka Honey Hive has grown into a 600-square-metre destination showcasing 1,200 products from 92 New Zealand suppliers. It's part of a broader shift in Taupō tourism - where immersive, educational experiences matter as much as the products themselves.
Beyond the Tourist Attraction
Travellers today don't just want to see something - they want to taste it, touch it, and connect with the people behind it. That's exactly what visitors find at Huka Honey Hive, where a "wonderfully buzzy" summer has welcomed families from across New Zealand and around the globe.
"Our travellers, both domestic and international, they don't want that contemplative experience of going somewhere, looking at things," explained Patrick Dault, General Manager of Love Taupō. "They want to get into it, learn about it and really connect with the people behind it."
Jo from Huka Honey Hive has witnessed this firsthand. "It's really neat to see so many families coming through, seeing the excitement of the kids watching the live bees and plenty of adults doing some tasting," she said.
From Roadside Stand to Taupō Institution
The story began in the mid-1970s when beekeeper Rob Jansen started selling honey at the end of his driveway. After Jansen's passing, his wife Dawn partnered with Blair Matheson to establish Huka Honey Hive in its current location on Karetoto Road in 1993.
"We're celebrating 33 years this year," Jo said. "Over that time, we’ve become an interactive destination where people can come out and see the live bees. We offer free entry, free tastings - you can taste a wide variety of honeys and learn all about pollination and biodiversity and why bees are so important to our planet."
Today, the venue features 1,200 different product lines from 92 suppliers across New Zealand, including honeys, skincare, healthcare meads, liqueurs, and the ever-popular Bee's Nees cream liqueur.
Education Meets Experience
The live beehive displays set Huka Honey Hive apart. Visitors can observe bees inside three working hives - a rare opportunity that fascinates all ages. Staff share fascinating facts about bees and the critical role pollinators play in global food production.
"Basically 75% of the crops we grow around the world are pollinated by bees," Jo explained. "So, if we don't have bees, our planet is in big trouble."
Many locals are surprised to learn the venue isn't just for tourists. Regular visitors stop by for Kapiti ice cream or signature "Buzzer" coffees after riding bike trails or exploring nearby walking tracks.
Sustainability at the Core
Sustainability and bee welfare aren't buzzwords at Huka Honey Hive - they're fundamental to operations. The business was founded in 1993 with the explicit mission of creating a sustainable operation that supports bee welfare, and that commitment remains central today. The venue provides a bee-friendly environment and encourages visitors and the community to learn how to support healthy bee populations.
Every supplier is carefully vetted. "We only source beautiful and sustainable bee and honey-based products from companies which actively improve the welfare of bees," Jo explained. This extends to their entire product range, including natural skincare products that use ingredients and packaging respecting the environment.
The holistic approach resonates with visitors who increasingly make travel decisions based on environmental values. "People want to know that if they're spending money somewhere, they're getting value for money, but they're also looking after the environment," Dault said.
Supporting Local
While showcasing products from across New Zealand, supporting local Taupō beekeepers remains a priority. For example, the business works closely with Rachel from Waitahanui Apiaries and Karena from Tūaropaki Trust.
"To have their honey range here is really special," Jo said. "Just to be able to tell the story behind the local honey and to support our beekeepers who are so passionate about the welfare of their bees - it's helping our community and helping our bee population here locally."
Part of the Taupō Food Story
Huka Honey Hive sits alongside operators like Lake Man Brewing and Five Mile Distilling as part of the evolving food tourism scene. These venues create connections between visitors and the people, stories, and landscapes behind what they're tasting.
"Great places to live make great places to visit," Dault said. "Food and beverage is culture that you eat."
As Taupō continues developing its reputation beyond adventure tourism, venues like Huka Honey Hive demonstrate that immersive food experiences play an equally vital role in creating the authentic connections that bring visitors back - while championing their mission to save the world, one bee at a time.
For more information, visit Huka Honey Hive on Karetoto Road.
