The Story of Nelson Honey

Nelson Honey has been breaking boundaries in natural honey and bee product innovation since 1973—but the roots of the company stretch back even further.

The Cropp family began their journey as pioneering beekeepers in 1899 in New Zealand’s Nelson region. What started with a single apiary has grown into a thriving business with over 10,000 hives across the Top of the South Island. This deep connection to bees and nature has driven Nelson Honey to become a leader in high-quality, natural honey products that go well beyond nutrition.

Nelson Honey is renowned for its premium Manuka Honey, with hives strategically placed in pristine locations where Manuka thrives such as Rainbow Station and the remote Marlborough Sounds. This allows us to produce Manuka Honey rated from 30+ MG to an ultra-potent 1200+ MG.

Beyond Manuka, our bees gather nectar from native New Zealand flora such as Kamahi, Kanuka, Rata, and Clover, producing our delicious West Coast Honey. We also offer Honeydew Honey, a unique variety not derived from flowers, but from the sticky secretions of small insects living on Black Beech trees—transformed by bees into a rich, dark honey.

Innovation is at the heart of what we do. Nelson Honey was one of the first companies in New Zealand to combine Manuka Honey with Bee Venom, creating Nectar Ease—a natural supplement designed for those seeking an active and healthy lifestyle. Nectar Ease harnesses the power of Bee Venom’s complex compounds alongside the healing properties of Manuka Honey.

This groundbreaking combination also forms the foundation of our globally acclaimed skincare line, Royal Nectar. Featuring natural essential oils and botanical ingredients, Royal Nectar is designed to boost collagen, reduce signs of aging, and promote youthful radiance.

At Nelson Honey, we’re passionate about showcasing the incredible benefits of bees. From Manuka Honey and Bee Pollen Capsules to Propolis Throat Spray, our range of natural products supports well-being, vitality, and everyday health—all thanks to the hard work of these remarkable creatures.