About Rare New Zealand Mānuka Honey.
Exceptional by Nature.
At Rare New Zealand, every jar tells the story of our land and the people who care for it. Our team of beekeepers and operators work hands-on across some of New Zealand’s most pristine regions to produce honey that is as authentic as the places it comes from.
We exist to share nature’s rarest creation: genuine, high-grade Mānuka Honey, harvested with respect and delivered with pride.
From Hive to Home - The Rare New Zealand Journey
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The Heart of New Zealand.
Our journey began deep in the wild, Rare New Zealand was founded by three lifelong friends and beekeepers - Mikey, Luke, and Tommy - whose shared passion for bees and the land became the heart of our business.
Today, they continue to lead our wider team of skilled beekeepers, managing hives across the Hawke’s Bay region and the Central Plateau - areas renowned for their remote landscapes and rich mānuka forests.From tending hives at sunrise to carefully extracting each frame of honey, every step is guided by hands-on care, deep respect for the environment, and a commitment to sustainable practice. What began as a small local operation has grown into a trusted New Zealand brand, recognised around the world for purity, potency, and provenance.
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Nature’s Most Remarkable Honey
Every jar of Rare New Zealand Mānuka Mānuka Honey is made from the nectar of New Zealand’s native mānuka flower (Leptospermum scoparium), a plant found only in our corner of the world. Its natural compounds - particularly Methylglyoxal (MGO) and Leptosperin - give it powerful antibacterial and wellness properties unmatched by any other honey.
At Rare New Zealand, we produce a full range from UMF 5+ to 31+, each grade certified for authenticity and potency. Whether you use it daily for wellness or as a luxurious natural indulgence, our honey captures the true essence of New Zealand’s wild landscape.
“True purity can’t be manufactured -
it can only be found, nurtured, and shared.”
- The Rare New Zealand Team
One Source. One Standard.
100% New Zealand.
At Rare New Zealand, our honey’s journey doesn’t end in the hive - it’s where nature’s perfection meets scientific precision. Every batch of our Mānuka honey is independently tested and certified to verify its MGO (Methylglyoxal) content, purity, and authenticity.
This rigorous testing ensures that what you receive is exactly what nature intended - raw, potent, and true to its origin. Each jar is traceable back to its hive location across the Central Plateau, giving you full confidence in its quality and provenance.
From untouched alpine forests to our facility in the Central North Island, we combine traditional beekeeping wisdom with modern science to produce a honey that is both naturally extraordinary and scientifically verified.
What Makes Our Mānuka honey Rare
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Our honey comes from some of Aotearoa’s most remote alpine Mānuka forests on the Central Plateau. These untouched landscapes are free from roads, crops, and pollution, ensuring every drop is naturally pure. Each jar is traceable back to the exact location of our hives, giving you confidence in the authenticity of your honey.
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We have over 1,500 hives across multiple locations, working in harmony with nature. Our beekeepers only harvest when the Mānuka is in full bloom, leaving enough honey for the bees to thrive. This approach ensures healthy colonies and minimal environmental impact, while still producing high-quality honey for our customers.
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Rare New Zealand Mānuka Honey is raw and unpasteurised, keeping all the natural enzymes and nutrients intact. As a mono-floral honey, it’s derived entirely from Mānuka nectar, delivering consistent flavour, aroma, and potency. Each jar reflects the unique character of the Central Plateau’s alpine environment.
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Every batch undergoes independent testing to verify MGO levels, purity, and authenticity. This rigorous testing ensures the quality of your honey and supports our commitment to transparency. You know exactly what you’re getting: authentic, high-grade Mānuka honey you can trust.
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Unlike mass-produced Mānuka honey, we harvest in small batches to preserve quality and attention to detail. From hive to jar in Central Hawke’s Bay, every step is carefully managed by our team to maintain freshness, flavour, and potency - ensuring each spoonful is exceptional.
Explore Our Mānuka Honey
Discover our range of Rare New Zealand Mānuka Honey - sustainably harvested from over 1,500 hives across the Central Plateau. Raw, single-origin, and independently tested, each jar captures the purity and potency of New Zealand’s wild landscapes. Perfect for daily wellness or gifting.
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Venture into the extraordinary with our UMF 22+ Manuka Honey. Representing one of the highest UMF ratings, this honey promises an intense concentration of Manuka's beneficial compounds. Each jar tells a story of New Zealand's pure wilderness, presenting a taste that's both exquisite and healthful.
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Bold, Resinous, Majestic
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A premium addition to fine dining dishes, use it to glaze meats or as a rich base for salad dressings.
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Rare New Zealand is known far and wide for our UMF 20+ Manuka Honey. Sourced from the heart of New Zealand's pristine nature, this specialty honey stands as our brand's hallmark. With a UMF rating that exemplifies its distinct qualities, savor a taste that’s been crafted through nature's finest processes. We proudly recommend UMF 20 + as the number #1 choice for any healthy honey lover!
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Caramel, Lush, Luxurious
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Ideal for direct consumption to savor its unique profile or drizzled over dark chocolate desserts for an elevated experience.
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Embrace the luxurious side of nature with our UMF 18+ Manuka Honey. Sourced from the most pristine regions of New Zealand, this honey is a celebration of purity and potency. Its distinguished UMF rating signifies a high concentration of Manuka's unique properties. Savor its opulent texture and profound flavor, knowing you're indulging in nature's finest.
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Intense, Spicy, Robust
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Pairs beautifully with cheeses on a charcuterie board or as a base for marinades in savory dishes.
Protecting Bees,
Protecting the land.
Sustainability is at the heart of Rare New Zealand. Our beekeepers work to support healthy bee populations and protect native ecosystems. We harvest responsibly - leaving enough honey for our bees to thrive - and maintain clean, low-impact operations across every hive site.
By choosing Rare New Zealand, you’re supporting ethical beekeeping and helping preserve the natural landscapes that make our Mānuka honey so extraordinary.