Honeycomb: Southern Rātā

Location: West Coast & The Catlins, New Zealand
Flavour: Silky, buttery texture with a delicate floral aroma and soft fruity notes
Summary: A rare, raw honeycomb harvested from native Southern Rātā trees—untouched, unfiltered, and rich in the forest’s essence.

Harvested from native Rātā tree’s rare blossoms in New Zealand’s pristine forests, this honeycomb is prized for its light color and distinctive silky smooth, buttery texture with a fruity aroma. Sourced from rare Rātā blossoms in the Catlins and West Coast, our Southern Rātā Honeycomb speaks of ancient forests, native wildlife, and environmentally harmonious beekeeping. It’s not just honey—it’s a celebration of place, tradition, and taste.

Southern Rātā Tree (Metrosideros umbellata) is Native & Majestic – Endemic to New Zealand, predominantly found along the West Coast and Catlins region. It typically grows up to 15 m tall with a dense, gnarled trunk and glossy leaves.

The tree blooms in summer (December–February), producing vibrant scarlet flowers every few years, often in spectacular mass displays across the forest canopy.

Provides a vital nectar source for native birds (tūī, kākā, bellbird), bees, bats, and lizards. Its high-altitude, high‑rainfall environment makes Western Rātā honey.

While not currently endangered, select Rātā species are vulnerable due to possum browsing and fungal diseases. Many are protected, and Project Crimson supports their preservation.

Here’s how to enjoy this unique treat:

🧀 With Cheese Boards: Pairs exquisitely with creamy blue cheese (like Whitestone Windsor Blue), triple-cream brie, or aged goat cheese — the chew of the wax offsets the creaminess beautifully.

🍎 With Fresh Fruit: Serve with pear slices, grapes, or figs — the subtle tang of fruit lifts the honey’s delicate flavor.

🍞 On Warm Bread or Crackers: Spread a slice of comb over sourdough, fruit bread, or seeded crackers with a dollop of soft cheese.

🥂 With Wine or Sparkling: Enjoy alongside dry Riesling, Pinot Gris, or Champagne to contrast the honey’s gentle sweetness and texture.

🍦 With Dessert: Crumble over vanilla bean ice cream or Greek yogurt, letting the warmth melt the honey and soften the wax for a chewy finish.

Our raw Southern Rātā honeycomb is untouched — unfiltered, unheated, and straight from the hive. It retains all the natural enzymes, antioxidants, and pollens, making it a nutrient-rich, whole-food sweetener with trace elements of the forest it comes from.