From Our Hive to Yours: The Story of Nic’s Honey
Dave and I live with our three children—Heidi, Amelia, and Oskar—at our remote family home on Mt. Nicholas Station. My love for nature and a desire to give something back to our beautiful environment led me to venture into beekeeping in 2015 while I was pregnant with Heidi. Bees fascinated me, not just for their honey but for the vital role they play in nature.
This is us!
Before I brought my first hives, I enrolled in an online beekeeping course with Telford to learn everything I could about bees. By springtime, I had my first hive equipment, a newborn daughter, and a whole lot of enthusiasm! But working with real bees was quite different from what I had studied. My first season was tough and I had a lot to learn.
In the early years, beekeeping was just a hobby. One particularly memorable harvest happened when I was very pregnant with Amelia—I could barely fit into my bee suit! Dave had to help with the heavy lifting. We uncapped the comb and spun the honey in our kitchen. It was chaos! Wax and honey covered the floors and countertops, and we didn’t finish until well after midnight.
Just big enough.
As my hive numbers grew, so did my honey production. In time, I started selling honey under the brand Nic’s Honey, offering our unique honey to local shops. With each harvest, the honey we produced reflected the distinctive landscape of Mt. Nicholas Station. It was then I realised that what we had was more than just a hobby—it was something truly special.
Gift shop in Walter Peak.
Our honey comes straight from the wildflowers, native bush, and pasture plants that thrive here. Each jar reflects the distinct flavours of the land. We emphasise quality over quantity, and every batch is treated with the care and respect it deserves.
Today, Nic’s Honey is more than just a business—it’s a family tradition. Heidi, Amelia, and Oskar are growing up alongside the bees, and it’s amazing to see their curiosity and involvement deepen each year. They know the ins and outs of beekeeping, from suiting up to helping with hive inspections, and even though the bees sting sometimes, it’s all part of life of a beekeeper.
Kids help clearing the hive entry.
Recently, we’ve also expanded into selling natural, handcrafted soaps and it’s been exciting to explore this new venture. Our goal is to offer products that reflect the natural beauty and purity of our environment, with sustainability at the core of everything we do.
Nic's Natural Soap.
Looking ahead, our dream is to bring Nic’s Honey to the rest of New Zealand and beyond. We believe that our honey’s "Unique Place, Unique Taste" is something people will appreciate, and we’re excited to share this piece of Mt. Nicholas Station with more families, near and far.
What Makes Nic’s Honey Special?
Creamed, Raw & Natural: Our honey is gently creamed to create a smooth texture, while still retaining all the natural enzymes, antioxidants, and flavours that make raw honey so beneficial.
Unique Flavours: Each jar captures the distinct taste of the wildflowers, Manuka trees, and pasture plants surrounding Mt. Nicholas Station.
Family-Run: We are a small, family-owned business, and everything we produce is done with love and care.
Sustainable Beekeeping: We prioritise sustainable practices that protect both our bees and the environment.
