Manuka Honey Day: Celebrating New Zealand’s Unique Gift to the World

Celebrating New Zealand Manuka Honey Day - November 3, 2025

Each year on the first Monday of November, New Zealand celebrates a truly remarkable treasure: Manuka Honey Day. Falling on November 3rd in 2025, this special day marks the beginning of the Manuka Honey harvest season, a time when beekeepers across the country prepare to collect one of the world's most prized natural health products. 

The timing of the harvest aligns perfectly with the flowering of the Manuka tree (Leptospermum scoparium), a native New Zealand plant that blooms for approximately six weeks. The bloom starts in the subtropical north and gradually spreads southward, following the rhythm of the changing climate. These fragrant white or pink flowers are the source of the nectar that honeybees transform into the distinctive, amber-toned Manuka Honey, renowned globally for its unique medicinal properties and rich, earthy taste. 

A Superfood Rooted in Māori Tradition and Science

For nearly a thousand years, Māori communities have recognised the healing properties of the Manuka tree, using its leaves and bark in traditional rongoā (medicine). In modern times, this ancient wisdom has been validated by science. Studies have confirmed that Manuka honey contains powerful antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting properties, thanks to its high levels of Methylglyoxal (MGO) and other bioactive compounds. 

Whether used to soothe a sore throat, heal wounds, aid digestion, or enhance skin health, New Zealand Manuka Honey has earned its place as one of the most potent natural superfoods on the planet. 

Sustainability, Beekeeping & Biodiversity

Manuka Honey Day also recognises the incredible work of New Zealand's beekeepers, landowners, and conservationists. Across the country, efforts are underway to restore native Manuka forests, especially in erosion-prone or marginal lands. These initiatives not only promote biodiversity but also contribute to the sustainability of local ecosystems, providing vital habitats for bees, birds, and other wildlife. 

The growth of the Manuka Honey industry also brings meaningful benefits to rural communities, creating employment opportunities and supporting regional economies while preserving New Zealand's unique landscape. 

Honouring the People Behind the Honey

"We are extremely proud and honoured to be the custodians of so many lovingly created Manuka Honey products from all corners of New Zealand,"says Jude Salisbury, Managing Director of Manuka Honey of NZ. "We look forward to celebrating NZ Manuka Honey Day on the 3rd of November and sharing this wonderful gift from nature with the world." 

From small family-run apiaries to large-scale honey producers, Manuka Honey Day is a time to honour the passion, care, and hard work that goes into every jar of this precious and potent superfood. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What makes New Zealand Manuka Honey different from regular honey?

A: Manuka Honey contains higher levels of Methylglyoxal (MGO), a natural compound that gives it strong antibacterial and therapeutic properties not found in most other honeys. 

Q: How do I know if my Manuka Honey is genuine?

A: Look for products certified by the other UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) Honey Association, which tests for MGO, DHA, and other bioactive markers unique to genuine New Zealand Manuka Honey. 

Q: Can Manuka Honey be used every day?

A: Yes! Many people consume a spoonful daily to boost immunity, improve gut health, or apply it directly to enhance skin and wound healing. 

Q: Why is Manuka Honey more expensive?

The short flowering period, remote locations, limited supply, and rigorous testing for purity and potency make it a premium product - but one that's well worth the investment for your health. 

Want to Learn More About Manuka Honey?

We have a variety of informative blogs that may interest you -

• Health Benefits of Manuka Honey & Tips for Spotting Fake Honey - READ MORE
• Manuka Honey for Gut Health - All You Need to Know - READ MORE
• Manuka honey for Acne - How it Helps & Why - READ MORE

Celebrating Manuka Honey

New Zealand Manuka Honey Day on November 3, 2025, celebrates the start of the harvest and the incredible story behind one of the world's most powerful natural superfoods. Rooted in Māori tradition and proven by modern science, Manuka Honey is prized for its uniques MGO strength, healing properties, and rich, earthy flavour.

This special day also recognises the beekeepers, landowners, and communities who nurture the land and protect the biodiversity that makes Manuka Honey so extraordinary. 

At Manuka Honey of NZ, Manuka Honey is our passion. We're proud to connect you with authentic, certified New Zealand Manuka Honey - pure, potent and crafted with care.