Where is Manuka honey from?

Manuka honey has earned its reputation as one of the world’s most powerful natural wellness products. But one question we are often asked is where is Manuka honey from?  The answer lies in the rugged landscapes of Australia and New Zealand—and in the tireless work of devoted bees and skilled beekeepers.

Let’s take a closer look at where this golden nectar comes from, how it’s harvested, and what makes it such a rare and valuable gift from nature.

The origins of Manuka honey

The Manuka tree (Leptospermum scoparium) is native to both Australia and New Zealand. Their delicate flowers produce the nectar that bees harvest to make Manuka honey.

While there is only one species of Leptospermum in New Zealand, Australia boasts over 80 different species, many of which produce honey with high levels of methylglyoxal (MGO) - the compound responsible for Manuka honey’s unique antibacterial properties.

In Australia, Manuka trees grow across Tasmania, Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. They are extremely hardy, flourishing in areas with nutrient-poor soil, frequent bushfires, and coastal winds - conditions that have shaped their resilience over millions of years.

The role of the bees (and beekeepers)

Producing high-quality Manuka honey isn’t just about where the trees grow—it’s also about how the honey is harvested.

Because Manuka flowers bloom for only a few weeks each year, beekeepers must time the placement of hives precisely, often transporting them to remote regions where Manuka trees flourish. These sites are selected for their undisturbed landscape, remoteness, and dense flowering -  to maximise the bees’ exposure to Manuka nectar and reduce cross-pollination with other plants.

Once the bees collect the nectar, they return it to the hive, where it’s gradually turned into honey. Through a natural process involving enzymes and evaporation, the honey thickens and begins developing its signature properties—including its MGO content.

To ensure authenticity, Biosota tests each batch of honey in accredited independent laboratories, verifying its MGO level and confirming its botanical source. This ensures that every batch is genuine Manuka honey—authentic and traceable to its origin.

Why location is important

Understanding where Manuka honey is from also means recognising the importance of the environment in shaping its quality.

The nutrient profile of the soil, the surrounding flora, and the local climate all influence the nectar the bees collect—and ultimately, the potency of the honey. This is why Manuka honey sourced from different regions can vary in taste, colour, and MGO content.

Biosota’s hives are placed in carefully selected remote Australian regions known for their undisturbed ecosystems. These pristine landscapes produce Manuka nectar with exceptional bioactivity. As a result, Biosota’s Manuka honey not only achieves naturally high MGO levels but also carries a rich, complex flavour profile that reflects the land it comes from.

A labour of care and craftsmanship

Harvesting Manuka honey is a delicate balance of science, timing, and respect for nature. Once collected, Biosota’s honey is stored in temperature-controlled environments to allow it to mature and develop its bioactive properties. We age our Manuka honey for 12 - 24 months before bottling, to allow the MGO strength to naturally over time.

Why where it comes from matters

Knowing where Manuka honey comes from - and how it’s harvested - helps you make an informed choice. Manuka honey is more than just a sweetener; it’s a nourishing gift from nature, known for its wellness-supporting properties. 

Whether you’re adding it to your tea, applying it topically, or taking it by the spoonful for its natural medicinal benefits, authentic Manuka honey is worth seeking out.

Explore our full range of premium Australian Manuka honey—harvested with care, tested for quality, and made for those who value nature’s goodness. Discover the Biosota collection here.