A sweet success: The Hive Cafe
For over 30 years, Steven Brown has been perfecting the art of beekeeping, a journey that began in Rangiora when he was just 17.
What started as a local operation has blossomed into an international success, with Springbank Honey now exporting high-quality honey worldwide. 
Despite its global reach, the local community remains close to his heart, especially with the opening of The Hive Café. Inspired by his love for good coffee, Steven envisioned the café as a place for locals to relax and connect.
Located just outside Rangiora, The Hive is a destination for locals to savour honey loved around the world. “We wanted to share our honey with local people at good prices,” says co-owner Tracy Brown.
Visitors can explore flavours at the honey tasting station, sampling varieties such as the sought-after organic mānuka, known for its medicinal properties, along with rātā, kāmahi, and clover. Each honey tells its own story, sourced from beekeepers across New Zealand, with organic mānuka, harvested from Steven’s farm in Lees Valley, being a standout. “It’s a unique experience to taste the difference in each honey,” adds Tracy.
The Hive Café offers stunning mountain views and outdoor seating, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a relaxing coffee.
