Frequently Asked Questions
Bee Wax Cream
Who manufactures our product?
We do. All Wairere Heights bee wax product is formulated and manufactured by our in-house team.
Bee wax or beeswax cream has been around for centuries. Rooted in history, our proprietary formula has a perfect balance between wax and oil allowing our creams to be soft enough without giving you an “oily” look.
Is our product Vegan?
We use two main ingredients: bee wax and natural oil. While some vegans accept the use of bee wax, others do not. Our wax is collected during honey season or during hive checks. Neither process causes any harm to the bees. We can say with confidence that ours is a cruelty free product.
What other ingredients do we use in our creams?
Apart from wax and oil, additional elements are added to the cream to enhance texture or increase its health benefits. These ingredients may include extracts of propolis, ambrosia or local herbs and plants, such as kawakawa, celandine or rosemary. We do not add any preservatives, additives, or artificial flavouring. Only natural ingredients are used in our products.
Does our product have an expiry date?
Yes. Since our creams do not contain preservatives, We recommend a use period of 12 months from the date of manufacture. For best results, we recommend 6 months from the date the package was open.
How do we store the cream?
You can store our product anywhere at room temperature. Avoid direct sunlight. Do not refrigerate since wax reacts to the cold and the cream may be damaged.
Is our cream suitable for everyone?
Bee wax may cause a reaction in someone allergic to other bee products, such as honey. If you have further questions or concerns, please consult with your medical professional.
Why did we choose bee wax for our creams?
Beeswax is a unique organic material with antibacterial and moisture-retaining properties, necessary to protect bee larvae while it is developing inside of the hive. It takes only 21 days to turn a tiny little cell into a grown-up bee! Very complex and fast transformations are happening. And while baby bee is growing it needs to be moist and be protected against viruses and bacteria. Beeswax is a perfect material for that. Its combination with natural oils offers the same benefits to our skin.
Where can I apply this cream?
Our cream can be used as a face or hand cream, applicable for day or night use and any skin type. Because of the inherent healing properties of bee wax, it can also be used to alleviate sweat rash, burns, and other skin conditions such as acne or eczema. If you have questions or concerns in regards to its medical use, please consult a medical professional.
Does bee wax clog the pores?
No. While the wax works as a natural protective and moisturizing layer, it does not clog pores. It does, however, penetrate the skin slowly and must be allowed time to settle. To avoid the oily look, please apply only a small amount at one time.
Can we do a custom made cream?
Yes. If you are interested in a custom product, please send us a query and we will be happy to assist you.
What about packaging: is it fully recyclable?
Our goal is to be as environmentally conscious as possible. At this time, we are offering products in recyclable glass jars with recyclable paper labels, which can be easily removed. We will consider other options as they become available to us in order to actively minimize any negative impact on the environment.
To properly recycle our packaging:
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Remove the paper label from the jar.
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Wash the jar with warm soapy water.
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Place the jar and the label in the recycling bin.
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Place the lid into a general waste bin. At this time, there are no facilities in New Zealand to recycle this type of plastic.
For further questions and queries about the honey please contact us at customercare@wairereheights.co.nz
Wairere Heights team
Honey
Why is our honey so special?
Our bees collect nectar exclusively from Wairere Heights location. Our farm borders thirty hectares of Manuka and Kanuka forest, which allows our bees to produce the most prized honey in the world: Manuka honey.
Each year we collect honey and send samples to be tested. Depending on the season, we produce Mono and Multi Floral Manuka Honey or Bush Honey.
What type of nectar is in the Bush Honey?
Apart from Manuka, bees collect nectar from Kanuka, Eucalyptus, Rata, and other trees as well as various flowers, ranging up to four kilometers away from the hive.
Do we collect Manuka Honey every year?
No. Manuka flowering depends on the weather conditions. If it is not in bloom, the bees will collect from other available plants. The resulting variety supports our aim to produce unique Weirere Heights honey flavours. Each year our honey will taste different which makes it even more special.
How much honey do we collect?
Our apiary is relatively small and our stock sells out every year. We recommend placing pre-orders, especially for larger quantities to guarantee availability. For additional information on pre-orders, please contact us and we will be happy to assist you.
What about packaging: is it fully recyclable?
Our goal is to be as environmentally conscious as possible. At this time, we are offering products in recyclable glass jars with recyclable paper labels, which can be easily removed. We will consider other options as they become available to us in order to actively minimize any negative impact on the environment.
To properly recycle our packaging:
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Remove the paper label from the jar.
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Wash the jar with warm soapy water.
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Place the jar and the label in the recycling bin.
For further questions and queries about honey please contact us at customercare@wairereheights.co.nz
Wairere Heights team
Beeswax Candles
Do we use only beeswax in our candles?
Yes, we do! Each honey season we collect plenty of beeswax allowing us to have enough of the raw material for production of the beeswax candles.
What are the benefits of the beeswax candles?
There are plenty of benefits of burning beeswax candles in your home. Here are just a few of them:
Burn longer
Solid beeswax candles burn longer than regular paraffin or soy candles. Beeswax candles are denser than other types of wax. So, they release more energy over a longer period of time. This means that it burns slower and lasts longer.
No toxic byproducts
As all-natural product beeswax candles do not produce any toxic byproducts when they burn.
Great air-purifier
Beeswax candles are a perfect air purifier! When Beeswax burns it releases negative ions, which neutralize positive ions in the air. This neutralization helps to eliminate dust, mould, and other pollutants in the air, making the air cleaner and fresher
Useful for aromatherapy
Beeswax candles are great for aromatherapy. With a beautiful honey scent, they create a relaxing and calming atmosphere in your room allowing to enjoy your special moments.
Sustainable production
By collecting beeswax for candles we reduce a big bulk of the waste which comes from honey extraction making our production eco-friendly and sustainable.
For further questions and queries about honey please contact us at customercare@wairereheights.co.nz
Wairere Heights team
Farm Stay
How long can You stay on the farm?
We normally offer stays of up to seven days. However, a longer stay can also be arranged on request. Please contact us with the desired dates of stay and we will assist you with your reservation.
How many guests can come?
We have one bedroom available via Air B&B. The house is shared with the host. The arrangements are ideal for one to two people or a family with one or two small children under the age of five. For larger parties, please contact us for more information.
What can you do on the farm?
Our main attraction is our beautiful forest. You can enjoy bush walks, learn more about native trees, discover hidden treasures of the woods, all while enjoying the great views of Horeke Valley.
Wairere Heights is a working farm. There is a lot of activity happening daily: cultivating the fields, renovating, taking care of livestock and bees hives. Besides our apiary, we have cattle, sheep, and chickens. You will have an opportunity to observe and participate in our daily lives. Feeding the hens and collecting eggs is one of our guests’ favorite activities.
What other activities do we have outside of the farm?
Our farm is a perfect spot for someone who would like to stay exploring beautiful Far North and Bay of Islands of New Zealand:
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We are just 50 mins drive from Kerikeri, Pahia and Russell.
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40 mins away from Opononi Sandy Dunes and Tane Mahuta (the largest Kauri Tree in NZ)
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30 mins drive to our local favourite spot Ngawha Hot Springs
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20 minutes away from our local town of Kaikone, containing all necessary amenities: supermarkets, petrol, other servicing station, medical services.
Here is a list of our personal favourite places to explore and enjoy:
Rusty Tractor Cafe, Kerikeri
Makana Chocolate Cafe and Factory, Kerikeri
The Old Packhouse Farm Market
505 Kerikeri road
Opens weekdays 7.30-3.30
Weekends 8-1.30/9-1.30
What are the meal arrangements?
Your stay includes breakfast. Our farm favourite is bacon and eggs (collected on the farm) or delicious pancakes. Other dietary needs can be accommodated on request. Kitchen facility is available if you wish to cook lunch or dinner. Family-style meals with the hosts are also available by special arrangement. Please contact us for more information.
How can you book?
Reservations and additional information in regards to your stay are available through Air B&B.
Room:
Farm stay in Taheke · ★4.89 · 1 bedroom · 1 bed · 1 shared bath
Cabin 1:
Cabin in Horeke · ★5.0 · Studio · 2 beds · Half-bath
Cabin 2:
Cabin in Horeke · ★5.0 · 1 bedroom · 2 beds · 0 baths
What about fees?
Our flat rate for cabin/room hire for one person per night is $120.
Extra guest $25
Kids under 5 are free
$30 cleaning fee applies
* Other additional fees apply if you book your stay through Air B&B
* Special rates may apply during the Christmas season and Public Holidays. Please enquire for more details.
More information about Wairere Heights
Please find us through Air B&B link at the bottom of the page or email below. For further questions and queries about Wairere Heights, please contact us at
Customercare@wairereheights.co.nz
We trust you will enjoy your visit to Far North and Bay of Islands and your stay with us.
Wairere Heights team