Winter Host Sites
A winter host site is an area of land used to place beehives. The space is typically unused by the owner or tucked close to a fence to minimise disturbance to farming practices. Winter host sites are generally used from February/March to November/December when the hives are not in Mānuka blocks. Occasionally beekeepers require permanent sites for year-round use.
Basic requirements for a bee site:
- North-facing to maximise sunlight. The morning sun is the most important.
- Shelter from prevailing wind.
- Areas close to pollen and nectar sources (such as crops, native bush, forest, or waterways) to keep hives healthy.
- Areas not prone to flooding or slips.