Kia ora! We’re Bridgette and Grant Slade, a husband and wife team, living and working in the sunny heart of Marlborough; New Zealand.
Our lives revolve around two passions: caring for our honey bees and running a small boutique gift shop in Blenheim.
the land of milk + honey
Our Bees, Our Passion
Our beekeeping journey began with a large number of hives, very little knowledge and a lot of determination. Over time, it’s grown into a true labour of love. Our bees roam freely right across the top of the South Island, with the largest concentration of hives located in the Kaikōura region. Our main floral contributors to our honey are the native Mānuka and Kānuka trees, but we also gather other varieties like Clover and Honeydew from time to time.
We believe in gentle, sustainable and ethical beekeeping; working with the seasons and in harmony with nature to keep our hives healthy and thriving for years to come.
The name milk + honey comes from the biblical phrase “a land flowing with milk and honey” - a promise of abundance, blessing, and prosperity.
For us, it’s a reminder that true abundance is found in the richness of the land, the work of our hands, and the connections we make with others. It reflects the bounty of New Zealand and the joy of giving and receiving something truly special.
where you'll find bridgette
A Little Shop, Full of Treasures
While Grant spends much of his time among the hives, you’ll often find me, Bridgette, in our small gift shop, milk + honey - a warm and welcoming space where the scent of honey and beeswax lingers in the air.
Our shelves are lined with handpicked gifts, artisan goods, and, of course, our very own honey. Just as we care deeply for our bees, we care about the origins of every product we stock. Many of our treasures come from other New Zealand small businesses whose values align with ours - makers and artisans who prize sustainability, craftsmanship, and respect for nature.
Every item has been chosen with intention, supporting a network of passionate people who, like us, pour their hearts into what they do.
We also love creating bespoke gift boxes - each one a blend of beauty, meaning, and a little touch of Marlborough charm.
For us, it’s never just about honey or gifts. It’s about offering a piece of our world to yours - the taste of honey gathered from wild hillsides, the joy of finding the perfect gift, and the knowledge that every purchase supports something good.
Taste our honey, breathe in the scent of the shop, explore our shelves, and discover something that feels like it was made just for you.
If you can’t make it in person, our online store brings the flavours, beauty, and warmth of Marlborough straight to your door. We’d love to welcome you into our world - where every jar, every gift, and every visit is part of something sweeter.
