West Coast honey is sourced primarily from the Southern Rata vine and Kamahi trees.  Research currently being conducted is showing that honey sourced from the flowers of the native trees in this area has an ability to increase stamina and energy levels in athletes.  While the Kamahi can bee relied on to flower on an annual basis, the Rata chooses to produce its lovely red flowers on a more random time schedule and is prolific in five year cycles.  The patches of red in the forest provide a stunning foreground to the Southern Alps.