Experience Comvita's tourism stocks are soaring after joining an illustrious group of sustainable attractions nationwide, backed by a visit from the Prime Minister.

The Bay of Plenty attraction recently received the Qualmark Enviro Gold Award, recognising how it exceeds the highest levels of environmental and social responsibilities, representing strong leadership and advocacy.

Prime Minister John Key with Experience Comvita manager Drew Copestake. Photos: Supplied

Prime Minister John Key, Social Development Minister Anne Tolley, Drew Copestake, and the Comvita Leadership team Mark Sadd, Patrick Brus and Roy Ong.

Experience Comvita are now one of only seven Qualmark Endorsed Visitor Activities in New Zealand to have gained the Enviro Gold Award and formally recognised for its commitment to sustainable tourism.

Qualmark New Zealand general manager Tim Keeling commends the Experience Comvita team for their achievement of an Enviro Award Gold.

'The achievement of this award demonstrates a significant commitment has been made across the entire business, and sets the benchmark very high for other tourism businesses to aspire towards.”

Coinciding with the award Prime Minister John Key, in his role is Tourism Minister, visited the Paengaroa base attraction accompanied by Social Development Minister Anne Tolley yesterday.

The group was shown through the guided tour experience by Experience Comvita manager Drew Copestake and Comvita chief financial officer Mark Sadd.

The guided tour explored the healing properties of New Zealand's native plants including Manuka, the amazing world of the honey bee and the natural health benefits provided by the range of Comvita products which are exported globally.

John Key also inspected the soon to be completed Tauranga Eastern Link due to open in August and visited Paengaroa Primary School as part of his Bay of Plenty visit.