The capital is buzzing about bees, after Wellington City Council relaxed its rules for beekeeping on council land.

The change makes it easier for people to build beehives, while the safety rules are now clearer.

"We've had a real swell of interest from community, kind of around urban food, and obviously bees are quite a big part of an urban food system," Wellington City Council's Sarah Adams said.

Te Aro School's beehives make 40kg of honey annually, while a central city restaurant is also harvesting honey on its rooftop.

"Some children, when they're actually with the bees, find it really calming, and I think it's brought out a real sense of responsibility," school teacher Claire Tocher said.