Emergency services had a "problem getting out there" due to the swarm of bees, a northern police communications spokesman confirmed.
"It meant it's taken a while to clear the scene," he said.
The slow moving logging truck was travelling along McKee Road in thick fog when a truck carrying bee hives, travelling in the same direction, collided with the rear of the logging truck, police said.
It was earlier reported the crash was a head-on collision.
Warwick Wilshier, of Williams and Wilshier Ltd, which owns the logging truck, said the truck and trailer ran into the back of the logging truck in thick fog.
The driver of the logging truck was "ok" following the crash, Mr Wilshier said.
"Obviously, he feels for the deceased ... he's a local."
The bee hives remained intact and were removed from the scene, police said.
McKee Rd, south of Kawerau has now re-opened following the crash early.