To all the people looking forward to their trip in New Zealand and those looking for some activity to do around the country and on their road trips along the north and south islands, we will be introducing you to berry picking.
Dear Travellers,
I must admit that I was sceptical when my girlfriend proposed that we go to one after she had fallen in love with the taste of berries here in New Zealand. As a man who does not like to eat berries or more sour-tasting food in general, I was not at all convinced that an enjoyable experience was to be found while berry picking. To my surprise, I enjoyed it more than I ever thought I would.
What Do You Do There?
As the activity name suggests, what we do at a berry farm is simply picking the berries fresh from the trees.
Upon arriving, you will start by choosing how much you want to pick, or be explained the cost of the berries you will be picking by the kilogram, and there are generally no additional charges for the experience itself if you reach their minimum requirement. The requirement is normally around 1-3 kg per person or in a group, depending on the place.
The people at the farm will explain to you the basics of how the fruits should be chosen and picked, and what to look for, before letting you experience it on your own.
Tasting the fruits while picking them right from the tree is also allowed at every place we have been to, although you will be refrained from actually having a feast in their fields, tasting a few as you pick is perfectly fine.
The process is simple: show up at one, be explained the rules and given some tips, be handed a box to put the berries in, and then begin walking around picking and tasting the fruits at your own pace.
Although a reservation is generally not required, inquiring about the farms’ availability and checking the season beforehand is recommended, as sometimes they may be all picked later in the season or have not yet fully ripened.
Why is Berry Picking In New Zealand Fun?
Even if the fruits being picked are not to your liking, picking them up by yourself will make for an experience and urge you to just put them in your mouth, and they do taste better fresh. Experience how different trees produce a slightly different taste and fragrance as you walk around leisurely.
Find peace in the garden that someone else had taken their time to care for and pick their meticulously cultivated produce for a good price. Skip the part of caring for the tree and jump right to the best part, which is picking and eating them. In essence, that sums it up, although you will be missing the satisfaction that comes with growing and caring for your own trees and seeing them sprout from your own effort, but that is good enough.
All jokes aside, for someone who comes from a megacity like Bangkok, I have discovered a love for the countryside and nature. Looking at them is one thing; however, interacting with them also feels special in its own way.
We have found our peace in an activity we did not even think we would enjoy much, and hope you might be able to find yours as well.
Bonus point: most places also have an ice cream that is made fresh from the berries from their farm, and that alone is worth stopping for!
If you are intereste in activities to do in New Zealand also check this out!
Our Recommended Places For Berry Picking In New Zealand
Stancrdu Berry Fruit
128 Flatman Road Off Tripp Settlement Road Orari Bridge,
Geraldine,
7991
Great selection of berries, all in one place: Raspberries, tayberries, blueberries, gooseberries, boysenberries, strawberries, etc. (subject to availability)
Less People, spacious
Great fresh berries ice cream
Note: Most photos on this blog are taken from this place.
Cheeki Cherries
216 Ripponvale Road,
Cromwell,
9384
Cherry only – wide variety
A lot of cherry trees to pick from, great condition
Minimum 1 kg per person, more touristy, can feel a little crowded
Waikawa Blueberries
123 Waikawa Beach Road,
Manakau,
5573
Mainly Blueberries, a smaller farm
A cute cafe-style setup in the front also serves coffee, ice cream, and some other produce available for sale, for example, fresh farm eggs, fruits and award-winning extra virgin olive oil.
May you have a great trip,
Travel Tegami