BROADFIELD BERRYFRUIT 475 ROBINSONS ROAD, BROADFIELD, CHRISTCHURCH
Don and Wendy Babe have owned their blueberry orchard at Broadfield just south of Christchurch since 1992. During the blueberry season (January to early March), Broadfield Berryfruit open their orchard for the public to come and pick their own fruit. The staff encourage customers to pick wherever they choose and to sample the berries to get the ones they really like. Training is given by the staff on how to pick and ice cream containers are provided for the juicy harvest to go into. And because the berries are spray-free, they are ready for the freezer straight from picking.
MONTE CHRISTO RASPBERRY CAFE 100 SPRINGVALE ROAD, CLYDE, CENTRAL OTAGO
The cafe is set in a beautiful garden and specialises in berry fruit desserts, homemade scones, cheese rolls, real fruit ice creams and great coffee. You can also pick your own raspberries from the orchard to take home with you. Raspberries have long been in the area’s history; Monte Christo was settled in 1864 by Frenchman Jean Desire Feraud, who planted the first grapes in the area and also grew a large number of raspberry canes. Owners Graeme and Estelle will be happy to tell you more. Make an afternoon of your visit with mini golf, puzzle mats, giant board games, and even a train for littlies.
THE STRAWBERRY PATCH 96 HAVELOCK ROAD, HAVELOCK NORTH
The Strawberry Patch is open all year round offering a variety of fresh local produce. Strawberries are usually available from mid-October right through to April, and you can pick your own. Enjoy a real fruit ice cream made from their own delicious strawberries and other local berries. They have superb coffee too!
JULIANS BERRY FARM AND CAFE 12 HUNA ROAD – WHAKATANE
Head to Julians Berry Farm and Cafe to enjoy fabulously freshly-picked, frozen and pick-your-own berries, along with a range of other local produce and products made with Julians berries: jams, sauces, soaps, moisturisers and many more. Tuck into a hot meal or relax with a cup of coffee and fresh berry baking in the beautiful, sheltered child-friendly café overlooking the berry fields. There’s plenty to keep the children happy too; they will love the animal farm, playground, and the mini golf course.
BLUEBERRY COUNTRY 397 JARY ROAD, OHAUPO | 229 CENTRAL ROAD, NGATEA | 513 OTAUTAU-DRUMMOND ROAD, OTAUTAU
Visit one of Blueberry Country’s three locations and pick your own plump, juicy blueberries to take home and enjoy. The summer season runs from early December through to late February. While you’re there, enjoy lunch at the cafe or cool down with a blueberry ice-cream or frozen yoghurt.
MONAVALE BLUEBERRIES 178 TURKINGTON ROAD, MONAVALE, CAMBRIDGE
This 40-hectare orchard is situated in the heart of the Waikato, on the Moanatuatua Plains with views to Pirongia, Maungatautari and Kakepuku mountains. The orchard has full Bio-Gro NZ organic status, and is New Zealand’s largest certified organic blueberry orchard. Monavale is also home to Cafe Irresistiblue, where you can enjoy delicious meals from the menu, or equally yummy goodies from the cabinet. Monavale Blueberries’ Orchard Shop is also based at the cafe, with a great selection of organic blueberry products.
SWEET RED 61 BRADLY ROAD, HELENSVILLE, AUCKLAND
Sweet Red is a third generation Strawberry farm owned and operated by the Marinovic family since 1974. The farm is famous for producing ‘Sweet Red – The World’s Best Strawberries’. The farm is located in Helensville and the farm shop – where you can buy strawberries, real fruit strawberry ice cream, berry smoothies, milkshakes and juices – is located at Westgate. Sweet Red’s PYO season starts on 26 December.
MAUNGATAPERE BERRIES 162 PUKEATUA ROAD, RD9 MAUNGATAPERE
Maungatapere Berries are grown with care and dedication by the Malley family in Northland. The orchard uses sustainable growing methods, and ecycled packaging which can be recycled over and over. The orchard grows a variety of berries including raspberries, blackberries, blueberries and their exclusive solberries. These peachy-yellow coloured berries taste almost floral, with a tropical flavour and are less tart than raspberries.
