Looking for a local, pick-your-own farm in Bay of Plenty area of New Zealand? Scroll down this page and you will see the U-Pick farms in Bay of Plenty area of New Zealand, sorted by county. Those that offer organic or sustainably grown produce are identified by the words "organic" and/or "sustainable" in Green, next to their name (see "What does Organic mean?"). The U-pick crops they offer follow the name of the farm. To search the page for a specific crop, use Ctrl-F (or on an ipad or Mac, use their "search on this page" function) If they have a website, the name will be in blue and underlined; click on it and it will open their website. If you find anything outdated or inaccurate, see the customer and farmer menus (as appropriate) at the top menu bar to submit updates and corrections and help me keep each current!
New! As inflation remains high, see this page for
reliable (tested) brands of generic canning lids at lower
costs, and cost-saving measures for
getting fruit and vegetables and home canning.
If you are having a hard time
finding canning lids, I've used these, and they're a great price & ship in 2 days.
New! Road tripping and camping is a great way to have a fun, safe and inexpensive family trip. The national and state parks and monuments are open, and campgrounds usually cost between $10 and $40 per night. September to November is the best camping weather. See our new website Road Tripping and Camping.com for tips, tricks, guides, checklists and info about parks, monuments and other places to visit.
New! We just went live with our latest website, FunFactoryTours.com - As they name implies, you can find a fun factory tour, including chocolate, automobiles, historical forts and sites, famous buildings, Active Federal facilities even fun geology: like fossils and volcanic areas
Note: Beware the copycat websites like the one that stole our name and uses .farm extension: they copied my work and do NOT even update the info! I make updates EVERY day. They use tech tricks to get higher rankings, but have many more inaccuracies and out-dated info. Obviously, I cannot check every farm every day, but I do check as many as I can every day, and respond to all requests. They don't. Don't support the scammers!
Remember to always check with the farm's own website or Facebook page before you go - or call or email them if they don't have a website or Facebook page. Conditions at the farms and crops can change literally overnight, so if you want to avoid a wasted trip out there - check with the farm directly before you go! And if you know of any farms I missed and want to add a farm, please let me know! I'm making updates for this year as fast as I can - if you find anything out-of-date, wrong or not working - please let me know! This website is supported by purchases you make through the links to products on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This allows me to continue to maintain the website and make improvements!
What's in season in December 2024, and other timely information:
Notes for December 2024:Apples are usually January to May; Blueberries are ready in December to mid January in MOST areas of Australia. Strawberries can have a long season, November to April - depending on the variety. See your area's crop availability calendar for more specific dates of upcoming crops. The U-pick crops they offer follow the name of the farm. To search the page for a specific crop, use Ctrl-F (or on an ipad or Mac, use their "search on this page" function) If they have a website, the name will be in blue and underlined; click on it and it will open their website.
Home canning and freezing directions. You can access it from the drop down menus at the top of the page or the site search. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to write me!
Bay of Plenty area of New Zealand U-Pick Farms and Orchards, by area
Remember: ALWAYS call (or follow the link to the farm's own website, if the name is a blue link) to confirm the information before you go! They may close, run out or change events, times, etc. without notifying me!
This page provide listings and links to pick- your- own (PYO, U-pick, upickem, pick-it-yourself) farms in New Zealand, organised by Region and District. Or click here for Farm Markets in New Zealand.
If you have any to suggest or have any feedback about any you have visited, or want to suggest a farm, please email me via the feedback form or suggest a farm form! And if you own a farm and want to add it or correct the information, please let me know!
And if you want simple illustrated, instructions on making and canning (preserving, bottling, freezing, etc.) many common items, like how to make jam, applesauce, apple butter, spaghetti sauce, salsa, fruit pies, freezing vegetables, putting up peaches, green beans, etc., just click here. For tips on picking click here!
Harvest time calendar (tells when crops are available)
If you want to start your own food business, at home or otherwise, see this page.
Bay of Plenty
Bay of Plenty includes Kawerau, Opotiki, Rotorua, Tauranga, Western Bay of Plenty, Whakatane.
- Berry Best - strawberries,
1192 Parton Road, Papamoa, Tauranga, NZ 3118. Email: chris@berrybest.co.nz. Open: Call - hours are unknown. UPDATE for 2020, Their website is gone; and their Facebook page hasn't been updated in years. Does anyone have current information, are they still offering pick your own or are even open? If so, please write me. -
Iona Boysenberry Orchard - Boysenberries,
Intersection of Bell Road and State Hwy 2, Pamaoa, NZ. Phone: +64 7 542 1405. Email: ionaberry@xtra.co.nz. Open: from mid-December, daily from 9am to 5.30pm; Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day & New Years Day. Short Season - Get in early for the best berries! Our Boysenberries are sweet, juicy and perfect picking come for a visit, you won't be disappointed. You will find us on the corner of Bell Rd & Te Puke Highway, beside the railway line (UPDATED: 18 November 2020 JBS) (ADDED: 18 December 2012) -
Julians Berry Farm and Cafe -
blackberries, boysenberries, currants (red and black), loganberries,
olallieberries, other berries, raspberries, strawberries, tayberries,
12 Huna Road, Whakatane, NZ 3191. Phone: +64 7 3084253. Fax: +6407 3084253. Email: juliansberryfarm@paradise.net.nz. Open: Labour weekend end of October to Waitangi weekend early February07 days a week 8 am to 6 pm except Xmas day. Directions: 3kms on the left just before you get to Whakatane from Tauranga or Rotorua Typical crop availability dates:
Strawberries - late October to late January;
Raspberries - mid-November to late January;
Blackberries - mid-November to January;
Boysenberries - December to early January;
Ranui berries - Late November to mid- December;
Loganberries - mid-November to mid- December;
Tayberries mid-November to mid- December
Julians Berry Farm and Cafe is a a one stop shop for all your berry needs as well as freshly picked berries, frozen berries, and pick your own berries, we stock products made from our berries including jams, sauces, soaps, moisturisers, and many more. We have a beautiful outdoor sheltered cafe overlooking our farm and serve delicious home cooked meals and berry baking. Our most famous product apart from our lovely berries are the berry ice creams made from our own berries. (UPDATED: 18 November 2020 JBS) - Out of the
Blue Berry Farm - blueberries
221 Hamurana Road, Rotorua, NZ 3072. Phone: 64 274 242 397. Email: danielles@outlook.co.nz. Open: see their Facebook page, thge blueberry season starts in mid-December. Pick your own fresh delicious Blueberries in A warm relaxed environment. Fun Day out for the family. Will also have pre-picked & delivery options. They also have pre-picked & delivery options (UPDATED: 18 November 2020 JBS) . (ADDED: May 12, 2018, JBS) -
R n' Bees - boysenberries, raspberries (red), strawberries,
Honey from hives on the farm
132 Thornton Road, Whakatane, NZ 3192. Phone: 64 21 184 8222. Phone: 07 3080118. Email: graham@rnbees.co.nz. Open: Monday to Sunday, 8am until 5:30pm during Berry season (from mid October until end of February); Monday to Saturday 8:30am until 5:30pm in off season. Directions: On the right, 1.3km from the Whakatane/Matata intersection heading towards Matata. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. Click here for our Facebook page. R n' Bees (formerly R & B Berry Garden) is under new Ownership. We will bring you the same great tasting and value berries that R & B's were loved for. EFTPOS payment available during berry season. - Ruakura Berry - strawberries, blueberriies, raspberries, boysenberries, blackberries
11 Davison Road Newstead Hamilton, Hamilton, NZ 3286. Phone: 078383105. Email: info@ruakuraberry.co.nz. Open: PYIO starts in October; ice cream shop iMonday - Friday: 9 am to 6 pm, Saturday & Sunday: 10am-6m. Directions: Corner of Davison Road and Ruakura Road. We use gluten-free Vanilla Tip Top Ice cream and mix with a variety of berries to choose from. Dairy-free Ice Cream is also available but a surcharge of $2 occurs. Ruakura Berry Shop is your one-stop shop for all fresh-picked Berries and Real Fruit Ice Creams. Located in the heart of Ruakura we are only a 5-minute drive from the University of Waikato. -
Redwood Lane Blueberries - Uses natural growing practices,
blueberries,
17 Redwood Lane Tauriko, Tauranga, NZ 3171. Phone: 07 5433511. Fax: 075433517. Email: george@marriott.co.nz. Open: daily, from 16th January until April, the hours are 9 am to 5 pm. The ONLY pyo crops offered are Blueberries. $10 per kilo to PYO - Fresh Blueberries available. Directions: We are 10 minutes from Tauranga in Tauriko, off State Highway 29. It is just past Tauriko which is on the State Highway going to Hamilton. You can get to the highway from Greerton-Pyes Pa, Bethlehem or via the toll road. Redwood Lane is the First Road on the right past The small Tauriko township about 1 kilometre. Click here for a map and directions. We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certification. Payment: Cash, only. Our blueberries are organically grown with no sprays or chemicals. We also sell real fruit ice creams, and have a mini market on Saturdays selling local arts craft and produce. Eftpos and cash is available. Bring your own container or use one of our buckets to pick. There is no entrance fee but you can taste a few blueberries when you are picking. (UPDATED: February 06, 2021) -
Somerfields Berryfruit Farm - Strawberries, blueberries,
boysenberries
1002 Oropi Road, Tauranga, NZ 3173. Phone: 07 543 1513. Email: rvsomerfield@kol.co.nz. Open: October to March, daily 8 am to 5 pm. Directions: Call for directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards . Somerfields Berryfruit is a local family owned and operated business providing the highest quality fresh and frozen berryfruit. Somerfields Berryfruit is proud to be family owned and operated, many of the grandchildren enjoy working on the farm over summer holidays. (UPDATED: February, 17, 2019, JBS)
Comments from a visitor on December 17, 2012: "They had blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and strawberries. Could pick strawberries and raspberries, strawberries were $8 per kg and raspberries were $9 per kg, " -
Te Kopia Farm Blueberries - blueberries, picnic area you may bring your own food
1427 Te Kopia Road, RD1, Rotorua, NZ 3077. Phone: 073331932. Open: Our season typically runs from Mid December to Mid January; Please check our Facebook page for opening hours over this time; Closed Christmas Day. Directions: Payment: Cash, EftPos. Open Mid December to Mid January each year for pick your own blueberries. Great day out with the kids, bring a picnic or stop at the Waikite Valley Thermal Pools on your way home. Bring your own containers. Cash or EFTPOS accepted (no credit cards). Check Facebook for this weeks opening times or call us. (ADDED: October 27, 2021) - Te Puea Orchard - peas, potatoes, beans, apples
69 Te Puea Road, RD4, Rotorua, NZ. Phone: 07 345 5111. Email: carlcherry@xtra.co.nz.. Open: Mid December to May. Typical crop availability: Peas (pyo):mid December, New Potatoes (pyo): mid December, Beans (pyo): Beans: from January, Tomatoes (not pyo): February - April/May, Heirloom Fruit & Vegetables available, Apples (pyo): February - May, plus seasonal vegetables and greens. Gate Sales & Pick your Own. Payment: Cash, EFTPOS. (ADDED: February 13, 2013, by JBS)
-
Whatawhata Berry
Farm - strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, boysenberries
1099 Whatawhata Road, Whatawhata, NZ 3285. Phone:07 829 3427. Email: darien@strawberryfields.org.nz. Open: See their Facebook page. Click here for a link to our Facebook page. Whatawhata Berry Farm is a multi berry fruit Pick your Own and Real Fruit Ice-cream experience which offers an inactive complete emersion experience including 10 Kiwi Bird Treasure Hunt Lucky Dip, Iconic Kiwanian Art and Olde NZ Farming implements displayed, social media completions and promotions and moderate animal viewing farm plus complementary giant chess and checkers sets. Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries......whatever your favourite berry is, we've got them! Check out our harvest calendar to see when your favourite is ready and when you can PYO
(UPDATED: 22 October 2020 JBS)
Gisborne
No PYO's found here (yet)
Other Local Farm Products (Honey, Horses, Milk, Meat, Eggs, Etc.)
(NOT pick-your-own, unless they are also listed above)
Other Local Farm Products (Honey, Horses, Milk, Meat, Eggs, Etc.)
(NOT pick-your-own, unless they are also listed above)
New Zealand Crop Availability Calendar
New Zealand Pick-your-own calendar |
|
| October | |
| November | |
| December | Raspberries, Strawberries |
| January | Apples (early, starting mid-Jan), Blueberries, Melons, Raspberries, Strawberries, Sweet corn |
| February | Apples (early), Blueberries, Melons, Sweet corn |
| March | Apples, Some Blueberries (early March), Grapefruit, Lemons, Melons, Raspberries (Fall crop), Sweet corn |
| April | Apples, Grapefruit, Lemons, Melons, Oranges, Raspberries (Fall crop), Sweet corn |
|
May |
Apples, Grapefruit, Lemons, Mandarins, Oranges, Raspberries (Fall crop) |
| June | Apples, Mandarins, Oranges, Raspberries (Fall crop) |
|
July |
|
|
August |
|
|
September |
|
- Picking Tips!
- General picking tips and a guide to each fruit and vegetable
- How much do I need to pick? (Yields - how much raw makes how much cooked or frozen)
- Selecting the right varieties to pick
- All about apple varieties - which to pick and why!
- Picking tips for Vegetables
- Strawberry picking tips
- Blueberries picking tips
- Recipes
- Simple instructions:
- Canning and Freezing
Picking Tips
[General picking tips and a guide to each fruit and vegetable] [How
much do I need to pick?
(Yields - how much raw makes how much cooked or frozen)] [Selecting
the right varieties to pick] [All
about apple varieties - which to pick and why!] [Picking tips for Vegetables]
[ Strawberry picking tips]
[ Blueberries picking tips]
Illustrated Canning, Freezing, Jam Instructions and Recipes
[ Easy Home Canning Directions] [FAQs - Answers to common questions and problems] [Recommended books about home canning, jam making, drying and preserving!] [Free canning publications to download and print]
Looking for canning equipment and supplies?
Water bath canner with a jar rack
Pressure canners for gas, electric and induction stoves: Presto 23Qt or T-fal 22Qt
Canning scoop (this one is PERFECT)
Ball Blue book (most recent version)
Jars: 8oz canning jars for jams
Find Other types of farms:
Farm markets and roadside stands
Road trips and camping resources
Local Honey, apiaries, beekeepers
Consumer fraud and scams information
Home canning supplies at the best prices on the internet!
Maple Syrup Farms, sugarworks, maple syrup festivals
Environmental information and resources
Farms For Your Event for birthday parties, weddings, receptions, business meetings, retreats, etc.
Festivals - local fruit and vegetable festivals
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