Welcome to Ngatea Orchard
Come and experience the joy of picking your own blueberries, fresh from our family-owned orchard in Ngātea. Managed by Jared and his dedicated team, the orchard is more than just rows of blueberry bushes — it’s a place to connect with nature, spend time with family and friends, and enjoy the simple pleasure of delicious, sun-ripened berries grown right here in Aotearoa.
Our picking season runs from the first weekend of December (depending on how ripe our Berries are) through to Waitangi Weekend, open every day from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm (closed Christmas Day). Come along and fill your buckets — it’s the sweetest way to spend a summer’s day!
229 Central Road, Ngatea 3576
How 'Pick Your own' Works
- Park & Check-In – Follow signs to the ‘Pick Your Own’ entry. Our friendly team will greet you, issue buckets, and explain where to pick.
- Pick in Designated Rows – Stay within marked areas. Please supervise children and watch for drains or uneven ground.
- Sample for Taste Only – Try a few to check ripeness, but remember the orchard isn’t an all-you-can-eat buffet.
- Weigh & Pay – Bring your berries to the store. Keep your receipt as proof of payment.
Tip #1
If you hear the fog horn, please move to the emergency assembly point by the store. Toilets are located inside the store.
prices
Weekdays:
$14 per kg
Weekends & Public Holidays:
$16 per kg
Big Pickers:
$2 off per kg when you pick more than 10 kg
What to Bring
- Sun hat & sunscreen
- Closed-toe, appropriate footwear (the orchard has uneven ground)
- A water bottle (refillable is best)
- A chilly bin/cooler (especially if taking frozen berries home)
- Hand sanitiser
tip #2
Please take all rubbish with you to help us keep the grounds beautiful. Real Fruit Icecream, Fresh & Frozen Blueberries, snacks, and plenty of drinks are also available at the Orchard Store.
Orchard Safety & Etiquette
- Children must be supervised at all times.
- No pets allowed.
- No smoking anywhere on site.
- Only pick in designated rows.
- Watch for drains, uneven ground, and moving vehicles.
- Please respect staff and other visitors.
- If you see any hazards or unsafe conditions, report immediately to the Orchard Manager, Jared.
Berry Washing Protocol
Blueberries naturally have a fine, whitish coating called the bloom — this protects the fruit and helps keep it fresh. Leave berries unwashed until you are ready to serve them.
When ready to eat:
1. Place berries in a clean colander.
2. Rinse gently under cool running water.
3. Drain well, pat dry, and serve.
Washing only before serving helps berries stay fresher for longer and taste their best.
How to Store Your Berries
Fresh berries: Store in the fridge in a covered container. They will keep for 5–7 days if left unwashed until serving.
Freezing berries:
1. Spread unwashed berries in a single layer on a tray and freeze until firm.
2. Transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag.
3. Rinse just before using in smoothies, baking, or desserts.
Frozen berries can last up to a year — perfect for smoothies, pancakes, or baking.
Pro tip: Keep a bag of frozen blueberries handy for quick, healthy snacks or breakfast boosts!
What’s on Offer
At the orchard, you can pick your own blueberries (during picking season) fresh from the fields or enjoy ready-picked berries available at the Orchard Store (while stocks last/ in season). For those looking to stock up, frozen blueberries are available in-store, with options including 1kg, 10kg A Grade Frozen Blueberries and 10kg Commercial Grade Frozen Blueberries. The orchard store also offer a range of treats such as cold drinks, snacks, and their famous real fruit ice creams.
Groups & Bookings
Planning a school trip, corporate outing, or large group visit? Please book ahead so we can reserve rows and make your day run smoothly.
why choose blueberry country
Discover Our New Zealand Blueberry Orchards
100% NZ-Grown
Local fruit, fully traceable from orchard to freezer.
Sustainably Farmed:
Our peat soils naturally store carbon, reduce irrigation, and support regenerative growing.
Trusted Quality:
Advanced technology ensures every berry is safe, clean, and delicious.
Pick-Your-Own Heritage:
Decades of family traditions and nationwide community support.
common questions
Got questions about our PYO? We’ve got answers.
Yes. There are limited Port-a-Loos in the fields, and extra toilets at the Orchard Store.
No, pets are not permitted.
Sometimes — please keep your proof of payment handy.
PYO is open rain or shine.
Yes — berries should be rinsed at home before eating.
Still have questions?
If you have more queries or need specific advice, feel free to reach out to Jared our Orchard Manager. He is here to help with all your blueberry-related questions!
Jared 021 187 1674
