Olives New Zealand

Eureka Asparagus and Olives

Around 6 years ago Robert Macey decided to diversify from growing asparagus for 20 years into producing olive oil and extended his policy of producing a quality product at a fair price. Set in the lush Waikato dairying area 15kms from Hamilton the grove consists of mainly Koroneiki which seem to be the best variety for the area and a few other Tuscan varieties The boutique grove produced its first harvest in 2011.The purchase of an  Oliomatic oil press enabled single estate status to be achieved. The on site press enables harvesting to be carried out in the morning and pressing to be done in the afternoon thus ensuring the highest quality product possible. Following our policy of, as spray free as possible we have progressed toward using non chemical weed control and a using only products that are accepted under an organic status regime. All prunings and grass clippings are returned to the grove as mulch. The residual pomace produced during the oil extraction process are also returned to the grove, although it is planned to utilise this by-product to heat a tunnel house for the production of early season asparagus and other early season vegetables and herbs.

Robert is able to offer a contract pressing service to small growers who find it difficult to get small amounts of olives pressed for their own use or for sale at various outlets.

Contact Robert for further information on products available or the services he offers, or check out his website.

Moutohora Estate

Moutohora Estate is a multi award winning olive grove situated in the sand dunes of Thornton, 15km west of Whakatane and 8 km southwards of Whale Island (Moutohora). In 2011 Moutohora Estate won the Supreme New Zealand Award of Best in Show.

We converted the previously existing vineyard gradually into an olive grove, now comprising of 800 olive trees. We started to produce olive oil solely in 2008.

The light sandy soils of the dunes, the gentle sea breeze and the high sunshine hours, together with the organic management of the grove, selective and careful hand pickings and immediate pressings are all attributes that have contributed to the high quality of the multiple award winning oils.

The olive grove is open to visitors by appointment only and our products are available in local retail outlets, markets and for order on line.

For more information please contact Gerrit or Wil Kruithoed.