New Zealand is blessed with breathtaking landscapes and one-of-a-kind flora and fauna. And when nature’s charm is combined with human effort, the results are truly remarkable. Join Earth Travel Unlimited as we explore one of the most fascinating places you can visit while traveling in New Zealand—especially if you’re a fan of the country’s most iconic fruit: the kiwi!
Kiwi Fruit – A National Treasure of New Zealand
Kiwi fruit is one of the most beloved and recognizable symbols of New Zealand. If you’ve ever tasted one, you’ll remember its sweet, tangy flavor wrapped in a modest green or golden skin. Whether green or gold, the kiwi’s perfectly balanced taste of sweet and tart is a delight to the senses.

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New Zealand is known worldwide as a kiwi fruit powerhouse—but surprisingly, many locals have never seen how kiwi grows on the vine.
While people often assume kiwis grow on trees like apples or oranges, they’re actually climbing vines, much like grapes. After planting, it typically takes about four years for the kiwi vines to bear fruit.

Many kiwi orchards in New Zealand have been producing fruit for 35 to 90 years. In fact, wild kiwi vines in China have been known to live for up to 600 years, producing edible fruit—although they’re known there as “Chinese gooseberries.”

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Important Kiwi Vocabulary to Know When Visiting New Zealand:
- Kiwi fruit (or kiwifruit): A large berry, primarily grown in New Zealand, Italy, Chile, South Africa, and the U.S. (especially California).
- Kiwi bird: A flightless, nocturnal bird native only to New Zealand, and a national icon.
- Kiwi (nickname): A term used to affectionately refer to a person from New Zealand.
Explore a Massive Kiwi Orchard in the Bay of Plenty
If you’re in New Zealand during harvest season, don’t miss the chance to walk through thousands of ripe kiwi fruits hanging from the vines at one of the country’s most impressive orchards!

Located in the Bay of Plenty—which produces 80% of the nation’s kiwi supply—you’ll find Kiwifruit Country, one of the largest kiwi orchards in the region. While the average orchard covers around 4 hectares, Kiwifruit Country spans over 30 hectares, producing around 1,500 tonnes of fruit annually—and every single fruit is handpicked!
A Fun and Fascinating Tour at Kiwifruit Country
The Bay of Plenty sits between Tauranga and Opotiki on New Zealand’s North Island. Thanks to its mild climate, volcanic soil, coastal breezes, and ideal terrain, it’s the perfect place for kiwifruit cultivation. The local town of Te Puke proudly calls itself the “Kiwifruit Capital of the World.”


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At Kiwifruit Country, visitors can take a guided tour during the peak of the harvest season (usually 10 weeks long), when the vines are already heavy with fruit.
One of the orchard’s most charming features is the kiwi-shaped tour vehicle that takes guests around the plantation. The cheerful driver, who’s worked at the farm for over 15 years, shares stories and facts during the ride. Your first stop is the green kiwi vineyard, where the original kiwi varieties were first grown.
You’ll then move on to the gold kiwi section, where the vines are supported by structures resembling tent poles to help the plants grow sturdier. Once mature, golden kiwi grows similarly to the green variety.



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Fighting Frost: Protecting the Crop
Frost is a major threat to kiwi fruit during winter and spring. At Kiwifruit Country, they use several clever methods to protect the vines:
- Large wind fans above the vines circulate warm air when temperatures drop below 1.6°C, preventing frost buildup.
- Protective mesh is installed to shield the plants from cold winds and sudden temperature dips.


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A Taste You’ll Never Forget
After spending about an hour wandering through lush kiwi-covered rows, you’ll likely be eager to taste these juicy fruits yourself. Head to the onsite café for a refreshing treat!
You’ll notice that kiwi has a distinctive flavor—a mix of strawberry, banana, and pineapple—unlike any other fruit you’ve tried. Golden kiwis are smoother on the outside and often said to have a hint of mango in their flavor profile.

At Kiwifruit Country, you’ll get to taste both varieties, along with the rare red kiwi (Enza variety), grown at a separate location.
After your tasting, you can relax at the café with a light meal or try one of the most popular treats: kiwi-flavored ice cream—a visitor favorite!

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Planning Your Visit to Kiwifruit Country
- Address: 316 State Highway 33, Paengaroa, New Zealand
- Website: Kiwifruit Country Tours
Tour Schedule:
- September to April: Tours run hourly from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- May to June (harvest season): Tours run from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Winter (July–August): Tours available by appointment only

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Final Thoughts: A visit to Kiwifruit Country is more than just a farm tour—it’s a journey into the heart of one of New Zealand’s most iconic exports. Whether you’re a fruit lover, a nature enthusiast, or simply curious about how kiwi fruit grows, this experience offers delicious flavors, scenic views, and unforgettable stories.
So when you plan your trip to New Zealand, be sure to add a kiwi orchard adventure to your itinerary—it’s sweet, scenic, and 100% worth it!