Orchard
The Story of Fairview Orchard
Fairview Orchard has been a cornerstone of the Roxburgh community for well over a century. A story of pioneering spirit, hard work, and a deep connection to the land.
If the orchard could talk, it would tell tales reaching back to 1891, when Richard Bennetts purchased 49 acres of land at Coal Creek for his son, John. After arriving in New Zealand in 1861, Richard prospected for gold in Tuapeka, Gabriels Gully, and Muttontown Gully before finally settling in Coal Creek. Gold mining was seasonal and uncertain, so Richard decided to buy land and plant fruit trees, many of which were still imported from Australia at the time.
For generations, the orchard remained in the Bennetts family, producing cherries, apricots, peaches, nectarines, plums, and apples, helping to cement Roxburgh’s reputation as a premier fruit-growing region.
In 1986, the Bennetts family handed Fairview Orchard to Stephen and Rowena, who continued the legacy for more than 30 years. They nurtured over 50 varieties of fruit, maintained the property’s heritage, and expanded its reach to travellers and locals alike.
In June 2017, Fairview Orchard changed hands to a large corporation who held on to the cherry plantings and placed the most treasured parts of the orchard back on the market - the homestead, roadside shop, and historic packhouse.
By then, Jered and Jodi had been living in Roxburgh for two seasons, running a modest 4-hectare orchard just across the road from Fairview. Jered wasn’t about to let the opportunity slip by. Taking on the historic Fairview Orchard, its packhouse, old homestead, and relatively new roadside shop, he combined it with his own established cherries to create the perfect recipe for a thriving orchard business.
Today, the shop is brimming with an incredible range of fresh fruit from early December right through to the end of April. Fairview’s spirit endures with over 70 varieties of stonefruit and pipfruit, alongside new plantings to complement its heritage varieties.
Fairview Orchard is a living piece of Central Otago history. One that has grown from gold rush beginnings into a modern, thriving orchard committed to producing the very best fruit for locals, the summertime travellers and summerfruit lovers throughout New Zealand.
Orchard Life
From frost fighting in the early hours to tree planting, pollination, thinning, harvest, packing, and pruning - orchard life follows the seasons.
Every month brings new tasks, and every season its own challenges and rewards.
Our mission is to consistently deliver the very best fruit and customer experience, while building a recognised brand that celebrates the quality and heritage of Roxburgh, Central Otago.
Food Safety & Sustainability
Every piece of fruit we grow is cared for from the very first blossom to harvest. Here’s Jered thinning apricots earlier in the season, one of the many hands-on jobs that ensures our produce develops the best flavour, texture, and quality.
We meet New Zealand’s strict food safety standards and follow recognised best-practice guidelines, so you can trust the safety and freshness of everything we grow.
Our commitment to sustainability means protecting our land and trees so the orchard can thrive for generations to come.
