River Grove Olives

Established in 2004, River Grove is a family-owned olive grove situated along the Ruamahanga River near Masterton in New Zealand’s Wairarapa region. Founded by Steven and Chris Price, who relocated from Wellington, the 36-hectare property includes 12 hectares of olive orchards and the remainder leased for beef grazing. The grove cultivates 4,000 trees, primarily Frantoio, Leccino, Koroneiki, and Chemlali varieties, with a smaller planting of Manzanilla trees for table olive production. Harvesting occurs in early winter, using mechanical methods for mature trees and hand-picking for younger ones. Most olives are supplied to The Village Press, while select batches are pressed into extra-virgin oil for direct sale, certified by Olives New Zealand.