Taste new delights as local produce grows and thrives in the rich volcanic soil and clean peninsula air. Wines, seafood, olives, walnuts, lavender and more thrive in a perfect ecosystem and yours to enjoy.
Old French Road Olives
Old French Road Olive Grove, consistently producing award winning oil. Olive Varieties pressed separately to give distinctive Olive Oil flavours. 2016 Olive oil and Table olives now available see the website or email or phone Jan.
Availability
We market Old French Road oil and olives to leading Christchurch and local restaurants. The oil and olives are available retail at a number of stores in Akaroa and at the local Saturday Farmers Market. Check our website Akaroa Olives or current outlets.
Nutritional information of Olive Oil
1) Olive oil is mainly comprised of monounsaturated fatty acids. A healthier type of fat, it reduces total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL or “bad”) cholesterol levels in the bloodstream, while raising high-density lipoprotein (HDL or “good”) cholesterol levels.
2) High quality extra virgin olive oil, in particular, provides a high content of antioxidants, like polyphenols, vitamins E & K, chlorophyll and carotenoids. Antioxidants are key to strengthening the immune system and protecting the body from the damaging effects of free-radical molecules.
3) Olive oil contains anti-inflammatory agents, like oleocanthal, that act as a natural ibuprofen-like substance.
4) Exciting new research is starting to explain why the Mediterranean is so beneficial for health. Extra virgin olive oil slows down the production of trimethylamine (TMA) by gut bacteria. This is a nasty chemical which makes its way into the blood stream to contribute to heart disease, kidney disease, poor brain health. Olive oil promises to be able to counteract some of the bad aspects of the Western diet by influencing gut bacteria.
History
We bought the Grove in 2011 and renamed it Old French Road.
It is located on the outskirts of Akaroa, overlooking Takamatua Bay and is known by locals and visitors alike as ‘the gateway to Akaroa’.
Olive trees were first planted on the property in 2000 under the ownership of Rob Cooper. Prior to this the land received little care and was riddled with gorse and broom.
The groves are nestled in a valley of 20 acres with fresh water springs, ponds and native woods. Garry McFarlane, who has been involved in the maintenance of the grove since its inception, has helped landscape the property to its current beauty complete with paths, olive trees and native plantings. The unique northerly, almost frost free position, fertile soils and maritime weather create an ideal growing location.
We harvest for the production of single variety oils. Repeated success in Olives New Zealand awards, both under its previous name La Casa Toscana and now as Old French Road, confirms the exceptional quality of our oils.
Olive trees were first planted in Banks Peninsula in the mid to late 1880’s and there are some very old trees in Robinson’s Bay. However, the New Zealand olive industry only flourished from the late 1990’s with groves planted from Central Otago to North Cape.
About Olive Trees and Olives
There are many varieties of olives trees, each producing unique flavours. Some are used only for pressing into oil, some for both table olives and oil and others for table olives only. The olive tree starts blossoming around December locally. Trees are wind pollinated with fruit set visible in early January.
The fruit reaches maturity six months from fruit set, meaning the local harvest is in June and July. Olives are green in colour when unripe and progress to black as they ripen. Table Olives can be harvested for pickling from when green to fully black, each stage producing a different flavour.
Olives are harvested for oil when they are about 1/3 green and 1/3 black. The blacker the olive the more oil contained but riper olives have less of the beneficial polyphenols which provide the intense flavours and health giving properties.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Extra virgin olive oil is natural olive juice without the water. It is processed directly after picking in carefully controlled conditions, without excessive heat or chemicals that damage the chemical makeup. Extra virgin olive oil maintains the highest levels of herbaceous and healthy components.
All Olives NZ Certified olive oil goes through a rigorous testing process to ensure quality and freedom form faults.
When buying olive oil, look for the red Olives NZ certification sticker. This is your guarantee that it is a premium quality product.
Unlike wine, olive oil doesn't get better with age.
Olive oil is best consumed within one to two years after it has been pressed. It will retain its fresh flavour for much longer if it is stored away from light, with minimal air exposure and at a temperature between 14 and 18 degrees centigrade.
The appreciation of fine quality olive oil is a new concept for many New Zealanders, but people who live in Mediterranean countries are always excited about tasting the first olive oil of the year and debating the relative merits of fruitiness, herbaceous and peppery flavours.
We attend the local Akaroa farmers market on Saturday mornings between October and Easter where the oil can be sampled and explained.
These oils have won Best in Show, Best in Class and Gold awards in the NZ Olives competition so are highly thought of by those qualified to judge oil flavours.
Akaroa Winery
Akaroa Winery is a beautiful Mediterranean style venue, overlooking the stunning Akaroa inlet. Nestled in Takamatua Valley, the organic, family-owned vineyard is located on the north facing slopes of the lush hills of Banks Peninsula overlooking Takamatua Bay. We produce the highest quality grapes with every aspect of our growing and planting dedicated to the environment, using sustainable farming techniques. We believe that our fruit makes superior wines. We are focused on creating extraordinary age-worthy wines that express the unique characteristics of the fruit from Takamatua Valley. The rugged terrior of our vineyard produces wines with great intensity and finesse. Enjoy...
Akaroa Winery, situated in Takamatua valley, overlooks the beautiful local harbour. Akaroa Winery is Akaroa's first and only certified Organic Vineyard and Winery Estate. Tour the vineyard and modern wine making facility. Taste some of the many wine vintages available while touring the amazing grounds and see the "dirt to bottle" experience first hand. Complimentary Shuttle Service available.
Open daily 11am to 4pm.
Private Tours and Tastings can be made by appointment.
Contact Allan for more information.
Akaroa Salmon
Sail a few kilometres into the mouth of the Akaroa Harbour and in deep water Lucas Bay near the shore you’ll find crop circles. These are round pens and they hold salmon. The farm began in the mid 1980’s by the Bates family. The location is right in the band of the eastern South Island coastline where the wild salmon prowl at sea. They keep the stocking density very low and feed a low energy diet so the salmon grow slowly and as lean as they are in the wild. We are proud to supply salmon from farm to plate. 'The Good Oil'.
Barrys Bay Cheese
Originally one of nine dairies dotting the peninsula in the late 1800s, Barrys Bay Cheese is the last remaining factory. Today, we still use the traditional recipes brought to New Zealand by the early English settlers. We believe using fresh, local Bank Peninsula milk is the key to producing such consistent, beautiful cheese. Stop in and watch cheese making Monday through Thursday (Oct to May) and on non-make days a DVD is available. Enjoy complimentary samples and shop our assortment of local wines, craft beer and preserves available at our shop. Open 7 days a week from 9am-5pm.
French Peak Wines
In a bay on the Western Shores of Akaroa Harbour, lies the scenic village of French Farm, where the original French Settlers first planted their vines. It is here that you will find our beautiful boutique vineyard, owned by Fraser Henderson and Elise Cailleau, leased by Renan Cataliotti. The unique terroir of the Banks Peninsula is reflected in the distinctive flavour of our wines, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and a Provencal style Rosé.
Opening hours are:
Open Friday to Sunday, 11am to 5pm
anytime on special request
79 French Farm Valley Road.
French Peak Vineyard is a boutique, family-owned vineyard set in the idyllic French Farm Valley. Planted with approximately 3.5 Ha of vines, including Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay.
We are following organic and Bio dynamic principles because we believe in the true expression of our wines coming from a true terroir.
The sunny sheltered aspect and the volcanic soils produce unique Banks Peninsula fruit, which is patiently nurtured, hand-picked and then crafted into unique wines.
Our Wines are available for purchase directly from our cellar door or from a number of local shops and restaurants. Our wines can also be purchased online, with free shipping within New Zealand.
Set amidst the vines and landscaped gardens, is our traditional timber-framed barn, containing both wine tasting and self-contained attic accommodation.
Hikuika Permaculture Hazelnut Farm
Hikuika Permaculture Hazelnut farm grows sustainably top quality hazelnuts using permaculture and organic principles. Our property is located in beautiful Puaha Valley on Banks Peninsula. We embrace ‘care of the earth, care of the people, distribute surplus and reduce consumption’. Hazelnuts are a versatile ' wonderfood'. Commonly used in confectionary, baking and as a healthy snack food. Ideal for gluten intolerant diets and can be eaten raw, roasted or salted. Hazelnuts are rich in minerals & vitamins (especially vitamin E), high in monounsaturated fatty acids, antioxidants, oils and are cholesterol free. All processing is done in our own food safety certified kitchen.
Please call or email to make an appointment to visit.
Where to Purchase:
- Orders to be done prior via email or phone for pickup from our property
- Deliverys made to Akaroa via Lava Gallery
- Little River Craft Station
- Sold also via Peninsula General Store, Little River Cafe/ store, Tai Tapu Challenge garage.
Robinsons Bay Olive Oil
Robinsons Bay Olive Oil-New Zealand's best oil. The olives were planted in 1994, and make up one of the most southerly olive groves in the world. Our unique climate, clear atmosphere, and the rich Banks Peninsula soil ensure that Robinsons Bay Olive Oil (and New Zealand olive oil in general) is some of the finest in the world. We have seven different varieties of olive trees in our grove. From Tuscany there are the peppery and green Frantoio and Leccino varieties. From the dry hills of Israel we have Barnea and Souri as well as Nabali from Palestine, Manzanillo from Spain and Verdale from South Australia.
Each variety has its own unique character and flavour, and a delicate blending operation is required to ensure our blended olive oil has a perfect balance and taste.
Chris & Annette Moore from Robinsons Bay Olives have won these awards with their Award Winning Olive Oils & Olives:
Reserve Best in Show at the 2017 NZ Olive Oil Awards
Best in Show at the 2016 NZ Olive Oil Awards
Best in Show at the 2015 NZ Olive Oil Awards
Best in Show at the 2013 NZ Olive Oil Awards
As well as producing our award winning Robinsons Bay Grove Blend extra virgin olive oil, we also infuse high quality extra virgin oil to produce versatile infused oils; Mandarin & Lemon, Basil, and Garlic. Our grove also produces three varieties of table olives.
Best in Show for NZ’s Extra Virgin Olive Oil for many years running. They also infuse high quality extra virgin oil to produce versatile infused oils; Mandarin & Lemon, Basil, Garlic and Orange & Chilli. The grove also produces a small amount of table olives.
Contact: Chris & Annette Moore
Phone: 03 304 5190
Email: robinsonsbayolives@gmail.com
Available at: Barrys Bay Cheese, Akaroa Butchery, Peninsula General Store. Also at the Christchurch Farmers Market at Riccarton House.
The Garden at French Farm (Private)
The Garden at French Farm sits on the banks of the lovely Te Waimangu Stream in the French Farm Valley on Banks Peninsula. It contains dramatic herbaceous borders forming a natural colourful amphitheatre above the stream featuring tulips, irises, daylilies and dahlias depending on the season. The intention of the planting is to tie the ornamental garden into the wider landscape with its magnificent backdrop of native bush and surrounding hills. Open most days and when the sign is out. Welcome to come and visit.
The Garden at French Farm (Private)
A feature of the garden is a large 300 year old Pokaka (listed as a Notable Tree of New Zealand) which stands within one of two areas of bush in the garden that are protected by QE11 Covenants. Paths meander through the garden and there are several streamside bush walks with many glades and dells that provide perfect spaces to relax and enjoy the birdsong.
Opening Hours and Tariffs:
Open when the sign is out, which is most days. Welcome to phone/email to check
Individuals and small groups $10 per head
Large group tours $15 per head (allow an hour for the garden tour) – bookings essential
Children school age - free with adults
The Potting Shed:
Our shop selling beautiful things is also open most days.
Contact Details and Location
Physical Address: 104 French Farm Valley Road, Near Akaroa
Phone: 03 3045678 / 021 305216
Email: jendy.brooks@gmail.com
Pot Pourri - Fudge
Pot Pourri's homemade fudge has been lovingly made in our kitchen for over 17 years.
We have perfected the art of fudge making and have customers returning from far and wide to purchase our delicious creamy buttery fudge.
Regular comments we hear from our customers are - "The best fudge I have ever tasted!" "It is so creamy" "Delicous!" "Do you really make this?" "I don't usually like fudge but this is amazing"
We are passionate about our product and every tray is made with love.
We make over 50 flavours and offer free tastings, so come in for a taste.
Open 9-5.30 7 days a week
Meniscus Wines Cellar Door
The wine is grown on the hillside off Lighthouse Rd on the south side of Akaroa overlooking the township. The vineyard is readily visible from the town as well as the Main and French Bay wharves. The grape varieties grown are award winning Riesling, Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. The cellar door is located at 43 Lighthouse Road where you can taste the wine over looking the vineyard. Tasty gourmet snacks, gifts and soft drinks are also available.
You can taste the various vintages, enjoy a glass, share a bottle with friends at the cellar door at 43 Lighthouse Rd, Akaroa.
Cellar door open Fridays - Tuesdays 11:00-17:00 please call to confirm visit. Tel:021304566
Closed now for winter
It's just under 1km steep walk up the hill and great views over Akaroa township.
Akaroa Farmers Market
Visit the Akaroa Farmers Market every Saturday from 9.30am to 1pm from October to April. Banks Peninsula has an abundance of produce and passionate gardeners. Our stallholders offer locally grown fruit, veges, herbs, honey, olive oil, olives, nuts and flowers plus locally produced preserves, pickles, jams, sauces, bread, pastries, lavender products, plants, and more.
For more Information on the Akaroa Farmers Market talk to one of the stall holders or contact Neil Barnett.
The Akaroa Farmers Market have a new Facebook page to let folk know what’s happening, what’s in season, who's selling what and any specials stall holders are offering.