Kevin Jackson is a fourth generation Central Otago orchardist and his dedication and commitment to orcharding has seen his venture on the outskirts of Cromwell, established in 1989, continue to develop into a flagship for the region.

His 35-hectare property Jackson Orchards is one of New Zealand’s largest suppliers of Central Otago stone fruit including cherries, apricots, peaches, nectarines, plums, greengages, apples and pears. 

The orchard has progressively expanded to include a state-of-the-art packhouse and cool store , fruit stall, orchard tours and cottage accommodation.

“ Kevin and our team operate more than 200 tonnes of stone and pip fruit through our facilities and around ten to15 tonnes of cherries each season,” says orchard manager Tania Avis. 

Cromwell’s well recognised fruit sculpture at its entrance signifies the importance of fruit growing to the region and Tania says visitors and international tourists are particularly keen to experience their Jackson Orchards tours.

“Our guided tours operate most days on the hour from 9.00am until 4.00pm. Visitors can hop on board one of our electric buses for a fun, informative immersive experience into theorchard’s working.”  

“The summer tours are very popular with people able to sample pick the fruit and eat some of our delicious sun ripened fruit directly from the tree. We have two new tour buses taking 13 people each plus a guide and we also accommodate walking tours for larger groups.”

OVEN BAKED GOODNESS

A new cookie counter has been launched at Jackson Orchards this summer selling an array of fresh cookie products.

“We are selling hot cookies, cookie dough ice cream and cookie sandwiches which is a great addition to our very popular fresh fruit ice cream kiosk” says orchard manager Tania Avis.

The newly introduced Mrs Higgins cookies are a crowd pleaser.

“The cookie counter is located inside the fruit stall along with a new ice cream machine specifically purchased for cookie dough ice creams. There are classic favourites such as Chocolate Chip, Cocoa Hit and White Chocolate Macadamia with more flavours to come,” says Tania.