A month-by-month guide to Bay of Plenty’s Harvest

WHAT'S IN SEASON?

Ever found yourself in a New Zealand supermarket in the middle of winter, staring at tomatoes priced at $16 a kilo and wondering why they’re so expensive here but cheap all year round overseas? 

It all comes down to how we grow and source our food. New Zealand is a small island nation with a strong focus on local produce. We grow the majority of our fruit and vegetables here, and that means we’re closely tied to the seasons. If something isn’t growing locally, it either disappears from the shelves or becomes a costly import.

In contrast, countries like the United Kingdom rely heavily on imported produce from across Europe and beyond. Their supermarket shelves are stocked with goods that have often travelled thousands of kilometres. While this provides year-round availability, it also means those products can be less fresh and more carbon intensive.

Here in Aotearoa, eating with the seasons is not just a lifestyle choice, it’s often the only option if you want produce that’s fresh, affordable and full of flavour. And in the Bay of Plenty, we are lucky to have one of the most abundant growing regions in the country.

This month-by-month harvest calendar celebrates the best of what’s grown locally. From summer berries and stone fruit to winter citrus, hearty greens, iconic kiwifruit and even truffles, discover what’s in season when and how to make the most of it.

 DOWNLOAD BAY OF PLENTY HARVEST CALENDAR