Orchard location couldn’t be better
Demand for high quality kiwifruit orchards is continuing its strong run, and this property in Old Coach Rd, Paengaroa, will receive plenty of attention from potential buyers.
The orchard has been developed in five blocks and holds Gold3 licence for 14.18 can/ha.
Orchard production has increased steadily since the initial crop in 2013, and this year 1.36 can/ha on Bounty Rootstock has already been picked for Kiwistart 2022 crop.
In 2019, the orchard, situated in the heart of the Bay of Plenty’s prime horticulture area, produced 12,773 trays/ha, 28.6 size and 0.71 Taste Zespri Grade (TZG). The following year production climbed to 15,676 trays/ha and 28.4 size, while last year’s figures were 13,566 trays/ha, 28.68 size and 0.50 TZG.
A total of 1.36can/ha of kiwifruit was established on Bounty root stock, and the balance is on Bruno rootstock. Shelter is provided by cryptomeria shelterbelts, while 3.76 can/ha is covered in artificial overhead shelter.
The property is being marketed by Bayleys rural/lifestyle specialist Snow Williams, who says the orchard has a naturally flat contour, and the minimal amount of extra contouring has been done to a high standard. Orchard infrastructure includes a barrel-vaulted implement shed, a wind machine, a shared bore for irrigation and frost protection and shared control system, a water storage pond for frost protection, and a load out area. Three new Orchard- Rite wind machines are in the process of being installed and along with the existing frost machine will replace water used for frost protection. The soil type on the property is Paengaroa shallow sand which is a is a volcanic soil, with Kaharoa Ash on Waihi Ash. This is friable, largely free-draining, and suitable for horticulture and pastoral use, provided a suitable maintenance level of fertiliser is applied each year. A report by DMS and independent consultants Fruition Horticulture produced in 2018 said that large kiwifruit orchards of the quality of 472 Old Coach Rd are extremely hard to acquire and that the orchard infrastructure was top class. Their report added that the location was regarded as very good, and the orchard had been set up to be easily managed. The report, which proved accurate, said production of 15,000 trays/ha should be readily attainable. This well set up property will be ideally suited to individual buyers and local orchardists wishing to expand their existing operations, as well as syndicate groups.
In addition to being situated in one of the very best areas in the Bay of Plenty to grow kiwifruit, 472 Old Coach Rd has the advantage of being centrally located, just 14 minutes’ drive from Te Puke, New Zealand’s kiwifruit capital. It’s also an easy distance from both Rotorua and Tauranga cities.
Te Puke has many well-established businesses serving the horticultural sector and is also home to grower organisations providing advice and other assistance to both new and experienced orchardists.