River Grove is a family-owned olive grove nestled on the banks of the Ruamahanga River, just north of Masterton in the beautiful Wairarapa region.

About River Grove

Located along the Ruamahanga River near Masterton in Wairarapa, River Grove is a family-owned olive grove established in 2004 by Steven and Chris Price, who moved from Wellington with their three children. The property spans 36 hectares, with 12 dedicated to olive trees and the rest leased for beef grazing. Over the years, the Prices have expanded their grove, now growing 4,000 trees.

Our Olives and Oils

River Grove’s primary olive varieties include the fruity Frantoio and the peppery Leccino, along with newer varieties like Koroneiki and Chemlali. The trees bloom in November, and olives are harvested in early winter, with mature trees mechanically harvested and younger ones hand-picked. As harvests have increased, most fruit is sold to The Village Press. The grove also grows a small number of Manzanilla trees which are most suited as table olives.  These are sold to companies that process table olives. with a portion processed into small batches of extra-virgin oil for direct sale to customers. Each batch is certified extra-virgin with support from Olives New Zealand.

Seasonal Rhythms

After three difficult years in the grove, where the trees were adversely impacted by high rainfall and low sunshine hours, 2024 has emerged as one of our best years ever.  Growing conditions have been favourable, and Steven’s hard work and dedication were rewarded at the annual Olives New Zealand Awards with all our five entries receiving an award.  The Picual won it’s class and our Koroneiki was awarded Reserve Best in Show.

Olive trees flower in November, tiny white flowers that are wind pollinated, and we are very pleased with a very heavy flowering this season.  From now until harvest we must support our trees through fruit set and ripening until the 2025 harvest begins in June.

Explore Our Olive Oils