Fruit picking is a beloved activity for visitors and locals alike in towns throughout Central Otago.
Tania Avis, manager at Jackson Orchards in Cromwell, said the orchard had already started selling the Burlatt variety and expected to start picking other varieties such as Folfar next week.
The much sought-after varieties such as Dawsons and Lapins are expected later in December. Export cherries are picked in January.
Ms Avis said crops were a bit late this year, something she believed was because of last month’s poor weather.
"It has been wet and there's been a lot of rain and a few frosts, but it is just starting to settle now."
Plenty of workers had been employed as the harvest should peak in about two weeks.
"Usually we would employ about 70 people over the season ... We are full at the moment," Ms Avis said.
For those who might not like cherries there would be a variety of other fruit to choose from over summer.
- By Rawan Saadi
