Taitokerau Northland’s subtropical climate, long growing season and wide diversity of soils create ideal conditions for a wide range of horticultural and fruit-growing ventures. The sector accounts for about 10% of Northland’s total export value and its contribution to the regional economy is continuing to grow though new plantings, post-harvest investment and product diversification.
Kiwifruit remains the region’s largest and most valuable crop, with its contribution to regional GDP almost doubling over the five years to 2022. The industry benefits from established growing expertise, access to packhouse infrastructure, and strong global branding through Zespri’s integrated export system. Citrus production, predominantly mandarins, lemons, and navel oranges, thrives across the Far North’s fertile soils, while avocado orchard development has accelerated across the mid-north and western districts, supported by major new plantings and private investment.
Taitokerau Northland's largest fruit crop is kiwifruit, and the GDP that it generates for the Taitokerau Northland economy has almost doubled in the last five years to 2022. Citrus, predominantly mandarins, lemons and naval oranges, are popular in the middle of the Far North District and there has been large investments made recently into avocado trees in the Far North.
Emerging fruit crops such as raspberries and blueberries are rapidly expanding, reflecting the region’s adaptive growers and favourable climate. Northland is also at the forefront of tropical and niche fruit development, being home to Aoteroa New Zealand’s only commercial pineapple and coffee growers, alongside a growing number of banana plantations and other subtropical species. These ventures position the region as a testbed for innovation and climate-resilient horticultural diversification.
With the Ngawha Innovation & Enterprise Park now operational in Kaikohe, there is a deepened desire for the region to pursue value-add manufacturing, processing and agri-innovation linked to its horticultural base. Further opportunities exist for investment in cool-chain logistics, food and beverage processing, plant-based product development, and high-value export pathways. Supported by collaborative partnerships between growers, Māori landowners, research providers, and investors, Northland’s horticulture sector offers a dynamic platform for sustainable growth and commercial expansion.
If you are interested in discussing investment opportunities in the horticulture space in Northland, contact our Investment Team.
The Tuputupu Grow Northland initiative has a vision of Taitokerau Northland’s people and environment thriving through adaptation and innovation, leading to sustainable and optimal land use choices, commercialisation of new opportunities, and development of value-add products and manufacturing.
A first of its kind Innovation and Enterprise Hub being built on a 240 ha site on the outskirts of Kaikohe.
This project is a practical exploration into the commercial viability of growing hi-oleic peanuts in Northland.
Northland Inc is involved in a variety of mahi as part of the Kaipara Kai programme which is led by Kaipara District Council.
This research report was produced by Coriolis to identify potential employment growth opportunities in the food and beverage manufacturing and processing sectors in Northland.
A Topo-Climate Study for six key crops - avocado, sorghum, olives, peanuts, soybeans and hops/hemp/CBD (Cannabidiol Cannabis) - in the Kaipara District.
Launched in 2023, the Aotearoa Horticulture Action Plan was developed collectively, with input from industry, government, Māori and research providers. The plan belongs to everyone involved in the New Zealand horticulture sector.
It provides a guiding compass to achieve the ambitious goal of doubling the farmgate value of horticultural production by 2035 in a way that improves prosperity for our people and protects our environment.
