Where to pick strawberries in Auckland

There's no surer sign of a long, Kiwi summer than big, delicious bursts of fresh strawberries. And while cheap punnets are dime-a-dozen at your local fruit and veg story, there's nothing better than picking your own strawberries. It can be a little difficult to find Auckland farms that let you pick your own but keep your eyes peeled along the rural roads around areas such as Massey, Greenhithe, Kumeu and Coatesville in the north-west and Clevedon and Papakura in the South. 

Here's some great local spots to pick strawberries but remember to always phone ahead on the day to avoid disappointment. Although the season starts for most on December 26, some farms may choose to open a week or two later.

Phil Greig Strawberry Gardens 
464 State Highway 16, Kumeu
09 412 7329 
7 days 8.00am - 6.00pm

Phil Greig Strawberry Gardens is one of the most popular spots in Auckland to pick strawberries, and it’s no wonder – they have something for everyone. The gardens are open for picking from Boxing Day and every day until mid to late January. There is a $7.50 per person entrance which covers the first kilo picked (children under 12 get in free). Besides strawberry picking, the farm also has a reputation for its divine fruit ice creams, yoghurt and smoothies.

Massey Gardens & Orchard
45, State Highway 16, Massey
09 416 8262
7 days 9.00am - 6pm

This is another great spot to pick your own from 26 December onwards as Massey Garden & Orchard having been one of the most popular strawberry farms in Auckland since 1974. Called Sweet Red, their strawberry variety is well-known throughout New Zealand and with 15 dedicated strawberry patches, this 27-hectare farm is a great place to come with the family.

The Troost Family Strawberry Fields 
114 Sunnyside Road, Coatesville
7 days 9.00am - 5.00pm

This is a favourite place for North Shore locals to go strawberry picking and enjoy a taste of country life. Due to the fact this is a commercial farm, they have to wait until this season is over before opening up their farm to the public for PYO. While it means they don’t have a set date for the season to start, it's best check the Best Berries site throughout summer to find out exactly when they are open.

To ensure you and your family choose the very best of the bunch, here's a few top tips from the experts on how to pick your own strawberries.

• Break at the stalk with your fingernail rather than pulling on the strawberry, which will pull the calayx from the strawberry. This spares the berry any bruising and the fruit will last longer once picked.
• The small berries are just as sweet as the big berries as long as they are red. Size will often depend on variety.
• Try not to walk on the strawberry beds as it kills the plants and therefore there will be a great shortage of fruit for others.