Marlborough, at the sunny north-eastern tip on New Zealand's beautiful South Island, burst onto the scene some twenty-five years ago with the unrivalled international success achieved by many of the regions wine producers.
Wine growers in New Zealand quickly recognised the ideal combination the area enjoys of dry hot summers and cool winters, and rich alluvial free-draining soils.
Today Marlborough is one of New Zealand's premier New World wine regions. Olive growers were quick to follow suit and soon discovered the conditions were ideal for producing fruit of outstanding quality.
Waipara Valley, in the beautiful northern Canterbury foothills, lies further south of Marlborough, but enjoys a similar climate and soil type.
It is here that the New Zealand olive industry really blossomed, with groves stretching as far as the eye can see. The famed Canterbury hot summer wind � the nor'wester � helps to create rich olives bursting with unique flavours.
Waipara Valley and Marlborough has grown to become one of the recognised olive growing regions in New Zealand and Olivenz has based its business in this world renowned horticultural arena.
