Cherry season in New Zealand typically runs from early December through to January. Central Otago cherries are usually harvested slightly later, from mid-December to late January, depending on the weather and variety. 

Cherries are a highly seasonal fruit that ripen once per year. They require specific temperature and daylight conditions to develop sweetness, which is why fresh New Zealand cherries are only available during summer. 

No, cherries do not continue to ripen after they are picked. For this reason, they are harvested at peak ripeness to ensure the best possible flavour and sweetness when they reach you.

We recommend ordering as soon as our shop opens in October. Christmas demand is very high and our cherries often sell out on our pre-sale model before December arrives. Ordering early guarantees your Christmas delivery slot. 

Yes, we deliver our Central Otago cherries NZ-wide. Orders are packed fresh and dispatched quickly to maintain quality and freshness during transit.

We aim to dispatch orders as close to your preferred date as possible, however exact delivery dates cannot always be guaranteed due to weather conditions, courier schedules and seasonal demand.

Yes, we deliver to rural addresses throughout New Zealand. Please note that rural deliveries may take slightly longer than urban deliveries which may affect the freshness of your cherries.

If your order experiences unexpected delays, please contact us as soon as possible. We assess each case individually and aim to resolve issues as soon as possible.

Delivery within New Zealand is included in the price of every Pure Otago Direct order. All prices displayed at checkout include GST and shipping — no hidden fees at checkout. 

Fresh cherries should be stored in the refrigerator as soon as they arrive. Keep them in their packaging or a breathable container. Our cherries arrive pre-washed so there is no need for you to wash them yourself.

When refrigerated correctly, fresh cherries can last up to 7-10 days. For best flavour and texture, we recommend enjoying them as soon as possible after delivery.

Yes, cherries can be frozen for later use. Remove stems and pits, wash and dry them, then freeze in an airtight container. Frozen cherries keep for up to 12 months and are ideal for cooking and baking. 

Yes you can, but please note that you can only enter ONE delivery address per order. If you want to send cherries to people at different addresses, you will need to place one order per person. 

Top Tip: Put the details of the person you are sending to in the Shipping Address section. At the payment screen, you can list your own details under the Billing address section.

Check your spam or/and junk inbox first. If you still cannot find it, submit a contact form here and we'll resend it for you.

Yes, our cherries are a popular seasonal gift. You can send them directly to friends, family, or colleagues anywhere in New Zealand.

Yes, we offer wholesale and corporate gifting options during the season. You can visit our Corporate Gifts page for more info. If you are looking for wholesale supply (B2B) you can apply for a wholesale account here.

If you need to cancel your order, please use our Order Change Form to lodge your request. Changes may not be possible within 7 days of your delivery date.

Yes, cherries are a natural source of antioxidants and nutrients. They are enjoyed as part of a balanced diet and are known for their fresh flavour and natural sweetness.

Cherries naturally contain compounds such as melatonin, which has been linked to sleep support. Many people also enjoy cherries as part of an active, healthy lifestyle.

Fresh cherries can be enjoyed on their own, added to fruit bowls, desserts, salads, or used in baking and preserves.