Why does Prue Fraser grow berries? - because I like to eat berries she says.

Prue Fraser

"I like to be outside. I wanted to do something a bit different to the usual on the block of land we bought. I have been growing berries for about 30 years."

Most seasons the fresh fruit starts about New Year although it does seem to be getting earlier.

Berry picking usually starts at new year

Prue's Berry Farm usually has fresh fruit for about 8 weeks, then frozen fruit until the freezers are empty.

Last year that was in March. This year Prue expects to have fruit until at least August.

"We had a good season this year - 3rd best ever! But last season was the worst since my initial startup season" she says.

A good season needs good fertiliser, and good weather in spring. Too many late frosts or too much rain when flowering is bad for the fruit.

Boysenberries need plenty of heat, but tayberries prefer it cooler. And the blackberries are always awesome.

Prue has 3 varieties of raspberry that ripen at slightly different times to spread the season out.

Lots of local kids get their summer pocket money by picking berries at the berry farm.

Prue supplies fresh fruit to some local Te Anau restaurants and B&Bs in the summer, and also to FreshChoice Te Anau.

Farm sales are also available from January till August.

Simply call into Prue's Berry Farm on the outskirts of Te Anau, at 132a Te Anau Milford Road Highway, or phone 03 249 7492 or 027 682 2417.