A Cromwell cherry orchard will open its rows to the public on Christmas Eve, continuing a seasonal tradition that has become a fixture for many Central Otago families. 

The pick-your-own event will run from early afternoon until early evening at The Mathsone on Pearson Road, offering a low-key alternative to last-minute Christmas shopping. 

Orchardist Sam Matheson, who runs the property with her partner Linden Breakstone, said the decision to open the orchard was driven by a desire to see the fruit enjoyed by consumers closer to

home.

“We’ve decided not to do export...and just look after the locals,” Sam said. 

The Christmas Eve opening has been running for several years, but this season has seen increased interest, leaving Sam with her fingers crossed her parking plan will suffice.

“People will reach out in July and August asking if we’re doing cherries for Christmas,” she said. 

Sam said cherries held strong associations with childhood and family gatherings in Central Otago, even for people who no longer lived there.

“It's like a childhood thing. They always remember going and picking cherries or eating cherries at Christmas time." 

A new generation of cherry pickers is now making those memories, with many families locking the visit into their Christmas calendar alongside other seasonal rituals. 

“We try to make it really family friendly,” Sam said. 

Cherries and Christmas go together in Central Otago, Sam say. Image: Supplied

She recalled one family of returning customers who have made the trip from Queenstown in recent years. 

“All of them come in white shirts,” she said.

By the end of the visit, she said, the shirts are usually covered in cherry juice. 

“Hopefully they’ll be coming this year,” she said.

On Christmas Day itself things would be quieter for Sam’s household, with the orchard closed. 

“On Christmas Day we plan to just relax and actually enjoy eating the cherries,” she said.