Across the district early varieties of burlat and earlise are ripe for picking.
However, frosts caused stress to the trees in some areas and orchardists were cautious about rain, which could split the crop.
Record crops were produced last season, with New Zealand's largest cherry exporter, 45 South in Cromwell, picking its biggest tonnage.
Picking began at Big Cherry orchard in Roxburgh on Tuesday.
Owner Chris Toms said cherries were ripening at a similar time to last year, but the start was slow.
''It was a long winter, but Mother Nature usually catches up.''
Owner of Jackson Orchard in Cromwell Mark Jackson said it had been a good, dry season with picking starting two weeks ago.
''It has been nice and hot here which is how the cherries like it.''
There had been eight frosts which was ''pretty easy going'', he said.
It was looking good for Christmas buyers, he said.
''It has all the signs of another record year, weather depending of course. It can rain today and it's all over
''The warm weather helped stone fruit too, and there would be plenty of apricots, nectarines and plums before Christmas, he said.
The manager of Leaning Rock Cherries at Alexandra, Pete Bennie, said harvest began last week and the haul was now up to a ton a day.
It was looking good for the Christmas rush despite frosts, he said.
''There have been a lot of them. A lot of nights out of bed.''
Summerfruit New Zealand chairman Gary Bennetts, of Roxburgh, said the season needed to speed up to meet Christmas demand.
''We are forever optimistic, but anything could happen.''
-by Jono Edwards
