The event, run by Central Otago Olive Growers (COOG), will take place at Olive Press Central Otago, operated by Steve and Olivia Morris in Cromwell, 10.30am-2pm.
COOG chairman Michael Hope said some early season frosts might have taken a slight toll on ripening fruit, but he was confident growers would still match last year’s record community pressing of over 1000kg.
"Olives are a hardy fruit which have thrived for centuries in extremes of weather," he said.
"Despite some recent chilly mornings, the fruit would have been well enough formed and ripened before the cold arrived."
The event is open to growers of all levels, from complete beginners to seasoned professionals.
This year’s day will also feature harvesting demonstrations, olive tasting courses and other stands and activities — along with food and the chance to sample a range of extra virgin olive oils (EVOO).
"It gives people a chance to make olive oil from their own olives — that they can say ‘my olives are in that bottle’.
Mr Morris encouraged growers to pick carefully before they arrived.
"Make sure you pick your olives clean and try to avoid stones and dirt — it doesn’t help the flavour!"
A well-fruited mature tree can yield 10kg-15kg of fruit, and each full bucket produced roughly a litre of fresh, high-quality oil, he said.
COOG members pay $25 to participate, while non-members pay $45 — both fees include a 250ml bottle of EVOO from the 2025 pressing.
A $20 drop-off option is also available for those unable to stay.
Registrations can be made at www.central-otago-olive-growers.nz or by emailing centralotagoolivegrowers@gmail.com.
