Cascades Estate is a boutique family business on beautiful Waiheke Island, in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf. Named after the Cascades Waterfall near the top of our drive, we lovingly care for an olive grove with around 240 mature trees – many of which our children have individually named.
Our extended family and friends help harvest our olives each year, and they are pressed (literally) down the road within 48 hours of picking. This ensures optimal flavour and freshness. All our oil is cold pressed extra virgin olive oil – so no heat or chemical additives are used to extract the oil, and we only do one pressing of the olives making it the best quality oil.
With a tasty combination of Frantoio, Koroneiki and Manzanilla varieties, we have supplemented our mature trees with some young Pendolino and J5s for an additional flavour hit. We have also planted 90 additional Picual trees, with the intent to press these as a single-varietal oil.
The Island
Waiheke Island, nestled in the sparkling waters of New Zealand’s Hauraki Gulf, is not only renowned for its stunning landscapes and world-class vineyards but also for its exceptional olive oil production. With a temperate climate, fertile soil, and a commitment to sustainable farming practices, Waiheke Island has become a thriving hub for high-quality olive oil production.
On this idyllic island, olives are carefully cultivated and harvested with utmost care, preserving their natural flavours and health benefits. Local olive groves boast a variety of olive tree cultivars, each contributing its unique characteristics to the island’s olive oil production.
The olive oil produced on Waiheke Island is celebrated for its exceptional quality and distinctive taste. The olives are harvested at the peak of ripeness and swiftly cold-pressed, ensuring that the resulting extra virgin olive oil retains its vibrant colours, fragrant aromas, and robust flavours. This dedication to quality is reflected in the numerous awards and accolades received by Waiheke Island olive oil producers on both national and international stages.
Health Benefits
Exceptional Quality: Our Extra Virgin Olive Oil is crafted with unwavering commitment to quality. Carefully selected olives are cold-pressed within hours of harvest, ensuring that only the purest and freshest oil makes its way into every bottle. The result is an olive oil of superior quality, with a vibrant colour, distinct aroma, and a balanced, exquisite taste.
Heart-Healthy Goodness: Packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, our olive oil is a valuable addition to your diet. Regular consumption has been associated with reducing the risk of heart disease and maintaining healthy cholesterol levels. Its natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties further contribute to cardiovascular well-being.
Nutrient-Rich: Extra Virgin Waiheke Island Olive Oil is a natural source of essential nutrients. It contains vitamins E and K, which are known for their antioxidant properties and role in promoting overall health. These nutrients contribute to skin health, immune system function, and bone strength.