Adopt your family a cherry tree, your own piece of Central Otago

We grow your cherries & post you your cherries when they're ready.

Choose a TreeForest Lodge Orchard Electric Cherries Logo
Adopt your own cherry tree

We grow your cherries & post you your cherries when they're ready.

Adopt your own cherry tree

We grow your cherries & post you your cherries when they're ready.

Adopt your Tree

Why did we choose this life?

Mike and Rebecca break down how they got into cherry farming, why they chose to call Cromwell their home, and how they ended up growing Electric Cherries.

Two men wearing black jackets and blue jeans pose for a picture.
Where it started

A couple of mates

When Mike bought the the land and decided to plant the cherry trees, he new that this would be a big project and would need some help with the project.

Mike picked up the phone to his school friend Euan, "What do you know about growing cherries?", he asked. "Nothing!" he replied. So of course he was the obvious choice to make him his business partner and orchard manager. 

After seeking the support of local consultants they set about planting out the 9,000 trees on the orchard. After a lot of learning they are now leaders in electric farming in the world.

A group of people standing in a cherry orchard.
The Dream Team

Getting you your cherries

Rebecca and Rachel keep the ship sailing smoothly at Forest Lodge Orchard. Running the accounts, organising events, managing orders and deliveries.  

When they're not busy at the orchard or in the office, they are super-mums of the Electric Cherry family. They're spending time with their kids, whether it's playing outside, helping with school stuff, or hanging out on the orchard.

Our History

A timeline of our journey
Forest Lodge Orchard metal signage
June 2019

Forest Lodge Founded

A 6 hectare cherry orchard using the upright fruiting offshoots (UFO)  growing strategy
A man in a black shirt and a cowboy hat riding a four wheeler.
DeCEMBER 2019

Golf Cart Purchased

The first step on our electrification journey, taking full advantage of an age of new electric technology
A windmill in a field with a mountain in the background.
OCTOBER 2020

Electric Frost Fans

Installing and commissioning two 30kwh electric frost fighting fans with the help of a demonstration grant from EECA.
A drone photo of forest lodge orchard
MARCH 2021

Nets Installed

Installation & completion of Orchard net structure to protect against birds, hail and provide some frost protection.
Cherries in a pile with a close up of a cherry.
January 2023

First Export Crop

Our first 100% Electric/ zero fossil fuel Harvest and the first time exporting to Taiwan plus to New Zealanders online.
Two people on the TV show Country Calendar at forest lodge orchard
October 2023

Country Calendar

The airing of our country calendar episode, put Forest Lodge orchard on the map for New Zealand produce production.
October 2024

Electric Cherry Brand Launched

We changed the name of our famous cherries to match what everyone calls us... Electric Cherries
Three men stood on a flat land with mountains behind
August 2019

Ground Broken

Consent to drill granted and struck water on first drilling! Who didnt check the plan?
A solar panel building with a black roof.
MARCH 2020

Solar Installed

23 kWh Solar array & batteries installed. The surplus power we generate is used to charge our batteries, and following that we export back to the grid as it's generated, and we draw as needed.
A man in a plaid shirt is riding a green electric tractor.
NOVEMBER 2020

Electric Mower

A whopping 122 cm tray, meaning that we can mow a full row without having to make a return trip.
A man sitting in front of a camera with a woman standing behind him.
APRIL 2021

Southern Lens Profile

We were honoured to have the team from Crux.org.nz and Southern Lens showcase our work into electrifying horticulture.
A man is driving a tractor with a light on the front.
APRIL 2023

Tractor Delivery

The Monarch Electric tractor gets delivered to Cromwell, the orchard now has New Zealand's first Monarch Tractor.
A person holding a bucket of cherries.
December 2023

Commercial Harvest

Our first Commercial size harvest which saw us sell greater volumes to Taiwan, China and to New Zealanders.
an old photo of a newly planted cherry orchard at forest lodge orchard
OCTOBER 2019

5,700 Trees Planted

Planting the first of our Electric Cherry trees, tiny twigs that would one day become the our amazing trees.
a dog in the middle of a newly planted cherry orchard
SEPtember 2020

More Trees Planted

Further 1,650 trees planted of multiple varieties bringing the orchard near full capacity.
Batteries on a wall
FEBRUARY 2021

Exporting Power

Starting exporting power back to grid during congestion periods, top help support New Zealand power network.
Cherries growing on a tree.
September 2022

NZ0 Certification

Became NZ0 Certified. Forest Lodge Orchard became New Zealand’s first certified fossil fuel free orchard.
A man standing at a podium with his hand on his chest.
JULY 2023

Monarch Open Day

The president of Monarch tractors Mark Schwager flies over to visit Forest Lodge Orchard and launch the MKV tractor.
JULY 2024

Installed New Solar Array

Partnering with Panasonic we installed a new solar array on the orchard bringing out total generation up to 150 MWh.

Check out our latest blogs

Discover updates from the team about everything farm life.

Negative Power Bill on an Orchard?

October 23, 2024
we're pioneering sustainable farming and energy innovation by transforming our orchard into a "mini power plant." With 216 solar panels, advanced batteries, and a 100% electric setup, we're not only self-sufficient but also generating and exporting energy to the grid. Partnering with Aurora Energy, we buy electricity at low prices and sell surplus power during peak demand, contributing to the local network and turning a profit. By optimizing energy usage and embracing renewables, we aim to achieve a negative $10,000 power bill, proving that sustainability can lead to both environmental and financial gains.
Read more

Spring has Sprung

September 18, 2024
Spring has arrived at Forest Lodge Orchard, bringing cherry blossoms and a hive of activity. Our orchard has entered the White Tip stage, and nearly a million bees from Taylor's Pass Honey are here to pollinate the blooms, setting the stage for a bountiful harvest. To protect our delicate buds from frost, we use innovative 30KW electric frost fans and micro sprinklers, ensuring optimal conditions while staying eco-friendly. Embracing electric and sustainable practices, we’re gearing up for another season of delicious Central Otago cherries!
Read more

Spring Has Sprung at Forest Lodge Orchard!

September 13, 2024
Spring has sprung at Forest Lodge Orchard! Dive into the blossoming world of our Central Otago cherry trees as they awaken from winter. Discover how nearly a million bees from Taylor's Pass Honey play a crucial role in pollination, and explore our innovative, eco-friendly frost protection methods—including electric fans and micro sprinklers—that safeguard our delicate buds. Join us on our journey of growth, sustainability, and the promise of another delicious cherry season!
Read more