Te Puke

　　   Kiwifruit, also known as Chinese gooseberry, is native to China. In 1904, Ms. Isabel brought kiwifruit seeds from Yichang, Hubei Province, China to New Zealand, where she cultivated the first kiwifruit tree in the country. To this day, the name of New Zealand’s green kiwifruit has gained worldwide fame. To learn about this fruit, one must visit the small town of Te Puke in New Zealand.

　　   Te Puke is located in the Bay of Plenty region of New Zealand, which is the kiwifruit cultivation hub of the country. Te Puke alone produces 70% of New Zealand’s kiwifruit, earning it the title “Kiwifruit Capital.” Visiting the kiwifruit orchards is a visual treat — fresh, crisp fruits hang down within arm’s reach, making your mouth water. If you visit during the kiwifruit harvest season, you can see uniformly sized kiwifruits and watch farmers pick and package them, showcasing their impressive speed and efficiency. Every September, Te Puke hosts a grand Kiwifruit Celebration featuring events such as the Kiwifruit Queen competition and the Kiwifruit Expo, making it an ideal place to learn about and admire these unique fruits.

　　   Te Puke Must-visit reason: New Zealand’s most renowned “Kiwifruit Capital” Continent: Oceania [Oceania] Country/Region: New Zealand [New Zealand] Province/State: Bay of Plenty Region [Bay of Plenty Region]