Thyme is harvested during flowering or soon after as this is the best yield. It is a seasonal harvest and happens at the start of New Zealand’s Summer, November-December. 

Estate Aromatics collects and harvests in the Alexandra area of Otago. Estate Aromatics harvests small amounts for oil production from the high altitudes of this amazing area.

We've experimented with a number of harvest methods and had now found cutting the plants with a hedge cutter and bagging on site works the best. This method allows us to select the best plants and avoids any wastage. It's hard work but well worthwhile.

Wild Thyme loves the dry Central Otago spreading from Roxburgh in the south and as far as Cromwell in the west. While an introduced species and classed by some as a pest and was introduced, there has always been collections of thyme in this region. We also harvest for a bee keeper in Kaikoura who uses thyme oil as a natural substance to control Varroa mite in his hives. Thyme honey - Yum!