What species of truffles are grown in NZ?

New Zealand produces several commercially relevant truffle species:

• Périgord black truffle (Tuber melanosporum) – the primary commercial species grown here.

• Burgundy truffle (Tuber aestivum/uncinatum) – thrives in cooler, shaded conditions.

• Bianchetto/whitish truffle (Tuber borchii) – adaptable and earlier to produce.

• Winter black truffle (Tuber brumale) – less common but cultivated in some sites.

The highly expensive Italian white truffle (Tuber magnatum) has been trialled in New Zealand but has yet to establish consistent commercial production. 

How long have truffles been grown in New Zealand?

New Zealand’s commercial truffle story began in the late 1980s with research and inoculated seedlings. The first Périgord black truffles were harvested in 1993 in Gisborne. Since then, plantings have spread from Northland to Southland as growers explore suitable soils and climates. Each region offers different opportunities to growing truffles, with better soil drainage, and sunshine.

What conditions do truffles need in New Zealand?

Successful truffières share these traits:

• Alkaline, well-drained soils (pH 7.5+).
• Sunny aspect and adequate summer warmth.
• Irrigation potential in dry seasons.
• Separation from competing ectomycorrhizal fungi.
• Ongoing orchard management including pruning, soil nutrition and weed control

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How Many truffières (truffle orchards) are there in New Zealand

While exact numbers aren’t fully known, industry estimates indicate:

• 40,000+ inoculated trees planted across 400+ truffières (orchards) nationwide.

• Plantings range from small lifestyle blocks to larger commercial orchards.

• Most plantings are dedicated to Tuber melanosporum (Black truffles).

Survey efforts continue to better quantify production and orchard characteristics.

How much truffle does New Zealand produce?

Total national production remains small and hard to quantify precisely, but current estimates suggest 1500 kg+ per year of saleable truffles — mostly consumed domestically. This estimate increases each year as more truffières reach maturity. 

Official export volumes were very limited in 2024, with approximately 70 kg recorded as export trials, reflecting the early stage of coordinated global sales.

Some orchards have achieved excellent yields by international standards. Yields exceeding 100 kg per hectare — reputedly among the world’s highest for cultivated truffles — have been recorded on well-managed sites.

Individual orchards can vary widely depending on tree age, soil chemistry, climate and orchard care.

When is the truffle season?

New Zealand’s winter truffle season generally runs from June through August, aligning with the southern hemisphere’s coolest months. Harvest windows can vary with climate and orchard location. Tuber melanosporum and Tuber borchii are available during these times.

Tuber aestivum is usually available from November to May, however, they are also know for producing for much longer periods that Tuber melanosporum and Tuber borchii.