ABOUT US
TASTE ABOVE ALL ELSE
At Telegraph Hill, Taste Above All Else is a belief that guides everything we do. It all began in Hawke’s Bay in 2001, when founder Geoff Crawford set out to grow olives in New Zealand–a bold move at a time when the local industry was virtually non-existent. After much trial and error, he discovered the region’s climate was ideal for Spanish Manzanillo olives. The first grove was planted on a hill once crossed by telegraph lines–giving rise to our name.
From those early days of experimentation came our first extra virgin olive oil, followed by a growing range of drizzles, vinaigrettes, and sauces–each crafted with bold flavour, artisan care, and a small-batch mindset.
AWARD WINNING PRODUCTS
Telegraph Hill has since earned over 100 awards, including “Best in Show” at the 2024 NZ Extra Virgin Olive Oil Awards. But we’re driven by more than accolades–we’re fuelled by curiosity, constantly exploring unexpected flavour combinations and obsessing over every ingredient to help Kiwis elevate everyday meals.
The next chapter began in 2025, with a new team carrying forward the same dedication to quality, creativity, and flavour. Our mission is to make delicious food easy, and to inspire people to be a little more flavour-curious.
Because at Telegraph Hill, it’s always Taste Above All Else.
EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL
Extra Virgin Olive Oil is valued for its health benefits and distinctive flavour. Naturally rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants such as polyphenols and vitamin E, it supports heart health, helps protect against inflammation, and contributes to overall wellbeing. Unlike refined oils, Extra Virgin retains its natural compounds and fresh, vibrant taste. The flavour varies by region, olive variety, and harvest time, making it as unique and expressive as wine.
At Telegraph Hill, quality means everything. Our estate-grown olives are picked at peak ripeness and cold-pressed, using a centrifugal method that protects the oil’s flavour and antioxidant content. The result is a beautifully peppery, unfiltered oil with a creamy texture, fresh grassy aroma, and free fatty acid levels well below the 1% Extra Virgin standard. Small-batch & hand-crafted, our award-winning oils deliver exceptional taste and the full health benefits of the season’s best olives.
