An Olive Grove at the Edge of the World: How two American city boys built a new life in rural New Zealand

The hilarious and endearing true tale of two urban Americans who escaped to a tiny olive farm in rural New Zealand.

For Jared Gulian, leaving the United States and coming to tiny Wellington, New Zealand, was a big enough switch from the bright lights of big cities. So when his partner CJ decided they just had to buy a rundown olive grove in the Wairarapa Valley, it was almost too much to cope with.

First they'd have to drive over the dangerous Remutaka ranges to get there, and Jared was terrified of heights. Then they'd have to figure out what on earth you do with 500 olive trees that hadn't been pruned for years, a geriatric rooster, warring hens, an obese kunekune pig, cast sheep, marauding cattle, and understanding your neighbors when they said "yiece" but meant "yes."

In this delightful memoir, Jared Gulian describes the first four years of their new life in the country, its disasters and small triumphs, its surprises and pleasures. But most of all he describes the warmth of the local community that welcomed them, saved them from certain peril, taught them how to cook, how to care for animals, and how to understand and love the land.

If you love Peter Mayle, David Sedaris, Frances Mayes, or James Herriot, this charming adventure is for you.

Buy now for a story that will feed your heart and make you smile.

© 2023 Lucky Pony Press (Audiobook): 9780473677862

Release date

Audiobook: 5 June 2023