In short: Zealong Tea Estate Ltd is a New Zealand tea producer located at 495 Gordonton Road, operating at 33 metres elevation and certified by the Ethical Tea Partnership.
Zealong Tea Estate Ltd is a tea-growing operation located at 495 Gordonton Road in New Zealand, positioned at 33 metres above sea level. The estate is operated by Zealong Tea Estate Ltd and produces both black and green teas. It holds certification from the Ethical Tea Partnership.
Terroir & Climate
At 33 metres elevation, Zealong operates at a low altitude that is atypical for most commercial tea cultivation globally. New Zealand's temperate maritime climate, at this latitude of approximately 38°S, tends to offer cooler growing conditions than the subtropical and tropical zones where tea is traditionally cultivated. Estates at such southern latitudes generally experience a more pronounced seasonal variation in daylight and temperature, which can result in a shorter active growing season compared to equatorial regions.
The comparatively low elevation and temperate climate typically favour slower leaf development during the cooler months, while the extended daylight hours of the southern hemisphere summer may contribute to a different biochemical profile in the leaf. Terroir at this latitude often reflects the influence of maritime air masses and moderate temperatures, conditions that can shape both yield patterns and the character of the processed leaf.
Tea Produced
Zealong produces both black and green teas. Estates operating in temperate, low-elevation environments such as this often yield teas with a character distinct from those grown in the high-altitude tropics; the slower growth cycles and cooler temperatures typical of New Zealand's climate can contribute to a different balance of amino acids and polyphenols in the leaf. Green teas from cooler regions sometimes exhibit a fresh, vegetal profile, while black teas may present a lighter body and more delicate oxidation notes, though specific cup character will vary with processing and cultivar.
Operator
The estate is operated by Zealong Tea Estate Ltd. No other estates operated by this company are currently recorded in our directory.
Certifications & Ethics
Zealong holds certification from the Ethical Tea Partnership, an independent body that works with tea producers to improve working conditions, environmental practices, and supply-chain transparency. For buyers, ETP certification offers assurance that the estate is subject to regular assessment against labour rights, health and safety, and environmental standards; for workers, membership signals a commitment to ongoing improvement in workplace conditions and access to grievance mechanisms.
Location & Neighbouring Estates
Zealong Tea Estate Ltd lies at -37.7077, 175.2999 in 495 Gordonton Road, New Zealand. Its 33 m elevation is the highest of 1 estates we map in New Zealand. The nearest estates in the TeaTrade directory, measured point-to-point from these coordinates, are:
- Wonosari — 7080 km away · East Java
- Pasir Malang Tea Estate — 7082 km away · Malang Regency
- Sirah Kencong — 7104 km away · East Java Province
- Dayeuh Manggung Tea Estate — 7527 km away · Kabupaten Garut
- Sedep Tea Estate — 7549 km away · WEST JAVA
Observed Climate at Zealong Tea Estate Ltd (2025)
ERA5 reanalysis data modelled for Zealong Tea Estate Ltd’s coordinates recorded 1,438 mm of precipitation across calendar year 2025. The wettest month was July (210 mm) and the driest was February (35 mm). Daytime highs averaged 19.2 °C and overnight lows 10.7 °C over the year; February was the warmest month and August the coolest.
| Metric | 2025 value |
|---|---|
| Annual precipitation | 1,438 mm |
| Wettest month | July (210 mm) |
| Driest month | February (35 mm) |
| Mean daily high | 19.2 °C |
| Mean overnight low | 10.7 °C |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Zealong Tea Estate Ltd located?
Zealong Tea Estate Ltd is in 495 Gordonton Road, New Zealand, at coordinates -37.7077, 175.2999, at an elevation of about 33 metres.
Who operates Zealong Tea Estate Ltd?
Zealong Tea Estate Ltd is operated by Zealong Tea Estate Ltd, according to public supply-chain records.
What type of tea does Zealong Tea Estate Ltd produce?
Zealong Tea Estate Ltd is recorded as producing black and green tea.
What certifications does Zealong Tea Estate Ltd hold?
Zealong Tea Estate Ltd is recorded as holding the following certification(s): Ethical Tea Partnership.
How much rain does Zealong Tea Estate Ltd receive?
ERA5 reanalysis data for the estate's coordinates recorded 1,438 mm of precipitation in 2025, peaking in July (210 mm).
Data sources: public supply-chain disclosures (Ethical Tea Partnership member lists, Rainforest Alliance certificate holders and retailer supplier disclosures); climate figures are ERA5 reanalysis modelled for the estate’s coordinates via Open-Meteo (calendar year 2025); coordinates and elevations from geocoded records. Spotted an error? Email [email protected].
