The Bracu Story
Founder Ivan Simunovich envisioned creating a small slice of his homeland here in New Zealand — a place shaped by the traditions, flavours and rhythms of the Mediterranean.
Founder Ivan Simunovich envisioned creating a small slice of his homeland here in New Zealand — a place shaped by the traditions, flavours and rhythms of the Mediterranean.
The Simunovich family home was on the island of Brač, off the coast of Croatia in the Adriatic Sea. There, olives were cultivated not only for their flavour, but for the health and wellbeing of the community — a tradition Ivan proudly carried forward. What began as a personal vision grew into what would become New Zealand’s largest privately owned olive grove, originally known as Simunovich Olive Estate.
After completing the estate, Ivan returned to his beloved homeland in 2009 to care for family properties and embrace a slower pace of life. In his absence, his son Peter and daughter Donna continued to run and manage the estate until 2020.
In early 2020, the Simunovich family made the decision to pass the estate into new hands — ensuring its traditions could be carried forward by another family who shared their values. The olive estate, along with Bracu Restaurant, Bracu Pavilion and Beretta Activities, was offered for sale.
Later that year, the estate was purchased by the Zhou family, who took ownership in October 2020. In a defining moment for Bracu, all existing staff were invited to remain, preserving the knowledge, care and spirit that had shaped the estate from the beginning.
Today, as Bracu Estate, the foundations laid by Ivan and the Simunovich family continue to guide everything we do — from award-winning extra virgin olive oil to fine food and wine, meaningful celebrations, and unforgettable experiences shared with family and friends.
