Simmer down: Take a traditional approach to Māori food, experiencing food cooked fresh via the geothermal activity in Rotorua’s Te Whakarewarewa Valley. After enjoying a cultural experience at Te Puia, taste lobster cooked in a geothermal cooking pool, or try a feast from a traditional hāngī (pit oven).
Forage Cloudy Bay: Marlborough winery Cloudy Bay offers a ‘Forage’ experience with style. Eat freshly harvested oysters at Tio Point, taste Ora King Salmon sashimi, enjoy a private helicopter tour over the Marlborough Sounds and a Cloudy Bay Range tasting & blending session. End with The Forage dinner, created with the produce collected.
Wild food safari: Treetops Estate wilderness luxury lodge in Rotorua offers ‘The Estate to Plate Safari’. Start with a tour of the kitchen gardens and apiaries, then take a 4WD tour of the 2500-acre Estate to encounter wild deer and pigs, sheep, rabbits, fowl and trout, plus a forest forage for ingredients to make a memorable feast.
Hobbit fare: Add some magic to your meal with a dining experience at the Hobbiton™ Movie Set in Matamata. Immerse yourself in the Shire, enjoying a Lord of the Rings themed feast of fresh New Zealand produce at The Green Dragon Inn or Party Marquee, washed down with Southfarthing brews and Middle-earth wine.
High-fliers only: Accessible only by helicopter, the Mountain Kitchen at Minaret Station is the ultimate in exclusive, luxury dining. Located high in the Southern Alps, enjoy a private scenic helicopter charter over Wanaka before disembarking on an alpine landing and enjoying modern cuisine prepared by resident chefs using fresh local produce.
SNACK TIME:
Or add a quick gastronomical experience to a wider programme:
Scream for ice cream: New Zealand’s dairy produce is legendary. Sample unforgettable ice cream at Giapo in Auckland with a Chef’s Table degustation, kitchen tour, or masterclass.
Get shucked: Board the ‘Shuckle Ferry’ near foodie haven Matakana for an oyster farm tour to learn about, collect and eat some of these shellfish delicacies fresh from the ocean.
She’s crafty: Visitors to craft beer capital Wellington can enjoy a dedicated beer tour and boutique beer tastings with a Wellington Craft Beer Tasting Tour.
Wine and ride: Cycling Marlborough’s Golden Mile takes in 6km ride of stunning scenery and nine wineries boasting world-renowned wine, with dining and art stops along the way.
Just the tonic: The Botanical Distillery’s Gin and Tonic Experience at Batch Winery on Waiheke Island explores the plants and spices used in gin, with tastings and High Tea.
West Coast spirit: Reefton Distilling Co. offers Biddy’s Backyard Premium Tour, a unique look at the woman, landscape and history behind the crafting of their spirits.
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