New Zealand’s abundantly lush natural surroundings make it a rich source not only of spellbinding landscapes and thrilling adventures but also a delicious supply of some of the world’s freshest food and finest wines. Whether you’re a foodie or a gourmand, go on a food trip and satisfy your craving for an adventure on the road. Do up your own itinerary, hire a car and follow your nose. Savor every delicious moment as you sample the flavors and textures of New Zealand from north to south. Here are some not to be missed highlights of New Zealand’s North Island Gourmet Trail. Written by Debbie Reyes-Coloma.
Brick Bay Wines, Matanaka - by Kieran Scott
Auckland – Fish Markets and Waiheke Island
Viaduct Basin, Chancery and the inner city suburbs of Ponsonby and Parnell are rich sources of restaurants. Take cooking lessons at the Auckland fish market. Shop for delicious souvenirs at BeesOnline in Kumeu (there’s also a café that demonstrates the culinary uses for honey). For a divine wine time, Waiheke Island, Matakana and Kumeu are within easy distance. Auckland’s wine growing areas produce rich, ripe Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, as well as smooth, fruity Chardonnay and Pinot Gris. www.aucklandnz.com
Alfresco dining, Bay of Island - Destination Northland
Northland – Mangonui, Bay of Islands and Paihia
Bring home delicious memories dripping in chocolate, nuts, oysters, cheeses and olive oil. Don’t miss the famous fish ‘n chips in Mangonui where you can select the fish you want. Sample a 7-course menu on the Russell waterfront in the Bay of Islands. Try a do-it-yourself Paihia at cooking schools within various luxury resorts. Sample well-rounded whites, sensational Syrah and savoury Cabernet/Merlot blends. www.northlandnz.com
Pinot Noir Grapes – Kieran Scott
Hawke’s Bay – Vineyard Tours
New Zealand’s second-largest wine region produces sophisticated reds and finely structured Chardonnays. Hire a mountain bike to tour the vineyards, or organize a driver to whisk you from one cellar door to the next. Around lunchtime, stop by a vineyard restaurant for exceptional provincial cuisine perfectly matched with homegrown wine. www.hawkesbaytourism.co.nz www.hawkesbaywinemakers.co.nz
NZ has a wealth of fresh seafood on its doorstep - Kieran Scott
Rotorua – Indigenous Maori Food
Arrange an indigenous Maori food tour with Charles Royal, an innovative Maori chef who uses his knowledge of traditional cooking methods and native herbs to keep you entertained and well fed. For an authentic historic experience, book a tour at the Tamaki Maori Village. A hangi feast, cooked in an earth oven, is part of the entertainment. www.rotoruanz.com www.maorifood.com
Cafe culture is alive and well in Ponsonby Road - Kieran Scott
Wellington – Cafes and Gourmet Tours
Buzzing with cafés, delicatessens and restaurants. There are walking gourmet tours of the inner city culminating in a 3-course tasting lunch matched with New Zealand wines. Special food experiences include a chocolate café, a restaurant that puts a new spin on traditional Maori food and a seafood restaurant that’s housed in a restored historic woolshed. You may also make an advance booking with Wild About Wellington or Zest Food Tours and they’ll organize everything for you. www.wellingtonnz.com www.wildaboutwellington.co.nz www.zestfoodtours.co.nz
At festivals and restaurants, food and wine are inseparable - Kieran Scott
Kapiti Coast – Organic Winery, Pioneer Museum
Visit an organic winery on the shores of Lake Horowhenua. Enjoy country cooking at a pioneer museum. Taste New Zealand-made schnapps, liqueurs, oils and vinaigrettes. Drop in at Lindale Farm for some delightful local cheese and ice cream. Don’t miss the Ruth Pretty Cooking School, which runs most weekends from March to December.
When wine has a colorful history, the bouquet seems richer - Chriss McLennan
Wairarapa and Martinborough
Fabulous wine culture, with Pinot Noir taking centre stage, and a veritable Garden of Eden of ingredients to choose from. Take a leisurely stroll or bike around amazing vineyards and olive groves. Some of the vineyards have a restaurant/café to keep your energy levels suitably topped up. www.wairarapanz.com
Wine, food and music, three of the happiest combination in the world - Scott Venning
Wanganui and Palmerston North
Stay in a country homestead or farm stay, where outdoor pursuits will whet the appetite for great home cooking. Koriniti Marae provides a homestay with traditional Maori hangi food. Feilding town hosts an excellent artisan food market on Fridays—fruits, vegetables, pate, specialty bread, wine, pesto and more. Drop by the herb farm in Ashurst, where a café makes good use of the fresh herbs grown on the farm. www.manawatunz.co.nz
Taranaki – Breweries, Cheese Bar and Seafood
Beer, cheese and seafood are three very good reasons to visit. Tour the three boutique breweries to discover Taranaki’s greatest beers and a fruit winery specializing in luscious raspberry and boysenberry wine. Nibble to your heart’s content at the Cheese Bar in Bridge Street, and add Eltham to your cheese-y itinerary. Relish Taranaki’s legendary seafood, including the paua (New Zealand black abalone). www.taranaki.co.nz
If you are planning a visit to Asia, don’t forget to check out Unearthing Asia, the best Asia travel portal focusing on Lifestyle, Culture and Attractions all over Asia. We have got some of the best travel ideas and inspirations in the region of Asia, such as this list of things to do in Hong Kong.
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