From the tip of the North Island to the bottom of the South Island, New Zealand regions ring in the summer months with a cornucopia of regional specialties. Travel to New Zealand to sample farm-fresh meats, shellfish straight from the sea, organic foods and vegetables and NZ wines.
Kerikeri Food and Wine Festival, Bay of Islands, New Zealand
Kerikeri Food and Wine Festival Saturday 14 February 2010. In conjunction with the Bay of Islands Arts and Music Festival. A day of gourmet food and local wines with music and entertainment. Holding the food and wine festival on Valentines Day has the added bonus of wine and strawberries being available for ladies and gentlemen. World themed music and a relaxed picnic atmosphere. The Domain Park, Cobham Rd, Kerikeri, 1:00pm – 6:00pm. Tickets: $25
Devonport Food and Music Festival - Local and International Acts, Auckland, NZ
Kia Motors Devonport Food and Music Festival – 20-21 February 2010, Windsor Reserve, Devonport, Auckland. Fifteen of New Zealand's top wineries represented. Local and international acts. Stand up comedy, poetry and music. Wine Academy short course – grounding in the sensory evaluation and perception of wine. Quality entertainment, wine and food while raising funds for the Rotary Club of Devonport Charitable Trust. Tickets $30pp, family $55.
Paeroa Wildfood Wine and Art Festival - Wild Food of NZ, Thames/Coromandel District
Paeroa Wildfood Wine and Art Festival - 20 March 2010, 11:00am - 4:00pm, Paeroa Domain. A taste of food and wine from the wild side in Paeroa, 'world famous in NZ' and the home of Lemon & Paeroa, New Zealand’s iconic soft drink. Wicked food, tasty treats, art and craft displays, artists at work and live entertainment. Sample offerings from boutique wineries and specialty breweries. Wonderful family day out.
Kiwi Festival, Coastal Bay of Plenty - Horticultural Bowl of New Zealand
Kiwi Festival Bay of Plenty Friday 26 February – Saturday 6 March. Nine days of festivities promoting the Coastal Bay of Plenty as the horticultural food bowl of New Zealand. Events include:
- The Grand Banquet Culinary creations from the Bay’s top chefs and the best of regional food and wine
- Kai Moana Festival Luscious food from the sea, great music and entertainment in the relaxing environment of Maketu Beach.
- Comvita Natural Products Symposium Learn how foods and natural products help to maintain human health
- The Lipstick Lunch Especially for women – dine on a balcony overlooking park-like gardens: food, wine, fashion, cosmetics – an afternoon for the ladies.
- Also on the festival schedule are sporting and cultural events.
Harvest Hawke's Bay - Hawke's Bay Wine and Food Festival - Roy's Hill
Hawke’s Bay Wine and Food Festival, ‘Harvest Hawke’s Bay’ – 30 January 2010. Hawke's Bay is New Zealand's oldest wine region. More than 40 top wineries and boutique food producers in one location: Roy’s Hill in the Gimblett Gravels, Highway 50, Hastings. Enjoy the best of Hawke’s Bay food and wine in this picturesque vineyard where views are framed by Te Mata Peak and the Kaweka and Ruahine Ranges. Buses will be available to transport ticket holders from central locations to the festival. Entertainment, Farmers Market, Wine Workshop. Festival tickets: $45, with return bus fee $65 + $3 booking fee. www.harvesthawkesbay.co.nz
Taranaki Wine and Food Festival - Boutique NZ Wines and Best of Local Produce
Taranaki Wine and Food Festival, Saturday 6 February 2010. Taranaki’s premier wine and food event. Held in conjunction with a local Lions Club at stunning Okururu winery. Boutique wines and best of local produce. Products go to charity. Tickets $40. Transport is provided from New Plymouth and Oakura.
Organic River Festival - A Celebration of Sustainability and Organic Foods and Wines
Organic River Festival, 29-31 January 2010. An upbeat celebration of sustainability and creativity in a natural bush environment. Live music and dance, organic food and wine. Showcasing organic wine and beer including ginger, plum and feijoa wines, refreshing cider and organic ale. Workshops on natural remedies and self-sufficiency, yoga and meditation classes. Drumming, healing, massage, eco-stalls, children’s programme of activities. Kimberley Reserve, just south of Levin. Ticket prices vary.
Lyn Rasmussen - Lyn is a New Zealander who lives in the centre of New Zealand's Volcanic Wonderland. She has been recognised for her writing across ...
