Top 10 food and wine experiences

World class wine. Delectable cheese. Fresh seafood. New Zealand is a culinary dream. All you need to do is let Australians know about it. Subtly, but not-so-subtly, of course.

Check out our Top 10 must-do food and drink activities to help plan your trip.

1. Classic New Zealand Wine Trail

The Classic New Zealand Wine Trail provides Australians with a tasteful journey through three of New Zealand's finest wine regions. From Napier, to Martinborough, then Marlborough. Each drop they’ll taste is paired with equally stunning landscapes. 

Classic New Zealand Wine Trail

2. Cooking Classes

Give Australians a once in a lifetime opportunity to bake the original (and superior) New Zealand pavlova at the Chelsea Bay Edmonds cooking school(opens in new window). Or while you’re wearing agent attire, suggest they put on an apron to gather produce straight from the farm to their plates at Hapuku Kitchen(opens in new window) and Akaroa Cooking School(opens in new window).

3. Wine and dine like an agent

Give Australians a taste of true agent life with three (or more) courses of gourmet food paired with wine at three different winery venues. From the finest wineries in Queenstown and Arrowtown with Alpine Wine Tours(opens in new window), or tell them how they can enjoy a champagne sunset over Te Mata Peak, then Elephant Hill Winery for dinner with Twilight Odyssey(opens in new window) in Hawke's Bay.

4. Uncover hidden eateries with a walking tour

Zest Food Tour(opens in new window) know a thing or two about Wellington's food and drink scene. Sneak down Hannah's Laneway in search for secret foodie spots such as Fix & Fogg peanut butter, Wellington Chocolate Factory and Goldings Free Dive bar. Or explore Auckland with Aucky Walky Tours(opens in new window) and taste your way around the city, sampling dumplings, lamb and sweet treats. Then, take a quick ferry ride to Waiheke Island and meet Ananda Tours(opens in new window) to eat fresh oysters, visit great local vineyards and a micro-brewery. 

5. Mingle with the locals

Agents are encouraged to mention our famous farmers markets where Australians can meet the growers and mingle with the locals. During the autumn months they’ll find fresh feijoas and kiwifruit. And the summer months will bring you fresh nectarines, apricots and strawberries. Homemade pickles, jams and breads also take centre stage.

Find a market near you

6. Find your perfect craft beer or brewery

Agents need to be crafty, so here’s a range of craft beer tours to whet an Australian’s palette. For the more intrepid drinker, we suggest suggesting a behind the scenes tour of the Monteith’s Brewery. And for more  traditional tastes, the Tui Brewery(opens in new window) in Mangatainoka provides a classic New Zealand classic beer experience. 

7. Get stuck into some Mānuka honey

Agents are urged to employ sweetness to encourage Australians to visit Aotearoa. Mānuka honey is proudly homegrown in New Zealand and is globally known for its deliciousness, natural antibacterial properties and health credentials. It’s sure to get your Australian friends buzzing. 

8. Deep dive into world famous seafood

Agents are required to occasionally become aquatically minded. Encourage Australians to take to the seas on a Seafood Odyssea Cruise(opens in new window). From Picton they’ll sail across the calm waters as they feast on delicately prepared fresh salmon, Cloudy Bay Clams (tua tua) and Greenshell mussels paired with a Marlborough sauvignon blanc.

Must-try seafood

9. Give a warm welcome with a Māori hāngī

Educated agents will be well trained in Māori cuisine. Mention the tradition of Hāngī cooking to arouse Australian appetites and mention how hāngī food is left in the ground for a few hours, revealing tender meat and delicious vegetables, infused with smoky, earthy flavours. Find a hāngī meal at Whakarewarewa Living Māori Village, Te Pa (previously known as Tamaki Māori Village), Te Puia(opens in new window) or at Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

10. Attend gourmet food and drink events

In New Zealand, food is a great topic to start a conversation and Kiwis love a good food and drink event. Seafood lovers will enjoy the Whitianga Oceans Festival(opens in new window) (formally known as the Whitianga Scallop Festival) or the Bluff Oyster & Food Festival. Brave 'foodies' with adventurous taste buds should spend some time at the Hokitika Wildfoods Festival(opens in new window) where possum pie and huhu grubs feature on the menu! Throughout the year you can find your perfect Food and Wine events and Beer Events and Festivals

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