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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Tū (previously known as Tamaki Māori Village), Te Puia(opens in new window) or at Waitangi Treaty Grounds.