Here at Urban List, eating and drinking are some of the things that we like the most. And we know that you take it very seriously, too. From outdoor festivals showcasing local produce, to dinners held in the dark and a master class on gin, when in comes to everything food and drink related over the coming months, we’ve got you covered. Just a heads up, you may want to wear comfy shorts to some of these events (in particular, the dumpling tour).
November
Wellington
SEE LIFE THROUGH ROSÉ-COLOURED GLASSES
“A glass of rosé a day keeps the doctor away,” or something like that. Whatever the case—talk, sip and learn about your favourite drop of pink vino with a rosé celebration day put on by Te Aro Wine and Cult Wine. On the day there will be over 30 wines from New Zealand and around the world, and your tickets include five tastings. We’ll drink to that.
When: 24 November, 12pm-4pm, 5pm-9pm
Where: Te Aro Wine, 8 Ebor Street, Wellington
For more information, click here.
Auckland
THE WORLD IS YOUR OYSTER (MASTER CLASS)
Improve your shucking skills and knowledge on all things oysters at a master class held at a sophisticated restaurant in SkyCity. The winner of NZ Sommelier of the Year 2018, Marek Przyborek, will be there to give recommendations of wine to oyster pairings (don’t worry, we didn’t know this was a thing, either). As well as oysters, there will be a dinner of scotch fillet and veggies, and you’ll get your own shucker to take home. And if you wanted to bring along a date, research says that oysters are a great aphrodisiac.
When: 27 November, 6pm-7.30pm
Where: The Grill by Sean Connolly, 90 Federal St, CBD, Auckland
For more information, click here.
Christchurch
MAKE FRIENDS WITH SALAD AND ATTEND A VEGEFEST
Celebrate all things vegetables this November with VEGEFEST. The event will feature a range of stalls that showcase super foods, whole foods, vegan and vegetarian meals including fresh fruits, veggies and plants. There will be Chinese and Western health consultants present to chat to about how to make your body and mind feel happier and healthier.
When: 24 November, 10am-3pm
Where: Fo Guang Shan South Island, 2 Harakeke Street, Riccarton, Christchurch
For more information, click here.
Hamilton
SEE WHY THE FRENCH DO IT BEST
Buttery croissants, hard cheeses and fine wines—when is comes to delicious food and drink, the French have it down pat. Learn more about the European culture during a decadent four-course French-inspired meal and wine pairing to mark Beaujolais Nouveau Day. La Café, a French deli, and Scotts Epicurean, a well-known restaurant in Hamilton, will host the night.
When: 21 November, 6pm-10pm
Where: Scotts Epicurean, 181 Victoria Street, Hamilton, Waikato
For more information, click here.
Tauranga
FOOD, WINE AND MUSIC- WHAT ELSE DO YOU NEED?
The Tauranga Food Wine and Music Festival will be held at the Wharepai Domain, highlighting arguably the three best things in life. Expect to find gourmet burgers, BBQ meats, cheese platters, Mexican, Asian and Italian food at the all-day festival. There will also be vinos from all over the county including Waiheke Island and craft beers if wine isn’t your thing. Local and national musicians will be providing the entertainment. Bring a bunch of friends for a great day out.
When: 23 November, 12pm-8pm
Where: Wharepai Domain, Cnr Cameron and Hamilton Sts, Tauranga, Bay of Plenty
For more information, click here.
December
Wellington
MORE THAN DINNER AND A MOVIE
This is an event for all you movie buffs out there. Combine a night of learning about films and dinner with Weta Workshop, a multi-award winning design and effects facility that have worked on films such as The Lord of the Rings and Avatar. During the five-hour experience you’ll go on two film effect tours and learn about props, costumes, weapons, armour, creatures and more. To finish off, get stuck into a three-course meal.
When: 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 26, 27, 28, 29, 31 December, 3pm-8pm
Where: The Weta Cave, 1 Weka St, Miramar, Wellington
For more information, click here.
Auckland
A SENSORY OVERLOAD AS YOU DINE IN THE DARK
For a dinner you won’t forget (and definitely will not be able to see), dine in the dark at a restaurant in the heart of Auckland’s CBD. You’ll eat in complete darkness from one of three surprise menus to choose from—trust the chef, seafood and vegan. Dans le Noir? (French for “In the Dark?”) is open to corporate and private events—a fun idea for your work Christmas party.
When: 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 27, 28 December, 6.30pm-10pm
Where: Rydges Hotel, 59 Federal St Cnr Kingston Street, CBD, Auckland
For more information, click here.
Christchurch
SOUTH ISLAND FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL
Sample some of the South Island’s best wines and food from local chefs and wine makers at the South Island Wine And Food Festival. There will be over 40 wineries showcased there as well as artisanal dishes and fresh produce. Learn a few tricks in the kitchen at the cooking displays and wine seminars, and bring a rug to sit and listen to the live entertainment. We also like the sound of the beer garden.
When: 7 December, 11.30am-7pm
Where: Hagley Park North, Rolleston Ave, Christchurch
For more information, click here.
Hamilton
GET PAINTING WITH A GLASS OF VINO
Gather some of your friends together and enjoy a drink or two while taking a social painting class. Paintvine provides you with all your paints, brushes, canvases and your first drink, so you can just show up and let the creative juices flow. You don’t need to have any previous painting experience, as there will be artists giving you advice and guidance. Take home a new work of art to hang up on the wall, or a new memento to smile at while it’s at the back of your cupboard. Regardless of the output, it’ll be fun.
When: 17 December, 7pm-9pm
Where: Good Neighbour, 44 Horsham Downs Rd, Hamilton, Waikato
For more information, click here.
Tauranga
A DELICIOUS XMAS LUNCH WITHOUT THE DISHES
Take the hassle out of Christmas this year and forget about the never-ending shopping list and clean up and have lunch at Trinity Wharf Tauranga. It’s a buffet style lunch and the menu sounds seriously good—we’re talking smoked salmon, oysters, cured meats, ham (of course) and fresh salads such as roasted beetroot with lemon labneh, rocket and hazelnuts and quinoa, spinach, lentils, sunflower seeds and pomegranate. Bring along your Santa hat.
When: 25 December, 12pm-2pm
Where: Trinity Wharf Tauranga, 51 Dive Crescent, Tauranga, Tauranga, Bay of Plenty
For more information, click here.
January
Wellington
RAISE YOUR (GIN) GLASS TO THAT
Discuss all things gin at a New Zealand gin festival in Wellington. You’ll meet with some of the country’s best distillers and spend the day trying seasonal craft creations, sampling international gins and drinking your favourite and refreshing G&T. There will be a master class on gin and local food for you to purchase, too. We’re thirsty just thinking about it.
When: 18, 19 January, 2020, 12pm-6pm
Where: Frank Kitts Park, Jervois Quay, Wellington
For more information, click here.
Auckland
IS THERE ANYTHING BETTER THAN DUMPLINGS?
When it comes to a dish that is tasty at really any time of the day, we’re not sure you can get much better than dumplings. With that said, there’s a Chinese food tour beginning in Balmoral that will take you to between seven and nine stops, where you’ll sample a range of food and drinks, including dumplings. Learn about the various cuisines of China and gain some insight into the history of some of China’s most famous dishes.
When: 12 January, 2020, 3pm-6pm
Where: Shaoilin Kungfu Noodles, 636 Dominion Rd, Balmoral, Auckland
For more information, click here.
Christchurch
SUMMER SUNSET SESSIONS
After a big week of work, go with some of your friends to enjoy live music, tapas and drinks at the weekly Sunset Sessions, held on a Friday at the fancy Chateau on the Park, a hotel in Christchurch by Hilton. Make the most of the sunshine, longer days and warm weather and sit back and relax amongst the rose bushes. There will be drink specials, too.
When: 3, 10, 17 January, 2020, 4pm-7pm
Where: DoubleTree by Hilton Chateau on the Park, 189 Deans Ave, Riccarton, Christchurch
For more information, click here.
Hamilton
GOURMET FOOD FESTIVAL IN THE HAMILTON GARDENS
Gourmet in the Gardens is an outdoor food event with market stalls, music and entertainment, located in the beautiful Hamilton Gardens. There are dishes to please everyone including wood fired pizzas, whitebait fritters, Vietnamese baguettes and more. And to cool off there’s gelato and sorbet. Visit with your friends and family on a Sunday for a great day out.
When: 5, 12, 19, 26, January 2020, 4pm-8pm
Where: Gourmet in the Gardens, Hamilton Gardens Cobham Drive Hamilton
For more information, click here.
Tauranga
FOOD, WINE AND MUSIC BY THE SEA
Experience some of the best street food the Bay of Plenty has to offer at Dinner in the Domain in Papamoa. You’ll have ocean views while you’re devouring your dinner from one of the many food stalls. Bring a picnic rug and you’re all set. Dogs are welcome.
When: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 January, 2020, 5.30pm-8.30pm
Where: Papamoa Beach Domain, Papamoa Beach Road, Tauranga, Bay of Plenty
For more information, click here.
Need more activities on your plate? Check out the Best Summer Ever for Wellness itinerary here.
Image credit: Kate Mason