Food & Drink

Make The Most Of Harvest Season This Autumn With These 9 Foodie Experiences

By Jessica Ellis
14th Apr 2022

Hot take, autumn is the best time to eat your way around New Zealand. Alongside the change of season comes a slew of our favourite things; indulgent cheese tours, farm-to-plate dining and sprawling markets to explore. 

Foodies, listen up. We've teamed up with 100% Pure New Zealand to uncover delicious destinations you need to taste this Autumn. From local cooking experiences to decadent day-tripping, this is exactly what you should devour across Aotearoa. 

Hapuku Kitchen

Kaikōura

Nestled away in the coastal wonderland of Kaikōura, Hapuku Kitchen is a case study for connecting kai (food) and whenua (land). Founded by Executive Chef Fiona and her husband Chris, this welcoming culinary destination offers plenty of ways to sample the land, sea and season. Get your hands dirty with an interactive farm-to-table experience, or sit back and relax for Supper Club—a three-course dinner hosted at Fiona and Chris' home. Our choice would be to join one of the cooking events, a laid-back class where you'll forage for produce before whipping up a feast packed with local ingredients.   

HIAKAI

Wellington

If there's one thing you simply need to experience this autumn, it's a memorable evening at Monique Fiso's critically acclaimed restaurant, HIAKAI. The menu here is all about understanding Māori stories, flavour and ingredients through food. Whether you’re  sampling their take on hāngi (earth cooking) or surprising your palate with an innovative display of seasonal Māori and Polynesian produce—you can count on a truly unforgettable culinary experience.  Better yet, HIAKAI have just received three hats at the Cuisine Good Food Awards. Huge! 

Pro tip—be sure to book head as a table here is in hot demand. 

Liardet Street Projects

Taranaki

One of the best ways to get to know a community is through their food. Liardet Street Projects is a hidden gem in Taranaki that encourages visitors to do just this. At this food truck collective, you'll find a choice of scrumptious bites to please everyone in your crew. While away the evening in their colourful courtyard and devour a selection of international cuisines. Munch your way through American burgers, slurp up Vietnamese eats or get your craft coffee hit.

Whitestone Cheese Tour 

Oamaru 

Calling all cheeseboard lovers, here's exactly how to take your obsession to the next level with a drool-worthy tour. The team over at our favourite artisan cheese brand—Whitestone Cheese—gives you an exclusive taste of what it takes to craft this dairy delight. Pop into their Oamaru factory and opt to include a cheese and wine pairing as part of the tour—too good. 

Hook

Wanaka

If you know your way around a farm-to-table experience, this is your sign to try the alternative; 'lake-to-plate' dining with Hook in Wanaka. You'll be putting in the hard yards for your meal, fishing up a Chinook salmon from their spring-fed lakes. Once you've caught the goods, chill out and enjoy the picturesque scenery while Hook prepares your fish for feasting. It doesn't get fresher than this.  

Harbour Dinner Cruise

Auckland

A sunset from any spot in the City of Sails is pretty unbeatable. That is, unless you've hopped on a dreamy dinner cruise along the Waitematā Harbour. See the coastline from a new angle with a Harbour Dinner Cruise, where expert guides will take you through the city's history aboard the open-air dining deck. It's the whole package; a welcome drink, three-course meal and plenty of panoramic views.

Explore And Taste With Nature And Nosh 

Waikato

Work up an appetite, then satisfy it with an Explore and Taste Experience thanks to Nature And Nosh. You'll hike the Kaimai ranges, scouting out waterfalls and rivers en route to the 'Gram-worthy Blue Springs. After stopping for a picnic, you'll continue on to visit local cheese maker Over the Moon Dairy for a drool-worthy tasting. Round out the day with a glass of vino and a view at Vilagrads winery. 

Riccarton Market

Christchurch 

It's no surprise that New Zealand's largest outdoor market delivers on the foodie front. With more than 200 stalls to peruse, you'll need to seriously prioritise your stomach space at the Riccarton Market. Expect all your favourite market finds dialled up to the max; organic fruits and veg, locally crafted artisan goods and an unbeatable selection of street food vendors. Grab your tote and kick-start your Sunday right—freshly roasted coffee and flaky pastries await. 

Tasman's Great Taste Trail

Nelson 

See the sights and flavours of the Tasman on two wheels with a self-guided tour around the Great Taste Trail. Whether you want to dip in for a few hours or take on a multi-day journey, this route has plenty of options. From e-bikes to cruisers, the team over at Gentle Cycling will get you sorted with bike hire. On the food front, snack your way through independent cafes, wineries and breweries across Nelson, Wakefield, Richmond, Motueka and Kaiteriteri. 

Make good on your cravings this autumn and add a mouthwatering destination to the top of your list. 

Editor's note: this article was produced in partnership with 100% Pure New Zealand. Thank you for supporting the partners who make Urban List possible. To read our editorial policy, click here.
 

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