Food & Wine events

Taste Matariki - June

‘Matariki’ is the Maori name for a cluster of stars that is visible with the naked eye in June/July each year. Traditionally, the first new moon following the sight of ‘Matariki’ in the pre-dawn sky heralds the beginning of the New Year.
At 'Taste Matariki’ menus in Paihia’s restaurant and cafés feature indigenous ingredients for the month of June. Award-winning local chefs honour Matariki – a traditional time for celebrating nature’s bounty and the beginning of the Maori New Year.

For more information about the meaning of Matariki and how it can be celebrated go to www.taitokerau.co.nz

Taste Bay of Islands - September, Paihia

Treat yourself to the flavours of Northland in a showcase of food, wine and dish designs from the restaurants, cafes and purveyors of the area. More than 25 stall holders present their goods under one roof in a festival atmosphere accompanied by live entertainment.
New Zealand is recognised world-wide for the outstanding quality of its produce and Taste Bay Of Islands is the ultimate sampling platter of culinary delights.

Taste Bay of Islands

Northland's Long Lunch - Kerikeri

The long lunch concept embraces all of Northland's local produce and products.  The lunch involves training students from Culinary Institute of NZ, Waipapa and NorthTec, Whangarei working along side profiled top chefs from around Northland.  150 guests are hosted at the Culinary Institute in a marquee on the front lawn.

Savouring the Source

Savouring the Source - November, Waimate North

Savouring the Source, a Festival of Food and Wine, celebrates Northland’s boutique growers and producers as well as showcasing the region’s leading chefs, restaurants and cafes.
Situated in a giant marquee, the event is held each year in conjunction with the Bay of Islands Pastoral and Industrial Show at the picturesque Waimate North Showgrounds. The Bay of Islands P & I Show is the oldest in New Zealand and has been held at these showgrounds annually since the 1840's.
The inaugural Savouring the Source was held in 1999 and the organizers are determined to continue the trend of attracting new exhibitors to join the 30 regular stall-holders.
Participation from Northland's award winning wineries as well as from the small boutique growers is indicative of the acceptance of Northland as a wine growing region.