New Zealand is an amazing country with great food festivals. From special themed events around produce and wine, to international food galore, and from arts events to harvest inspired celebrations, there’s a food festival to create a memorable eating experience for every taste. Here is our list of the top 10 food festivals in New Zealand.
1. Pasifika Festival
The Pasifika Festival, better known as the ‘Festival of the Pacific’, is held in Auckland every March to celebrate Auckland’s cultural diversity and celebrate the pride of the Pacific Islands. It features an array of traditional Pacific Island food, entertainment and cultural activities. Head over to the festival to enjoy delicious Polynesian dishes such as pork and chicken kokoda, palusami and chop suey, and desserts like breadfruit pudding and umukai.
2. Wellington International Jazz Fest
The Wellington International Jazz Fest is one of the biggest multicultural events in the country. The event brings together jazz musicians from all around the world to perform with local artists in a series of concerts and jam sessions. It also features a range of international cuisine and craft beer.
3. Hawke’s Bay Wine & Food Festival
The Hawke’s Bay Wine & Food Festival is held each August in the beautiful Hawke’s Bay region. The event celebrates the region’s amazing wines and their amazing cuisine. You will be able to enjoy many different wine tastings, live music, cooking demonstrations and even cooking competitions. There is also a farmers market, where you can buy local produce.
4. Wildfoods Festival
The Wildfoods Festival is held in Hokitika each March and it celebrates the unique wild foods of the region. You can expect to find dishes made from local ingredients such as kiwi fruit, possum, eel, salmon, cauliflower and even huhu grubs. There are also performances, workshops and demonstrations throughout the event.
5. Mount Maunganui Food & Wine Festival
The Mount Maunganui Food & Wine Festival is held each April in the beautiful Mount Maunganui. This festival celebrates the region’s local produce, such as seafood, cheeses, wines and beer. Food stalls provide traditional dishes from the region, as well as international cuisines. You can also enjoy live cooking demonstrations and live music.
6. Rotorua International Food & Wine Festival
The Rotorua International Food & Wine Festival is one of the most popular food festivals in the country. It is held each March in the beautiful town of Rotorua. The festival includes over 60 vendors who sell international dishes such as Italian, Spanish, Asian, South American and many more. You can also enjoy live entertainment and cooking demonstrations.
7. Kaikoura Seafest
The Kaikoura Seafest is held every year in November in the beautiful Kaikoura. This festival celebrates the region’s amazing seafood with events such as a seafood cookoff and a seafood market. You can also enjoy live music, cooking demonstrations and a range of different seafood dishes.
8. Waiheke Food & Wine Festival
The Waiheke Food & Wine Festival is held each March on the beautiful island of Waiheke. This festival celebrates the island’s amazing wines and local produce. You can enjoy wine tastings, cooking demonstrations, live music and more. Also, don’t forget to check out the farmers market and craft beer sellers while you’re there.
9. Auckland Food Show
The Auckland Food Show is held every year in Auckland. This is the biggest food show in the country and it brings together food producers, chefs and home cooks from all over New Zealand. It features a range of different food products, cooking demonstrations and even celebrity chef appearances. There is also an amazing selection of international cuisine.
10. Marlborough Wine & Food Festival
The Marlborough Wine & Food Festival is held each February in the beautiful Marlborough region. This festival celebrates the region’s amazing wines and its delicious cuisine. Enjoy tasting sessions, cooking demonstrations, live music and entertainment and even a farmers market. You can also find local delicacies such as mussels, oysters and venison.
If you’re looking for a unique and memorable eating experience, check out one of the top 10 food festivals in New Zealand. From vibrant Pasifika festivals to lively jazz fests, there’s something to suit every taste.
Key Takeaways:
- Pasifika Festival in Auckland celebrates Auckland’s cultural diversity
- Wellington International Jazz Fest brings together jazz musicians from around the world
- Hawke’s Bay Wine & Food Festival celebrates the region’s amazing wines and cuisine
- Wildfoods Festival in Hokitika celebrates the unique wild foods of the region
- Mount Maunganui Food & Wine Festival celebrates local produce
- Rotorua International Food & Wine Festival features international dishes
- Kaikoura Seafest celebrates the region’s amazing seafood
- Waiheke Food & Wine Festival celebrates the island’s amazing wines and local produce
- Auckland Food Show brings together food producers, chefs and home cooks from all over New Zealand
- Marlborough Wine & Food Festival celebrates the region’s wines and cuisine
Tips for Attending a Food Festival:
- Bring your appetite: Food festivals are the perfect opportunity to try new dishes and flavors, so don’t be afraid to sample a few different dishes while you’re there.
- Bring cash: Most vendors at food festivals don’t accept credit or debit cards, so be sure to bring enough cash for your food and drinks.
- Wear comfortable shoes: Food festivals can be crowded, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes so you can navigate and explore the festival grounds easily.
- Check the weather: Some food festivals have contingencies in place for bad weather, but it’s still best to check the forecast ahead of time.
