Four Fish Festivals for Spring 2011
Seafood lovers can enjoy four of New Zealand's best fish and seafood festivals this Spring in Whitianga, Kaikoura and on the West Coast (South Island). Seafood cooking classes, demonstrations, tastings, entertainment, stalls and free family activities are the order of the day. Catch one if you can!
Whitianga Scallop Festival
Whitianga Marina Reserve, Whitianga, 17th September
This lively festival includes: scallops and seafood cooked by talented local chefs, restaurants and community groups, quality entertainment including live bands, seafood cooking classes and demonstrations by celebrity chefs. Local venues and cafes will stage a progamme of events in the four fringing days.
View more information at Whitianga Scallop Festival.
West Coast Whitebait Season Festival
West Coast (South Island), 9th September - 23rd October
The West Coast of New Zealand's South Island is the heart of whitebait territory. During this festival, you will have the chance to be a world-famous whitebait judge. Other activities in the region include: a photography competition, a whitebait menu challenge, a rugby video competition, a history of whitebait competition and lots of chances to sample the delicacy.
View more information at West Coast Whitebait Season Festival.
Kaikoura Seafest
Takahanga Domain, Kaikoura, 30th September – 1st October
Seafest is an annual celebration of the abundance of the ocean featuring wine and food from the region and all it represents for the Kaikoura region. The festival is a taste, sights and sounds extravaganza for those who enjoy good food, good company and a good time. The Big Top Bash on the Friday night kick starts the event followed by the Kaikoura Seafest itself on the Saturday.
View more information at Kaikoura Seafest.
If you cannot get to one of these festivals, but you'd love to try some of the wonderful fresh fish and seafood enjoyed by New Zealanders, then head to the Auckland Fish Market at the weekend. On the first Saturdays of the month from September to January there is Tasting Saturday at the Fish Market between midday and 4pm. Admission is free.
On the first Sunday of the month, it's Sunday Funday at the Fish Market with free admission, gourmet food, chef demonstrations, shopping assistance, competitions, fun auctions, raffles and live jazz. For the kids there's a sandpit, colouring in, bouncy castle, balloon bending or competitions and the opportunity to look at a huge range of fresh and live fish and shellfish.
Visit Auckland Fish Market for more information.
You may also like to head over to Gisborne on the 23rd October for another food and wine festival featuring celebrity guest chef Martin Bosley's exclusive seafood workshops. View Gisborne Wine and Food Festival. (The rugby is being screened live so you won't miss a kick).
