Kiwi kai

Kiwi Kai 6 foods you need to try Kiwi Kai: 6 foods you need to try  Abby Beswick

Experiencing a country’s culture is one of the best parts of travelling, and trying local cuisine is undoubtedly one of the most enjoyable ways to do it. Not only will you get to taste foods you’ve never tried before, you might also get to experience foods you eat at home in a new way, all while learning about the history and culture of the place you’re visiting. We’ve compiled a list of some favourite Kiwi foods that define our culture, to seek out during your next visit. Whether you’re a devoted foodie or simply a traveller who wants to soak up the best New Zealand has to offer on a plate, this list is for you.

1. Hangi

This is Maori cuisine at its finest. A hangi is a traditional method of cooking that involves using heated rocks, buried in a pit oven called an umu. It usually involves wrapped meat and vegetables slow-cooked over several hours for optimum flavour and tenderness. Hangi is usually saved for more special occasions because it takes all day to prepare, but for visitors, it’s available to try in many of the cultural tours around New Zealand.

3. Bluff oysters

Another delicacy to delight the seafood lovers. Put your shucking skills to the test with this speciality of the south. The Bluff oyster season runs from March until August, where oysters are dredged from the cool waters off the coast of Bluff and sent to seafood restaurants and fish and chip shops around the country.

4. Hokey pokey ice cream

Arguably New Zealand’s favourite ice cream flavour, it consists of creamy vanilla ice cream packed with small crunchy pieces of caramelised honeycomb. Head to your nearest dairy for a generous scoop or two of this classic Kiwi treat.

5. Manuka honey

This world-famous honey is renowned as both a delicious sweet treat and for its medicinal properties. It also makes a great souvenir to take back home. You’ll find it in supermarkets and dedicated honey shops around the country.

6. Feijoas

2. Whitebait fritters

This small fish has a big reputation in New Zealand. Notoriously difficult to catch, during whitebaiting season (September to October) on the West Coast of the South Island you’ll find keen whitebaiters along the river mouths using hand-held nets to fish for this highly prized delicacy. The most popular way of eating whitebait is in a small omlette or fritter. Try them straight from the pan, or slapped between two pieces of white bread.

Due to their popularity and abundance, we tend to think of feijoas as uniquely Kiwi. This oval, green fruit is extremely versatile and commonly used in baking, juices, smoothies and even alcohol. It’s in season from March to June each year, when you’ll find them featured in cafe and restaurant menus and hanging from trees everywhere!

 LoveTaupo.com

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reasons to Taupō

Huka Honey Hive

Live beehive, New Zealand’s largest range of honeys, mead and liqueurs, natural skincare, wellbeing products, homewares and an amazing range of unique gifts for everyone.

Free entry! Free honey and mead tastings! Open 7 days or shop online!

65 Karetoto Road, Taupō 07 374 8553 hukahoneyhive.com

Big Sky Parasail

New Zealand’s best parasail, come fly 1000 feet above beautiful Lake Taupō. Fly solo, tandem or triple. Come get high, fly big sky!

ZeaYou Gallery

ZeaYou have been a Taupō icon for the past 28 years. We are proud to represent established and emerging artists and artisans from throughout New Zealand.

Follow us on Instagram to get updates www.instagram.com/zeayou_gallery

Brantry House, 45 Rifle Range Road, Taupō 027 278 1362 zeayou.com

Rapids Jet

Enjoy 35 minutes of exhilarating fun for all ages, 5 to 93 (and up!), on NZ’s only white-water jetboat ride and Taupō’s #1 boating activity. Soak up the thrills, excitement and striking scenery.

$10 off per person at 9am or 10am Deals available! Check our website for more info. Gift vouchers available.

Berth #20 Taupō Boat Harbour, Taupō 0800 724 4759 parasail.co.nz 3 Nga Awa Purua Road, Aratiatia, Taupō 07 374 8066 or 0800 727 437 rapidsjet.com Craters of the Moon

Explore geothermal features often wreathed in clouds of steam from the heat just below your feet! One hour walk traverses the unique landscape around this cratered valley.

Part of the largest geothermal field in NZ. Open daily, small admission fee

171 Karapiti Road, Wairakei Park, Taupō 027 656 4684 cratersofthemoon.co.nz

Pop Up Produce

Fresh fruit & veges, flowers, gourmet goodies, honey partners, free range eggs and vegan pies. Real fruit icecream with specialty flavours. Wander in and be pleasantly surprised!

Open 7 days a week, 9am - 6pm.

Shop 17, Suncourt Plaza, Taupō facebook.com/PopUpProduceTaupo

Hukafalls Jet

The only jetboat company permitted to take you to the base of the mighty Huka Falls! Taking your long a beautiful river environment, Hukafalls Jet is half an hour of thrills, fun and excitement.

Confinement Escape Rooms

Offering an exciting experience in Taupo Town Centre. Perfect for friends, couples, work groups and families. Solve the clues, get out in 60 minutes!

15% off booking when shown henry in Confinement

33B Oruanui Street, Taupō 07 376 5326 confinement.co.nz

Lake Taupō Hole in One Challenge

Swing by and play like a champion today and get the next shot at winning $10,000 cash at the iconic Lake Taupō Hole in One Challenge!

Present this advert for a free Hukafalls Jet t-shirt.

Wairakei Tourist Park, Taupō 07 374 8572 or 0800 485 253 hukafallsjet.com Show this deal and get 30 balls for $20

61 Lake Terrace, Taupō 07 378 8117 Holein1.co.nz

The Cave

Taupo’s portal to a new reality. Next level entertainment for families and froups with Virtual Reality and Sim Racing Experiences for 1-18 players. Bookings recommended.

Opening hours: Wednesday - Sunday, 10am – 8pm. The Landing, 650 Lake Terrace, Wharewaka, Taupō 0800 CAVE NZ | thecave.nz Lil Something – Spa Park

Cafe kiosk at Spa Thermal Park, on the edge of the Huka Falls walking track and the iconic Otumuheke Stream. Ice-creams, award-winning coffee, milkshakes and fruit smoothies.

Mention henry to get all the trimmings when you buy a $5 sundae

Spa Thermal Park, Spa Road, Taupō 021 311 984 lilsomething.co.nz

PREMIUM BRANDS BIKE SALES & SERVICING

Ebike Motor Rebuilds

LARGE RANGE OF MENS & WOMENS MTB APPAREL

Mon - Fri: 8:30AM - 5:00PM Sat: 9:00AM - 3:00 PM

40 Runanga Street, Taupo 07 377 0552

The Comm. is the home of craft beer and cider, Good George Brewing in Whakatane. Bringing great beer, cider, awesome food and great times to the Sunshine Capital of New Zealand.

Covering all bases, whether it's a coffee and muffin to start the day, stopping by for a beer or a cider after your trip to the bay, a glass of wine with the ladies, or to fill your bellies with some delicious soul food. With a host of local musicians over Friday and Saturday nights - check our Facebook to see who’s booked.

The Comm. is the perfect place to eat, drink and be merry!

OPENING HOURS Mon to Fri 10am – Late Sat, Sun & Public Holidays 8am – Late BOOK NOW thecomm.co.nz 45 The Strand Whakatane 07 307 0449 @thecommwhakatane

Everything you need for your kitchen

Lemon Strawberry Pie& Oat Crusted

 Serves: 8-10  Cooking time: 35 minutes

W

ho says you can’t have your cake and eat it too? When it’s a slice of this heavenly yet healthy lemon and strawberry pie, we say, have as many slices as you like!

Crust

• 1 cup oats • 1/2 cup roughly chopped almonds • 1/4 cup melted coconut oil • 50g honey or syrup of choice • 25g cornflour • 1 tsp salt • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon Filling

• 2 lemons (about 215g), washed, quartered and seeds removed • 50g dried apricots, soaked in hot water for a few hours and drained • 40g cornflour • 125g honey or syrup of choice • 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted • 1/4 cup coconut milk • 1 tsp vanilla • 1/4 tsp salt • 125g strawberries, tops removed, quartered Method

Step 1: Preheat oven to 180°C. Lightly grease a 20cm pie dish. Step 2: Place oats and chopped almonds on a baking tray and roast for 10 minutes or until nicely browned. Step 3: Transfer to a food processor along with remaining crust ingredients and 2 tbsp water. Pulse until the mixture forms a chunky paste. Step 4: Evenly press into the base and 4cm up the side of your prepared dish. Bake for 5 minutes, then set aside while you make the filling. Step 5: To make the filling, blend all ingredients except for the strawberries until smooth. Pour over the base and smooth the top. Arrange strawberry quarters evenly over the filling. Step 6: Sprinkle with sugar if desired and bake for 35 minutes or until the custard begins to brown on top. Allow to cool slightly before cutting and serving warm, or place in the fridge to serve chilled.

Notes:

• Alternative: replace oats with quinoa flakes • If the filling looks curdled after blending, heat in a saucepan and whisk to bring the mixture together