Try something different. Find out what makes the local food scene tick with a behind the look at chef’s store cupboard. Cooking workshops, foraging tours and tours of weekend markets and chef’s pantries are informative as well as the opportunity to taste and discover new ways of looking at ingredients. Check out quirky places to eat and drink in Christchurch from a tram to a rooftop for a cocktail with a stunning view. For foodie buffs combine a food tour with a street art wander and delicious lunch at Christchurch brunch, lunch 7 places to eat you pass.
Hurunui truffle encounters
NZ truffle hunts & events
Exclusive, curated and with a very short season, truffle hunting is a must do experience for the dedicated foodie buff. June to July every year the season’s timing is heavily influenced by the truffle, nature and when the truffles scent the earth. The weather is cool and the Hurunui wine is corked and ready to sit alongside the freshly prepared truffle.
“Kings Truffles offer a fresh, premium grade black truffle (Tuber melanosporum). This is grown in a sustainable manner in natural North Canterbury soils. It is an ideal climate to ensure a truffle full of aroma and taste which is guaranteed to enhance any dining experience.” NZ Truffle Hunts and Events
Borchii Park
Home to Bonnie and Ace, truffle dogs who will be your guides as you enjoy the hunt for truffles.
Any time of the year you can tour the farm and be introduced to Italian Bianchetto White Truffles. Fresh truffle tasting and truffle for sale June – September.
Borchii Park Truffiere was established in New Zealand in 2002 to produce fresh Italian Bianchetto white truffles (Tuber borchii Vitt.). In 2008, the truffiere, located on the dry, gravelly Canterbury Plains near the Waimakariri River at West Melton, made the first commercial harvest of Bianchetto truffles in the southern hemisphere.
Read more about Hurunui Road Trips – Routes & Itineraries – Best Bits.
Amiki tours
Cultural food tourism at its best with locals who take visitors on a slow lane journey exploring hidden corners.
Āmiki – cultural food tours small group tours find Christchurch’s inner city unique spots and delicious culinary delights. It is brunch / dinner with a bow.
Enjoy the foodie scene with a local. There is the option of a kai safari where visitors delve into the Maori indigneous story of food as well as savour culinary delights at the end.
Ground Food Tours
Jenny Caring, food writer and creative energy of Lyttelton’s Ground Culinary Centre is the guiding force behind tours and retreats. Together with foraging expert Peter Langlands you are guided to the world of wild ingredients.
From mushrooms to weeds, porcini to broom flowers, you’ll be surprised at what can easily be found and consumed.
Cooking workshops
Riverside Kitchen
A cooking school artfully positioned above the Riverside Markets. Riverside hosts classic classes, demonstrations and personal workshops as well as culinary events.
- Relax into a demonstration, watch, learn and enjoy the taste of the finished product
- Hands on, where you get to prepare the food under the guidance of an experienced chef
- Relish the thought of the three course meal matched with New Zealand wines at the end of the experience
Riverside Market
Inner city Christchurch’s indoor market is a year round vibrant community of specialist stores, cafes and fresh food markets providing a classic food highlight for visitors. Mingle with locals as they shop and enjoy a leisurely coffee with your newly acquired goodies nestled in your tote.
For more inspiration read more about Christchurch markets & Akaroa foodie quick bites to eat and what to explore nearby Christchurch markets, scroll through 7 Farmers Markets a Short Drive from Christchurch.
BEST BITS TRAVEL GUIDE
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