And the food?
How was the cuisine at your next stop, Hawke’ s Bay?
And the food?
SS: At Te Puia, we had a behind-thescenes experience where we watched the chefs prepare our steamed dumplings, veggies and potatoes using traditional geothermal cooking methods called a hangi, followed by a gourmet lunch with fresh salads and traditional rēwena bread overlooking the Pōhutu Geyser. It shot up nearly 100 feet while we ate! We enjoyed another Māori cultural experience at Te Pā Tū, where the menu aligns with the Māori lunar calendar. We were greeted under towering tawa trees amidst blazing bonfires and were served delicious kai horotai( forest canapés). These bitesized treats blend Indigenous Maori ingredients like horopito peppers with modern culinary fusion techniques. We then walked along a lantern-lit path through the forest, interacting with Maori storytellers and performers, to enjoy a three-course family-share feast with summer camp vibes. I had the most delicious savory beetroot and mushroom Wellington in puffed pastry dough.
Te Puia
How was the cuisine at your next stop, Hawke’ s Bay?
SS: At Craggy Range Vineyard, not only did we stay on the grounds in the beautiful villa, but we did the Giants Estate Experience, a two-hour private wine tasting paired with light bites like crispy mushrooms and falafel, followed by an unbelievable five-course dinner at Craggy Range Restaurant with a wine pairing. Easily one of the best meals I’ ve ever had … but then again, I said that every day during this journey! The fact that I got to experience gourmet meals like these everywhere as a vegan showcases not only the skills of these chefs but also their willingness to accommodate different preferences.
There is so much more we enjoyed in Hawke’ s Bay— the private“ TOM Experience” wine tasting and lunch at Church Road Winery, including the most amazing tofu bites and grazing board; sampling garlic olive oil from The Village Press at the Hawke’ s Bay Farmers Market; and the welcoming vibes and amazing dinner( loved their miso eggplant and chili crisp hummus with fresh bread) at the Black Bard Bistro— but the Art Deco Vintage Car Tour, driving around Napier in cars from the 1930s, was a blast. Owen from Prinsy’ s Tours was a fantastic tour guide.
Church Road Winery
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