Northland’s Emerging Food Scene
Food and wine tours in the Bay of Islands explore the region’s subtropical produce, the local vineyards, and the restaurants and cafes that are establishing Northland as an emerging food destination. The region grows avocados, citrus, feijoas, kumara (sweet potato — a Maori staple), macadamia nuts, and olives, and the warm climate supports grape varieties (Syrah, Chardonnay, Viognier) that the cooler southern wine regions cannot ripen.
Kerikeri (approximately 20 minutes from Paihia) is the food and wine centre — a small town with a farmers’ market (Sunday mornings), a concentration of orchards and food producers, and several cellar doors and boutique vineyards.
The Kerikeri farmers’ market is the most authentic food experience in the region — local growers selling subtropical produce, artisan cheese, honey, preserves, and prepared food in a community market atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Bay of Islands a wine region?
A small, emerging one. The vineyards are boutique-scale (not the industrial production of Marlborough or Hawke’s Bay) and the warm climate produces distinctive wines — Syrah and Chardonnay are the strongest varieties. The experience is intimate — small cellar doors with direct interaction with the winemakers.
Where is the best food in the Bay of Islands?
Kerikeri for the farmers’ market and the cafe scene. Russell for the waterfront restaurants (the Duke of Marlborough — New Zealand’s oldest licensed hotel). Paihia for the tourist-oriented dining strip.