Wine Festivals

Although wine production in New Zealand dates back over 200 years, it wasn’t until the second half of the last century that local wineries became widely known. It turned out that New Zealand’s temperate maritime climate was perfect for producing white varieties of wine: Chardonnay, Savignon Blanc, Cabernet, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah and Riesling. Since then, the New Zealand government has been supporting the development and popularization of its wineries in every possible way, including holding annual festivals that attract thousands of wine lovers from all over the world. You are advised to buy tickets well in advance, as there are always more people interested in attending the festivals than there are seats provided by the event organizers.

The Marlborough Wine & Food Festival

Arguably New Zealand’s largest festival, this is the place to taste local Riesling, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Gris and the crown jewel of the Savignon Blanc collection. In addition to the many wine tastings, Marlborough offers free themed seminars, live music concerts, dance parties and other entertainment.

Food Festivals

One of the most popular things to do in New Zealand is to attend events where you can eat delicious food. Why? Firstly, the culture of cooking at home is not very developed here, so any opportunity to eat out is welcomed by New Zealanders. Secondly, due to the rather mild climatic conditions, the locals spend a lot of free time in nature and such an event as a food festival provides not only an opportunity to eat delicious food, but also to spend an interesting day out of the house. In addition, a food festival is a great opportunity to spend the day with friends and family, take part in culinary competitions and watch culinary professionals at work.

Tickets for the festivals sell out very quickly, so it’s advisable to buy in advance.

Wildfoods Festival – Hokitika Wildfoods Festival

The Hokitika Wildfoods Festival is a food festival for those who are bored with all the other “regular” food festivals. It’s for those who are ready to experiment and try something completely new. Here you will be offered such delicacies as fried insects and their larvae, fish eyes or ram testicles. There are also options for the more conservative crowd, such as possum meat or venison. In addition to wild food, guests will be treated to a wild fashion competition and live music.

Music festivals

Music festivals are always a highly anticipated event among the New Zealand public, so tickets for the most popular festivals start selling out months in advance.

All the major music events of the year take place in the summer season in the open air and coastal area. You can come to a festival for one day or spend several days living in a tent camp. Festivals attract both local performers and world-class musicians. The earliest buyers – early birds – have the opportunity to buy tickets much cheaper. The main thing is to be in time! Such offers are always very limited in quantity!

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Popular dishes of New Zealand cuisine:

Hangi (a dish that includes lamb, seafood, pumpkin, chicken, sweet potatoes and pork cooked in an earthen oven).

The most famous feature of Maori cuisine is hanga. This is the name of the earthen oven where hot dishes are cooked, and the dish of meat and root vegetables itself, which is cooked in the ground. The natives of New Zealand still avoid newfangled electric stoves and microwaves.

The Maori people worship the earth as “food-giving,” so it is customary to cook in an earthen pit where firewood and stones are piled up, the firewood is allowed to burn, pieces of meat wrapped in leaves, chopped vegetables and root vegetables (for example, potatoes) are laid out on the stones, and everything is sprinkled with earth, leaves and branches. The dish is cooked in this kind of “fryer” for 3-4 hours, but there is no risk that it will be overcooked or overcooked.

Of course, today hanga has been modernized: a basket is placed on the stones, and foil is used instead of leaves. However, the principle of cooking and the taste of the dish remains the same: tender meat and juicy vegetables in their own juice with the aroma of smoke and earth. Many resorts offer hanga to tourists, but given the length of time it takes to prepare, it is usually made for a large company on holidays.

The composition of the dishes can be very diverse, so if you are drawn to the exotic in New Zealand, make sure in advance that all the ingredients in the future hanga suit you.

Today, it enjoys unprecedented popularity not only on this continent but also in Europe. It is a type of sweet potato that has been grown in New Zealand since the 10th century. It is usually baked and fried in oil, but New Zealanders also mash it and add it to soup and pies. Kumara is rich in vitamin A and C, substances with anti-cancer properties, and helps to remove heavy metals from the body.

Roastkumara

Maori boil-up is an authentic dish of the Maori, an indigenous tribe of New Zealand. It is usually made from pork with the addition of potatoes, sweet potatoes, dumplings, and a dandelion-like plant called puha.

Maori boil-up

Fish and chips are fish and fried potatoes, the most popular takeaway food in New Zealand. Traditionally, fish and chips were served in a newspaper wrapper. With the decline of the printed press, this custom disappeared. The exact time when this dish took root in the cuisine of New Zealand is unknown, but all historians recognize that the first fish and chips shops were opened by British settlers before the First World War. During the XX century, such shops spread so much that almost every small town and suburb in New Zealand had at least one Fish and Chips shop. As in Britain, Friday night is considered a traditional time for eating fish.

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The influence of British culture on New Zealand is undeniable and has left an indelible mark on the nation’s identity. British influence permeates New Zealand society, from the English language to the legal and political systems. This cultural connection reveals the country’s history and development. When we compare New Zealand’s culture to America’s, we find striking differences. Both countries speak English, but their individualism and collective identity are different.

Maori history, which has been preserved for thousands of years and continues to influence New Zealand’s culture, is at the heart of the country’s identity. The Maori people, Polynesians, the indigenous people of the nation, represent a distinctive cultural perspective that is both ancient and contemporary. Their traditions, language, and artistic achievements are intricately woven into the fabric of New Zealand’s national character.

Language and legends

Te Reo Māori is a language that is very prominent in Māori culture. It is the language that preserves the legends, customs and history of the Māori people. Te Reo Maori has been revived and preserved and now plays an important role in defining the identity of New Zealand. Myths and legends form the Kiwi narrative that has been passed down for decades, connecting the people to their ancestors and the land, such as the epic of Maui. Experience the authentic nature of New Zealand by learning about Maori culture.

Haka

The ceremonial dance of the Maori people, known as haka, is known worldwide for its imposing and awe-inspiring performances. Originally a war dance, haka is now an important part of New Zealand’s cultural expressions. It is performed at various events, such as before the All Blacks rugby match, to demonstrate pride and solidarity and to welcome guests. The haka is a perfect example of the perseverance and passion of the Maori culture.

European influence

The cultural transformation brought about by the arrival of European settlers in New Zealand created new layers of identity for the nation. A particular fusion of influences resulted from the mixing of local culture with European traditions and practices. The settlers brought things like agriculture, Western architectural designs, and the English language, which greatly influenced the development of New Zealand’s culture.

Kiwi Innovation

Kiwis, as New Zealanders are called, have a unique way of life characterized by a strong sense of connection to the land and an innovative spirit. Kiwis are avid outdoorsmen who love sailing, surfing and hiking to enjoy the breathtaking natural beauty that surrounds them. The Kiwis have a concept of resourcefulness known as the “#8 wire mentality” which represents their ability to come up with creative solutions to problems.

The New Zealand art and music world

Art and music play a significant role in New Zealand’s culture, reflecting and influencing the country’s identity. Famous artists who have drawn inspiration from New Zealand’s distinctive landscape, such as Colin McKeown and Ralph Hawker, have made significant contributions to the art world. New Zealand’s cultural diversity is celebrated through musical styles such as reggae, hip-hop, and a blend of Maori and western elements.

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