REDISCOVER THE
Waikato Food Inc is proud to bring you
The
WAIKATO
DINING Guide
A not-for-profit, member based organisation, Waikato Food Inc has two goals; to promote Waikato food producers and hospitality businesses and to help these businesses grow. The Waikato is a lush, productive region stretching from Coromandel in the North to Lake Taupo in the South. World-famous for our dairy industry, we understandably have several award- winning cheesemakers - but the Waikato is so much more than just dairy! The Waikato grows more blueberries than any other region in New Zealand. If you are visiting the Waikato during the summer months, picking berries is a great activity for all ages plus you can enjoy the fruits of your labour. Strawberries also thrive in the Waikato and you won’t need to search too far before you will find fields of fresh berries ripe for the picking. Looking for a great brew? You will easily find a delicious cup of coffee made from locally roasted beans. If beer is more your style there are many local craft brewers to tempt your taste-
buds. Or if wine is more your style Waikato has a tradition of pioneering winemakers, from the government vineyard in Te Kauwahata which helped establish the wine industry in New Zealand to local favourites Vilagrads in Ohaupo. Did you know the Waikato is home to New Zealands only tea plantation? We grow chestnuts, macadamia nuts, grapes, pears, apples, kiwifruit, garlic, mushrooms, oysters - the list goes on. It is little wonder we have so many award winning restaurants and cafes with chefs spoilt for choice when it comes to such beautiful produce. Our region has a number of truly unique attractions: from Waitomo Caves to Hobbiton, the stunning Hamilton Gardens to the black sand beaches along the West Coast and the hot springs in Te Aroha. But no experience is ever complete without a great meal, so we hope this guide will help you discover some local foodie favourites and ensure a wonderful dining experience in our region. waikatofoodinc.co.nz
FANTASTIC LAKESIDE SETTING IN THE AWARD WINNING HAMILTON GARDENS OPEN 7 DAYS 9.00am to 6.00pm (summer hours) BREAKFAST - BRUNCH - LUNCH - CABINET TREATS SPECIAL OCCASIONS, EVENTS, FUNCTIONS IN THE CAFE OR GARDEN - BY APPOINTMENT
07 856 6581 | GATE 1, HUNGERFORD CRESCENT HAMILTON GARDENS
cover image BRYDIE THOMPSON | tableware ROYAL LABORATORIE | cutlery SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY