Spring Into Flavour!

Dining Style: Winery restaurant with organic and biodynamic focus

Winner of Supreme Establishment and Outstanding Regional Establishment at the Canterbury Hospitality Awards, plus Cuisine magazine's Winery Restaurant of the Year, Black Estate represents the pinnacle of sustainable winery dining in New Zealand.

Why We Love It: Black Estate is famous not only for its exceptional organic and biodynamic wines but also for its refreshing approach to food. The commitment to locally sourced and organic produce means every dish celebrates the region's finest ingredients.

The Menu: Seasonal lunches are served every day of the week at this stunning Waipara eatery. The menu transforms locally sourced organic produce into beautiful dishes that change with what's available. Spring brings an abundance of fresh vegetables, lamb, and early season produce – all prepared with skill and respect for the ingredients. Pair your meal with their award-winning wines made from organically grown grapes for the complete experience.

Perfect For: Wine lovers, special occasions, weekend drives from Christchurch, and anyone seeking exceptional food in a breathtaking vineyard setting.

Dining Style: Wine bar and wine-tasting room with seasonal cuisine

Winner of Supreme Establishment at the 2024 Canterbury Hospitality Awards, Cellar Door is housed in the historic School of Art building within the Arts Centre of Christchurch Te Matatiki Toi Ora.

Why We Love It: This elegant wine bar and tasting room celebrates the best of New Zealand and international wines while serving classical, elegant dishes that showcase seasonal local ingredients. The historic setting adds a layer of sophistication to an already exceptional dining experience.

The Menu: The kitchen focuses on classical, elegant dishes using seasonal local ingredients, carefully matched to complement their extensive wine list. Spring means lighter preparations featuring Canterbury's finest produce at its peak. Choose from their comparative wine tasting flights while enjoying dishes that highlight what's freshest and most delicious. The menu evolves with the seasons, ensuring you're always experiencing the best the region has to offer.

Perfect For: Wine enthusiasts, intimate dinners, pre-theatre dining, and anyone who appreciates the marriage of excellent wine with seasonal cuisine.

Dining Style: Seasonal seafood specialist

Hunger Monger is fiercely proud to be local, showcasing the incredible variety of seafood from the Hawke's Bay region and wider East Coast from Gisborne down to the Wairarapa.

Why We Love It: The menu always follows the seasons of both the sea and the land, with changes happening at least once a month. This commitment to seasonality means you're always getting the freshest catch and produce available.

The Menu: Seafood is their game, and variety is their strength. From small snacks and bites to classics like chowder and fish tacos, through to signature dishes like grilled fish with kumara miso mash and bouillabaisse – there's something for every seafood lover. Spring brings warmer waters and excellent fishing conditions, meaning the seafood selection is particularly impressive. The menu showcases local and seasonal ingredients from throughout the Hawke's Bay region, with some menu items coming and going at least monthly based on availability.

Perfect For: Seafood lovers, casual dining, families, and anyone wanting to taste the very best of Hawke's Bay's coastal bounty.

Dining Style: Casual eatery with seasonal small plates

Celebrity chef Al Brown's Depot is the perfect drop-in spot that reflects his honest approach to dining. This beloved Auckland eatery has become an institution for its commitment to seasonal cooking and convivial atmosphere.

Why We Love It: Depot's philosophy is simple yet powerful – food should be in season, beautifully cooked, and enjoyed with friends. Most dishes are cooked over charcoal or hard wood, creating an incredible depth of flavor that showcases New Zealand's seasonal bounty.

The Menu: The menu celebrates what's fresh and available, making spring the perfect time to experience lighter, brighter flavors. Start with freshly shucked oysters, then order a selection of small plates to share around the table. The seasonal approach means the menu evolves constantly, highlighting spring's finest produce. Pair your meal with selections from Al's carefully curated wine list – small but perfectly formed with his top picks.

Perfect For: Casual gatherings, after-work drinks and bites, and anyone seeking honest, seasonal food in a relaxed setting.

Dining Style: Award-winning restaurant with fresh, seasonal, and local focus

Located within the stunning Wharepuke Subtropical 5-star Garden of National Significance, Māha is an award-winning restaurant that has earned recognition at Savour Northland 2024 for their commitment to showcasing the region's finest ingredients.

Why We Love It: Māha has a fresh, seasonal, and local approach to food with east-meets-west flavors. The menu is ever-changing and evolving, reflecting what's available and at its peak. The tranquil garden setting creates a calming and rejuvenating dining experience that's uniquely Northland.

The Menu: The menu constantly evolves with seasonal availability, blending contemporary techniques with fresh local ingredients. Spring in Northland brings subtropical abundance – early season fruits, fresh herbs, and regional produce all feature in their creative dishes. Whether you're after a bite and a beverage or a full 3-course meal, the flexible dining style lets you choose your own adventure. The New Zealand-focused drinks menu and cocktails complement the seasonal food perfectly.

Perfect For: Garden lovers, visitors exploring the Far North, weekend escapes, and anyone seeking a peaceful dining experience surrounded by subtropical beauty.

Dining Style: Award-winning bar and eatery with Māori values

This whānau-owned, fiercely independent establishment has become a North Shore icon. Named Outstanding Local Establishment for North Auckland, Fantail & Turtle embodies the core values of manaakitanga (hospitality), kaitiakitanga (guardianship), and whanaungatanga (kinship).

Why We Love It: Architecturally designed by award-winning studio Izzard, this stunning venue features extensive gardens, all-weather outdoor spaces, and areas flooded with afternoon sun. Whether you need a table for a few quiet ones or want to host an event for up to 600 guests, Fantail & Turtle delivers.

The Menu: Modern shared plates shine here, complemented by local craft beer flowing from 15 taps (including their on-site microbrewery), an excellent wine list, and creative gin and cocktail offerings. Spring is ideal for enjoying their outdoor spaces while sampling seasonal small plates that celebrate the warmer weather.

Perfect For: Afternoon gatherings, weekend brunches, group celebrations, and anyone seeking quality food and drinks in a beautiful setting.