WHAKATĀNE’S LAST TASTE OF SUMMER
Take your pick of these tantalising ways to savour the best food in the Eastern Bay.
Take your pick of these tantalising ways to savour the best food in the Eastern Bay.
Long Lunch Italian Style
Autumn in the Eastern Bay of Plenty seems to hold onto summer that much longer. The days are warm and calm, the ocean still inviting, and the coastline feels wide open once the holiday crowds have gone. It’s a great time to plan a trip to Whakatāne and the surrounding coast, especially with plenty happening across the region.
This season, the Eastern Bay is hosting a mix of foodie events, some part of the Bay’s popular Flavours of Plenty festival, that all highlight the region’s produce, fresh seafood and generous hospitality.
FARMING LIKE GRANDAD
April 18 — Te Teko Racecourse
While not all about food, this is one of the most-loved events on the autumn calendar. See the Clydesdale horses, sheep shearing, tractors, and farm machinery (old and new). There are wagon rides, vintage cars, exhibitions by the Axe Men, chainsaw races, farm animals, craft stalls, old-style kids’ games, food and live music - a classic country day out. Please note: due to farm animals, kindly leave dogs at home.
ŌHIWA OYSTER FESTIVAL
May 16 - Port Ōhope Wharf
Now in its third year, the Ōhiwa Oyster Festival returns with a day celebrating the start of the oyster season. Hosted by Tio Ōhiwa, the festival features freshly shucked oysters, seafood vendors from around Aotearoa, chef demonstrations, live music, markets and competitions, all set against the harbour backdrop at Port Ōhope Wharf. Tickets include entry and access to entertainment, activities and oyster stations throughout the day.
SHUCKED & POURED: ŌHIWA OYSTERS X MATA BEER
April 17 — Mata Brewery
A guided tasting that pairs freshly shucked Tio Ōhiwa oysters with a curated selection of Mata beers. Explore how different beer styles complement the briny character of the oysters, including a signature “oyster shooter”.
THE BIG FAT GREEK CYPRIOT LUNCH
April 18 - Awakaponga Community Hall
An instant sell-out in 2025, this lively event returns with a generous Greek Cypriot feast served meze-style, alongside music and plenty of convivial atmosphere.
SMOKE ON THE WATER
April 19 - Fisherman’s Wharf
Join Fisherman’s Wharf for a spectacular evening celebrating the craft of open-fire cooking. Enjoy a smoky four-course dinner, paired with drinks, and cooked entirely over live flames by renowned chef Paul Patterson.
SMOKE, FIRE & BBQ
April 25 - The Run 15
Celebrate the fundamentals of flavour with a campfire feast under the stars. Go off-grid for a one-night-only farm dining experience featuring generous barbecue, tips and tricks from the pit, and optional hands-on moments - all enjoyed fireside beneath clear country skies.
LE REPAS VAGABOND
April 25 — Waingarara Valley
A 12-course wandering meal of chef-led surprises inspired by Spanish, French, and Mediterranean flavours. This roaming feast promises creativity, generous flavour and plenty of surprises along the way. Bon Appétit. Sahten. Buen provecho.
MORE TO TICKLE THE TASTEBUDS MYSTERY FOOD TOUR
April 18 — Whakatāne
ALL YOU CAN EAT TACO NIGHT
April 22 & 29 - Cadera
NOSE TO TAIL BBQ FEAST
May 1 - The Smokin’ Goose
APPRENDRE PIZZA + CROISSANT
May 2 - L’Atelier
LONG LUNCH ITALIAN STYLE
May 2 - Top Shelf