The Hapuku Kitchen Experience is an ever-changing feast which celebrates the seasons. Discover the importance of seasonal and ethical eating, cooking from scratch and finding a use for every part of the plant or animal being prepared.

Duration & Guest Numbers

6 Hours - 8 guests maximum

About

Join chef Fiona in her rural cook's kitchen to prepare and enjoy a seasonal feast inspired by the wild Kaikoura landscape, from ingredients you've harvested and foraged from her extensive garden.

To ensure you’ll be cooking with only the freshest produce available, the menu is created the day prior, after Fiona has wandered through the garden.

The day begins with an introduction to the kitchen and the menu for the day. This is discussed over a cup of locally roasted coffee, tea and our favourite freshly baked goods. We’ll then embark on a journey around the Hapuku Kitchen property, foraging in the garden for fruit, vegetables and herbs. The extensive tour provides plenty of opportunity to discuss Hapuku Kitchen’s gardening philosophy with Fiona and her passion for ensuring the provenance of all the produce used. You’ll also have the chance to roll up your sleeves and plant something. Depending on the season this might involve sowing some seeds or planting vegetable seedlings, shrubs or possibly even a tree.

Once you have completed the harvest, collected the eggs, and fed the pigs and cows, you’ll return to the kitchen and as a group, prepare the various dishes that make up the menu. With help always at hand, you will learn many techniques and tricks on the creation of the dishes of the day.

To finish the day, simply relax and enjoy the feast accompanied with wine or beer from some of Fiona’s favourite Canterbury and Marlborough winemakers and brewers. Delicious home-made non-alcoholic beverages are also available.

Dietary Restrictions and Allergies

When making your booking, please inform our team about any food allergies. While we do our best to cater for dietary requirements we may not be able to cater for all requests (we can cater for gluten free and vegetarian guests as part of our shared classes). We are unable to cater for those on a Paleo, Vegan or Halal diet as part of our regular classes, however we are more than happy to arrange a private class to accommodate specific food restrictions. Please contact us to discuss this further.