Tasting New Zealand
Princess Cruises

Eating out, Kiwi-style

New Zealand has been feeding the rest of the world for years. Who has never salivated over green-lipped mussels, whitebait fritters or Pavlova? Okay, perhaps Australia has a claim over the famous strawberry topped dessert, but the rest are undisputable Kiwi culinary icons. Even a British classic like fish ’n’ chips achieves greatness when paired with locally caught snapper, terakihi and hoki.

Apart from having access to fantastic produce from land and sea, Kiwis are a generous people who are keen to share their good fortune with visitors – whether that’s a glass of estate grown pinot noir, freshly shucked Pacific oysters or an ample serve of ice-cream.

This spirit of hospitality can be traced to the country’s first inhabitants and no trip to New Zealand is quite complete without sampling a Māori hāngi, a feast of piping hot chicken, lamb, kumara and other traditional ingredients slow cooked in an earth oven.

At the Tamaki Maori Village, near Tauranga, your hāngi experience includes tribal chants and dances that explore the myths and legends of the proud Polynesian people – just one of the many shore excursions where you can dine with the locals, many of the tours are exclusive to Princess Cruises® guests.

Culinary capital

Wellington is the gastronomic heartbeat of New Zealand. This compact southern city is celebrated for its craft beer, coffee culture and edgy street food.

Whether you are tucking into a salted caramel cookie at the Leeds Street Bakery in Hannah’s Laneway or sampling the latest, craziest craft beer at Hashigo Zake, Wellington is sure to tingle your taste buds. Beer lovers can follow the Craft Capital Beer Trail which showcases 23 Bars and Brewpubs.

For something a little different why not join the Aroha Experience? This inspirational half-day tour showcases one of New Zealand’s most successful sustainable farming ventures. This Shore Excursion was designed by Princess® and inspired by local expert Raewyn Tan. Local guides will introduce you to the artworks that embody the spirit, history and culture of the hard-working collective. Founded in 2006, Aroha Valley is dedicated to finding new and sustainable methods of farming, housing, forestry and energy production. Explore sustainable living and Kiwi ingenuity while enjoying delicious, healthy food, and local jams.

Local secrets

Wherever you travel in the ‘Land of the Long White Cloud’ you’ll discover passionate growers, producers, bakers, cooks and chefs who are itching to share their secrets. Whether you are wandering through a local farmers’ market, tasting cool-climate wines or tucking into some of New Zealand’s famous sweets you’ll be overwhelmed by the quality and variety of the produce.

Come with us and explore on shore, as we introduce you to bee-keepers, chocolatiers, brewers, oyster farmers and liqueur makers. These artisans have great stories to tell and of course, there are fine wares to sample. Ever tried New Zealand-made Limoncello or that classic Kiwi lolly the Pineapple Lump? To learn more about New Zealand’s amazing produce and its dynamic culinary scene why not join A Local Connections Shore Excursion? Choose from craft beer tasting in Dunedin, wine tasting on the Banks Peninsula or a soul food exploration of Napier. Princess’ tours are curated with the help of local experts who share their craft, artistry and knowledge of the places they call home.

As you cruise around New Zealand you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the exclusive Princess Across the Ditch immersive experience, where authentic Māori Experiences, culture and local flavours are brought to you onboard. Visit princess.com for details.

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