Eat, Drink and Cycle Hawkes Bay

 

Join us for a delicious 5 day/ 4 night exploration of glorious Hawkes Bay from April 27th 2023 – May 1st
E-bikes are provided for your comfort, these are extremely simple to ride and make
everything just that much easier – we are on a Tour de Food not Tour de France!
When not cycling we will travel by comfort in a shuttle.
From Thursday morning when we meet in Napier we will take care of your meals through until Monday afternoon (most drinks are at your own cost).
We have taking care to select comfortable accommodation throughout.

 Price is $2695 p/p  twin share.
Single supplement required if uneven numbers or on request
Price includes;
*Accommodation
*All meals
*Some wine tasting
*Shuttle support and airport transfers
*Full back up support while on trails
*e-bike hire

Day 1 (25km cycle). 
10.30am Meet and greet at Napier Airport or at Takaro Trails Ahuriri
We start our tour with an easy cycle south through the Ahuriri Estuary, view the
variety of protected birdlife in this Department of Conservation Wildlife Sanctuary.
Arriving in Taradale we will visit renowned Church Road winery for a wine tasting and shared platter lunch.
After lunch we follow the scenic bike path along the Tutaekuri River to the Puketapu
Hotel, a classic rural pub.  After a cooling drink we will be transported by shuttle back to our
accommodation.
Platter Lunch at Church Road Winery
Dinner Ahuriri
Accommodation Crown Hotel Ahuriri

 Day 2 (46km cycle). 
A day of diversity!  From the Art Deco glamour of the Napier CBD to the moody
coastline of Marine Parade and the mouths of the regions three rivers the scene is
ever-changing. We will cycle out to Cape Kidnapers and visit Clearview Estate for a
relaxed delicious seasonal lunch.
We will then cycle the scenic Tukituki river trail past Akarangi Winery, we will stop to
taste a myriad of honey and learn to identify queen bees at the iconic Arataki Honey
(NZ’s biggest manuka honey producer), before cycling onto our accommodation in
Havelock North.
Lunch Clearview Estate
Dinner Alessandro’s Havelock
Accommodation:  Porters Havelock

Day 3  (46km cycle)  
Starting off with a delicious breakfast and coffee, we will explore both sides of the Tukituki
valley today. The ride starts along quiet country roads before dropping into the river
trail and heading out to Cape Kidnappers then follow the Tukituki Rive back on the
other side, through orchards and vineyards, to Black Barn Winery.
Lunch today is at the home of cheese expert Juliet Harbert. Juliet is Master of
Cheese, judge of the Britch Cheese awards and author of The World Cheese Book.
Expect to learn different aspects of cheese (and wine) tasting before cycling back to
our accommodation in Havelock North and a little relaxed time before dinner.

Lunch: Craggy Range Cellar Door
Dinner::  Piku Havelock
Accommodation: Porters Havelock

Day 4 (43km cycle) 

In the morning we cycle to the Hawkes Bay Farmers
Market for breakfast and browsing the stalls.
We will then cycle to Bridge Pa. We will cycle the banks of the
Ngaruroro River where we will explore the river trail before reaching the Bridge Pa
Triangle.   Enjoy the ambience of the many cellar doors offering tastings and winery
style food. There’s much to enjoy as you visit the cellar doors of some of the regions
finest wineries including Sileni Estates, Oak Estate, Trinity Hill and Villa Maria. We
will then shuttle to our accommodation in Napier
Lunch: Oak Estate
Accommodation:  Masonic Boutique Hotel
Dinner Sai Thai

Day 5: (23 Km cycle)
Breakfast today will be at the infamous local cafe Mr D.
From here you will have an our or so to wander around central Napier.
We will cycle the Bayview Loop with a paper bag picnic lunch..
Cycle up the coast from Napier City, through Ahuriri, passing the popular surf beach of Westshore and out to Bayview. Cycle through the lagoon farmland and Ahuriri estuary back to Ahuriri Village. As you cycle through this unique wildlife sanctuary, reflect on the fact that before the big earthquake of 1931 all this area was a vast tidal inlet encompassing thousands of hectares of wetland, marshes and mud banks.
After our cycle we will be returned back to the airport at around 3.00pm to make our
way home.
Breakfas:t Mr Dr
Lunch: Paper bag picnic

For enquiries and bookings please contact me [email protected]

Eat, Drink and Cycle, Nelson Great Taste Trail

After a lovely cycle in November 2022 we are now exploring dates for 2023.
Please email if interested in being added to our database.

Prepare yourself for the festive season with an unwind and join us for a delicious 5 day/ 4 night cycle in the Nelson area.  The Great Taste Trail provides great off road cycling paths and when we are on road the traffic will be minimal.

We provide e-bikes (regular bikes for those who would rather) which are extremely simple to ride and make everything just that much easier – we are on a Tour de Food not Tour de France!  As our distances are light and day 1 and 2 flat, you are very welcome to choose a regular bike if you feel you would like more exercise.
March is a busy time in the Nelson area as the hops are harvested, does anyone else love the fragrance of fresh hops?  Grape vines will be lush and the weather should be warm but not scorching hot.
Accommodation is a mix, we have the beautiful Pear Orchard,  B&Bs and Kimi Ora eco-resort.

Price for twin share $2550 twin share
Single supplement plus $550. 

Numbers strictly limited to 12.
Your package includes:
Door-to-door transport
Our exclusive Good Things Maps
4 days bike hire. Low step e-bike, charger, lock & toolkit
4 x nights’ accommodation
4 x breakfasts, 5 lunches,4 dinners
wine tastings
Wilsons Abel Tasman Open Day Pass, including picnic lunch

 Day 1.   Kohatu to Hope Approximately 40km cycle
Our Eat, Drink and Cycle Nelson starts in Stoke this morning (ideally at 9.30am) where we meet and greet (we will arrange airport pick ups) before jumplng aboard our van and off to Kohatu to start our cycle back towards Richmond.
It is pretty much a down hill cycle today, we like that.  Through the Spooners tunnel to Wakefield, Brightwater and on to The Pear Orchard for the night.  There will be lots to taste and wine to sip as we meander our way through this glorious area of Nelson.
Tonight Helen is in charge of cooking dinner and there will definitely be a glass or two of local wine on offer.
Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation for the night will be at The Peach Orchard

Day 2.  Pokororo to Kaiteriteri  30km cycle
This morning we start the day in the van and get dropped off to Pokororo to start our cycle toward Kaiteriteri.
The glorious Motueka river will be our cycling buddy for large sections of the cycle and if the weather is right there are spots for a swim.  Hop gardens will be alongside as well as grapes.
Dunbar estate is our stop for lunch and we will also do an ice cream stop in Riwaka before we do the last little cycle into Kaiteriteri.

Breakfast/lunch/Dinner
Dinner Riwaka hotel
Accomodation Kimi Ora Eco Resort

Day 3.  Kaiteriteri/Abel Tasman

Today we head out in a water taxi to the beautiful Abel Tasman area, armed with a picnic lunch, we will be dropped at a designated point and then after a walk we will be picked up from a different point later in the afternoon and returned by boat to Kaiteriteri.
For those who would rather relax at Kimi Ora (you may want to book a massage) or the gorgeous Kaiteriteri beach then that is of course your choice.
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accomodation Kimi Ora Resort

Day 4  Kaiteriteri to Mapua 42km cycle
Today we head back the way we came to Riwaka and then head towards Motueka  for a great coffee and morning tea/early lunch at Toad Hall.
From here it is 26km easy cycle to Mapua, we meander past orchards and craft studios with time to browse.
Tonight’s dinner is at one of the reputable restaurants on the picturesque Mapua wharf.

Breakfast/morning tea/lunch/dinner
Accomodation: BnBs in Mapua

Day 5 Mapua to Nelson 25km ish cycling
Fondly known as the Tuscany of New Zealand, Upper Moutere is as lovely place to spend a chunk of the day exploring with vineyards, art galleries and cafes.
Today we head into some rolling hills with one 2km gradual climb.  The cycle today is on-road, we are off the Great Taste Trail but the traffic should be mild. We will pass vineyards and apple orchards as well as fields of fragrant hops.
Lunch will be at Forsters a beer at the charming Moutere Inn (the oldest pub in NZ) and a wine tasting at Neudorf vineyard, recognised internationally as this regions’ premiere vineyard.
From here we are transported back into Nelson to Gentle Cycling Depot or the airport to return home
Breakfast/Lunch

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

November

As we head towards summer and reduced restrictions for those in the Auckland area I am guessing there will be lots of enthusiasm for some socialising. Our Finger Food recipe selection has some fantastic ideas.  Arancini are probably the most popular of them all, a bit time consuming to make but I prep ahead of time and then freeze.
Quick Pickled Red Onions are so easy to make, taste great and look very pretty.
Remember if you have any questions or advice to offer then come and visit our foodlovers discussion forums.
Happy Cooking!

Genevieve’s Dressings & Pate

We’re excited to announce Genevieve’s new Vegan & Gluten Free Dressings Range. Packed full of flflavour, this filler-free, fresh dressings range is packaged in a great ‘weekly-serve’ 125ml
100% recyclable bottles.
Six incredible flavours to choose from – Raspberry & Pomegranate, Duo Orange & Ginger,
Tangy Tomato, Golden Kiwifruit, Sweet Onion & Balsamic and Avocado & Lime found next to
the salad in fresh section of great New Zealand Supermarkets, Nationwide.

We have one gift pack to give away containing all 6 of Genevieve Dressings plus 4 of the new pate range.
Simply enter your details below.

This form is now closed.

Fruitful Dressings to Liven up Summer

Who else runs out of ideas in making interesting dressings?I am sure I am not alone in this one.Genevieve’s are well known for their luscious patè and premium dressings and the newest range from Chef Genevieve and her team are these exciting flavoured Plant Based DressingsChoose from Duo Orange & Ginger, Tangy Tomato, Avocado & Lime, Raspberry and Pomegranate, Golden Kiwifruit and Balsamic & Sweet Onion Dressing.The choice is so hard, which one would you pick?

These dressings give you restaurant flavours at home and come in a 125ml recyclable plastic bottle. available at Coundtown nationwide, participating New World & Farro stores.Find them in the produce section.For one lucky reader, you will get a box of 6 dressings plus 4 of the new Patès to share with family/friends.  See details at the bottom of this page.These are some of the ways we have been enjoying our Genevieve’s dressings and would love to see yours.Raspberry and Pomegranate Dressing*dot over grilled or barbecue chicken with baby spinach leaves*is amazing drizzled over a watermelon, feta and mint salad*drizzle over rocket, blue cheese and walnut salad.Balsamic & Sweet Onion Dressing*trickle over frittata and omelettes or maybe your weekend bacon and eggs.*also great iwith a big fat ham & cheese toastie.Avocado & Lime Dressing*we tried this on bbq chicken and thought it a great fit.*Mexican dishes are obviously an ideal match e.g.drizzled over your favourite tacos.Duo Orange & Ginger*this dressing pairs well with some of our favourite Asian dishes including noodle salads.*give Raw Energy Salad an extra zing with a good drizzle of Duo Orange & Ginger.Tangy Tomato*add a splash to your guacomole.*give a flavour boost to your homemade salsaGolden Kiwifruit*The tropical flavours of golden kiwifruit are just perfect for prawns off the barbecue or fish with salad.Try a drizzle our Coconut Prawn Salad.*Apple based salads are also a perfect fit with golden kiwifruit dressing.Enter into the draw to win one of each flavour of Genevieve’s new fruit dressings plus 4 of her new paté.

Ways with Nut and Seed Crackers

Have you tried Penati nut and seed crackers?  We have some awesome ideas for using Penati, plus the opportunity to win a carton of Penati for you and your family/friends to enjoy.

 

Penati nut and seed crackers comes from sunny Nelson, they are all natural, high in protein, low in carbs and they are honestly delicious!
Penati come in 3 flavours: Nude, Parmesan, Garlic & Black Pepper

 

 

 

Some of our favourite toppings for Penati crackers include
*Sliced multi-coloured cherry tomatoes with basil and bocconcini
*Whipped blue cheese and walnut
*Ricotta, slice of fresh peach, crunchy bacon crumbs and a drizzle of honey
*Quick pickled red onion with salmon and cream cheese

Some of our favourite dips to serve with Penati crackers
*Whipped feta
*Avocado dip
*Pumpkin Hummus
*Warm Hummus
*Romesco Dip
*Beetroot Dip

 Lunch Box Penati
*Pack Penati crackers with a can of tuna, tomato, cucumber etc… for a delicious wholesome lunch.
*Penati go so well in a lunchbox of hummus, felafel, cucumber and tomato
*Graze through lunch with Penati crackers, cheese slices, carrot sticks, cherry tomatoes and celery.

What else can I do with my Penati Crackers
*Smash your crackers into rough chunks and add to salads, providing great texture and flavour
*Blitz the crackers in a food processor and use as a coating for fish fillets.
*Serve with nachos instead of corn chips.

It isn’t all savoury either, Penati can make a nutty cheesecake base or a base for lemon meringue pie.
1 packet of Penati Nude crackers
1/2 cup coconut
¼ cup sugar
50g butter, melted

Blitz the crackers in the bowl of a food processor until crumbs, combine these with coconut, sugar and melted butter and press into a tin. Bake at 180C for around 7 mins. Then cool at room temperature before placing in fridge to cool.

You can also blitz nude Penati Crackers with dates and a little coconut to make a base for sweets such as these Vegan Avocado Chocolate Mousse Pots.

Smash nude Penati Crackers and stir through homemade ice cream for a nutty addition.

As a low carb tasty breakfast serve Penati crackers alongside scrambled eggs.

Enter into the draw to win a box of 12 packets of Penati Nut & Seed Crackers

 Penati nut and seed crackers have no added gluten and are sugar free although please be aware Penati are produced on the same machinery as products containing Gluten (from a range of cereals).
AND the Nude and Garlic & Black Pepper flavours are vegan friendly.

Quick Pickled Red Onion

Quick pickled onions are simple to make and ready within 24 hours.  Serve them on crackers with cheese or smoked salmon, serve them on platters or stuffed into sandwiches.
They can sit in a clean jar in the fridge (covered) for up to 3 weeks.
Vary the flavour with the addition of coriander, cumin, peppercorns, juniper, fennel, caraway, celery seeds or whole star anise.

Zucchini Risotto with Whipped Feta

Whipped feta makes such a delicious topping on this risotto. You will end up with more whipped feta than you need but it will keep for a few days in the fridge.  Spread it onto sandwiches, crackers or add in some extra bits (chopped spring onion , herbs etc…) and make it into a dip.

Chocolate Mallow Slice

I love our homemade marshmallow Easter eggs , the marshmallow is so luscious.
Why wait until Easter to have them when you can include the marshmallow in a slice with a chocolatey coconut base.  mmmm :)

Liquid glucose may seem like an extra ingredient but it is worth it and you can buy it at supermarkets.  Golden syrup is an OK substitute but the marshmallow will then be slightly golden not white.