Visa Wellington On a Plate 2018: Eat your way through Wellington's suburbs

August 08, 2018
Visa Wellington On a Plate 2018: Eat your way through Wellington's suburbs

August is upon us and it's time to get feasting. We suggest you put your stretchy pants on and make your way around the Wellington region – there's much to savour, outside of the CBD.

If you ever find yourself hungry in the capital, one thing is for certain – you'll be spoiled for choice.

Wherever and whenever the hunger pangs hit when in Welly, chances are, you're within walking distance of something delicious. From craft beer breweries to cuisine from all over the globe, whatever it is that you're craving, you'll be able to find it here.

In a bid to ensure we've covered all of our bases during Visa Wellington On a Plate – now officially underway in the windy city – we curated a sampler of tasty delights, or a smorgasbord if you will, of Wellington's most delicious outer areas. You can thank us later for this one.

1. Petone
What's on: Petone Food Treasure Hunt Tour

There are so many reasons we love this event, but one in particular stands out – the people behind it. Bring the family and take full advantage of this unique opportunity to meet the community's unsung heroes. Discover a world of food on this walking treasure hunt-come-tour of Petone, hosted by Finding Flavour. Meet the friendly Petone business owners hailing from all corners of the world who have helped Kiwis to translate traditional flavours and culture into their own repertoire. For details, see here.

2. Upper Hutt
What's on: Blue Smoke
Taste of the Nations, The Phoenix and the Kererū, Rimutaka Prison Gate To Plate.
Home to one of our favourite local breweries, Panhead, as far as we're concerned the mighty Upper Hutt can do no wrong. While Rimutaka Prison Gate to Plate is a sought-after festival ballot, don't dismay if you've missed out, there's a lot going on in this little city. Secure your seats to Taste of the Nations and take a trip around the globe with a seven-course degustation based on the seven continents, or finish this year's festival at Blue Smoke, with a cold beer and some seriously smoky barbecue with Panhead. For more events in Upper Hutt and ticketing details, see here.

3. Lower Hutt
What's on: He Kai, He Whenua, The Gangsta Food Gathering.

Hutt City Council, Te Awakairangi Health Network and Healthy Families Lower Hutt are proud to bring Ron Finley, L.A’s own ‘Gangsta Gardener’ to Wainuiomata for a unique, free event – He Kai, He Whenua. Finley will also be showcasing his culinary prowess during The Gangsta Food Gathering, taking lucky guests on a culinary culture tour, Los Angeles-style, using Hutt Valley micro-urban farms' produce that has been lovingly prepared by Hutt residents. For more details, visit here.

4. Kāpiti
What's on: Caught, Cut and Cooked, Craft Beers and Communal Dining, Drink, Eat, Walk & Talk with Kāpiti Artisans, Go the Whole Hog, Vegan Expo, Craft Beers and Communal Dining, Kāpiti Sensations Degustation.

From the Vegan Expo to a meaty degustation of epic proportions, Kāpiti has a lot going for it this August. Round up the troops and make your way to the Waikanae Golf Club, for Caught, Cut and Cooked – a delicious showcase of the region's best seafood. This five-course feast will champion the finest Kāpiti produce, seafood and artisan products, along with drinks to match, food demonstrations, guest speakers and a take-home treat. For more details, see here.

5. Wairarapa
What's on: Artisan Bread Making Class
Clareville Bakery Pastry Masterclass, Cook’s Cook: How to Experience Food on Board the Endeavour, French Cuisine 101, Luxury Wairarapa Truffle Degustation, Riversdale Coastal Walk & Dine, Sideways: A Cinematic Wine and Food Experience, Winemaker For a Day.
Satisfy your truffle fix, enjoy a one-of-a-kind cinematic experience or play winemaker for a day, in the beautiful Wairarapa. One of our favourite festival fixtures takes place at Matahiwi Estate, where wine-lovers are treated to different styles of Pinot Noir then given the rare opportunity to blend their own. Afterwards, enjoy a four-course lunch created by Kent Baddeley, matched with Matahiwi Estate wines, before exploring the winery. This event offers free shuttles from Masterton train station. To learn more about what's on throughout the month of August in Wairarapa, see here.

6. The city fringe
What's on: A Little Party Never Killed Nobody, A Sardinian Summer, Afternoon Of Sweet Delights, Babi & Briny, Beer No Evil, Pie No Evil,Boomrock Lodge Winter Game Shoot, Feast Your Eyes: Can You Dig This, Hiakai Hāngi, Good Companions.

From decadent tea parties and the full Hiakai Hāngi experience with Monique Fiso, to quirky, cinematic delights – you're going to want to make a beeline for Wellington's suburbs. Go back in time and experience the Thistle’s infamous reputation as more than just a drinking hole or make your way to Dish team's favourite Brooklyn-based eatery, Salty Pidgin, as they re-imagine Kiwi chip shop classics at their ‘Good Companions’ pop up. From crumbed, battered or whole fish to fresh natural oysters, and house-made hot dogs featuring Longbush Pork, you’ll find the posh version of all your favourites matched with local craft beer, wine and sodas. For the craft beer-lover, you simply can't go past Beer No Evil, Pie No Evil, set to return to Sprig & Fern Tavern for its fifth year. To learn more about what's on offer around the city fringe, see here.

To learn more about Visa Wellington On a Plate, see this year's schedule or to secure your tickets, visit their website here.