The Hapuku Kitchen Experience – Full-Day Class

Step into a warm and welcoming rural kitchen where the rhythm of the seasons shapes every dish and every moment. This immersive culinary journey invites you to slow down, reconnect with nature and discover the joy of cooking with ingredients harvested only moments before they reach the bench. Your experience begins with fresh coffee, hot tea and handmade baked treats as Fiona introduces the day’s menu, crafted just the previous afternoon after she explored her abundant garden. Wander through lush vegetable beds, fruit trees and herb patches, learning the philosophy behind seasonal growing and ethical food use while breathing in the scents of the Kaikoura countryside. During your time outdoors you will gather produce, collect eggs and even take part in planting seeds or young shoots that will nourish future guests.

Returning to the kitchen, you will work together to create a feast inspired by the land that surrounds the property. With Fiona’s guidance and endless enthusiasm for sustainable cooking, you will learn techniques that celebrate whole ingredients and honour every part of the plant or animal prepared. From simmering broths to vibrant salads and slow cooked dishes, every element contributes to a generous table spread. Once the work is done, settle in and savour the feast you have crafted, paired with regional wines and beers from trusted Canterbury and Marlborough artisans or refreshing house made drinks. This experience is a celebration of nature, nourishment and the pleasure of sharing food made with care.