Media Release for immediate use: Tuesday 15 April 2008

North Canterbury Food And Wine Trail Launch

North Canterbury’s impressive array of food and wine experiences are about to receive a much higher profile thanks to the launch of a new regional food and wine trail.

The trail will showcase North Canterbury’s culinary talents and highlight the region’s distinctive rural flavours and personalities.

Forty businesses from Waimakariri, Hurunui and Kaikoura are on the North Canterbury Food and Wine Trail including wineries, fruit and vegetable growers, artisan producers, accommodation providers, cafes and restaurants.

“North Canterbury offers a fantastic variety of authentic gastronomic experiences that visitors from New Zealand and around the world will savour,” says Visit Waimakariri’s Marketing Executive, Catherine Richards.

The trail, initiated by Enterprise North Canterbury, is the culmination of a marketing collaboration between Visit Waimakariri, Alpine Pacific Tourism and the Kaikoura District Council, who are committed to promoting the region’s distinct food and wine flavours.

Craig Wilson of the ‘New Zealand Food and Wine Marketing Network’ welcomes the trail’s development.

“This initiative will move the region beyond just good food and wine to a new level, where the importance of local products, place and personalities becomes integral to the overall experience.

“The slow food movement is growing internationally and New Zealand is well positioned to take advantage of this trend. Cantabrians have a delicious asset on their doorstep, providing the perfect compliment for a leisurely drive or overnight experience in the country,” says Craig Wilson.

A guide and map have been created to promote the trail and to encourage people to explore the region. Copies of the guide will be available from local businesses and

i-Site Visitor Centres or contact info[at]visitwaimakariri.co.nz for a copy.

Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive George Hickton will officially launch the North Canterbury Food and Wine Trail at a function in Waipara on April 16.

ENDS

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