Harvest time on the Peninsula
Forget Master Chef and the Great Food Race - when it comes to producing great food, Akaroa is the place to be! The third
Akaroa Harvest Festival will be held on Saturday April 12, showcasing the abundance and diversity of produce grown on
the Peninsula. There’ll be the popular jam competition, entertainment from the Epic Entertainment girls, great music
from talented locals and a classic cake auction to raise money for the Akaroa Hospital rebuild.
Akaroa District Promotions Officer, Hollie Hollander, says the festival recognises and celebrates the Peninsula’s
reputation as a regional food bowl.
“The diversity and variety of what we produce on the Peninsula is amazing. Not only do we have award-winning products
like olive oil, wine, seafood and beef and lamb, cured meats and preserves and nuts we also have lots of food-related
businesses adding value to our natural products. The Harvest Festival brings it all together; it’s a wonderful
celebration of food, innovation and creativity.”
As well as ‘old favourites’ like Akaroa Lavender, hot lime pickle, seafood plucked from the harbour just hours before
opening, French crepes and Barry’s Bay cheeses, this year sees the introduction of a classic cake auction. The kitchens
of renowned chefs Peter Gordon and Richard Till will produce masterpieces for the event, along with local chefs from
Vangionis and the Akaroa Cooking School.
And the Akaroa Harvest Festival is not just about food – it’s also about family and having fun - with live music and
food-themed activities (think egg-and-spoon and potato sack races) for the kids.
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