Finding the best steak in New Zealand

posted in: Food and drink | 0

A sirloin steak cut from an Angus cow in Hawera has been chosen as the tastiest steak in New Zealand.

The piece of meat won a $5,000 award and the 2016 Steak of Origin trophy for Taranaki couple Brendon and Hayley Robinson who farmed the cow.

The Steak of Origin sets out to find the best steaks in the country, as determined by a panel of expert chefs.

After an initial assessment of steaks by Carne Technologies in Cambridge, the steaks are tested for tenderness, acidity and marbling.

The steaks judged to be the most tender were then cooked to medium-rare and taste-tested by a judging panel.

The competition, which launched in 2002, recognises the achievements of beef farmers.

The best steaks in New Zealand

Best of breed (European): Jon Knauf, Wairoa (Simmental), processed at Land Meat Wanganui.

Best of breed (British): Angus and Forbes Cameron, Ashhurst (Angus), processed at Land Meat Wanganui.

Best of breed (crossover and “other”): Brendon and Hayley Robinson, Hawera (Angus X), processed at ANZCO Foods.

Best of brand (retail): Countdown North Island (CD Finest Angus), Ridgewood Farms (Angus), processed at Auckland Meat Processors.

Best of brand (wholesale and food service): Countdown North Island (CD Finest Angus), Takapoto (Angus), processed at Auckland Meat Processors.

Source: 2016 Steak of Origin results

Top 13 places to visit in New Zealand

posted in: Places | 0

Sooner or later, it seems everyone who lives in New Zealand is asked by an overseas friend or relative: “I’m coming to New Zealand for a holiday – where should I plan to go?”

And it’s always a difficult call, especially when your visitor is coming for a short visit and has to make some tough choices.

Here’s a shortlist – listed from North to South – to help make some decisions:

Top 13 places to visit in New Zealand

Bay of Islands, North Island

More than 140 islands provide the chance to get on the water and see penguins, dolphins and whales.

Auckland, North Island

The country’s largest city with pretty much all you would expect in a modern, major centre – shops, restaurants and nightlife. Lots of day trips, including harbour cruises.

Coromandel Peninsula, North Island

Beaches, bush and lovely small towns and villages make this an easy weekend away for Aucklanders.

Lake Taupo and Tongariro National Park, North Island

New Zealand’s largest lake and the place to explore volcanoes, turquoise lakes and hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

Rotorua, North Island

One of the most active geothermal regions in the world and a centre for Maori culture.

Napier, Hawkes Bay, North Island

The Art Deco capital of New Zealand after being rebuilt when the city was devastated by an earthquake in 1931. Beautiful seaside city.

Wellington, North Island

The capital of New Zealand, and often described as the San Fransisco of the South Pacific. Lots to do without leaving the city, and allow at least two days if you want to fully explore Te Papa, the National Museum.

Abel Tasman National Park and Abel Tasman Coast Track, South Island

One of New Zealand’s Great Walks with many opportunities to photograph New Zealand’s natural beauty.

Kaikoura, South Island

Despite the 2016 earthquake that damaged the town and its shoreline, Kaikoura remains the best place in New Zealand to see watch whales.

Queenstown, Central Otago, South Island

New Zealand’s adventure capital and home to bungy jumping, jet boating, rafting, biking, climbing and skiing (as well as excellent food and nightlife).

Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, South Island

These rivers of ice are among the most accessible glaciers in the world.

Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, South Island

The country’s tallest mountain is in a national park filled with glaciers, and flora and fauna of more than 300 species of plants and 40 species of bird.

Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound, South Island

This world heritage site has some of the country’s most spectacular scenery, with the fiords of Milford, Dusky and Doubtful Sounds, and the chance to hike the Milford Track.

Source: New Zealand Holiday Travel

The best ski resorts in New Zealand

posted in: Places, Things to do | 0

The best place to ski in New Zealand is at Mt Hutt, about a 90-minute drive from Christchurch, according to the international judging panel of the World Ski Awards.

The World Ski Awards are the ‘Oscars’ of the global ski industry and judges chose Mt Hutt as New Zealand’s Best Ski Resort for 2016.

Top choice

Mt Hutt

Other nominees (not in order)

Cardrona Alpine Resort (between Queenstown and Wanaka)

Coronet Peak (Queenstown)

Ohau Snow Fields, (Southern Alps between Otago and Canterbury)

Porters (near Christchurch)

Roundhill (Lake Tekapo)

The Remarkables, (Queenstown)

Treble Cone (Wanaka)

Past winners

2016: Mt Hutt

2015: Mt Hutt

2014: Treble Cone

2013: Treble Cone

“Our guests, the majority of whom come from Canterbury and have been long-standing pass holders, feel a sense of ownership of the mountain. We love them as much as they love us!” — Mt Hutt Ski Area Manager James McKenzie receiving the 2016 award in Austria.

Source: World Ski Awards

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Best cafes in Hawkes Bay

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With thousands of excellent cafes in New Zealand, it’s always difficult to work out which are the best to try, especially if you are new to a place.

Thankfully, the annual New Zealand Cafe of the Year awards help sort out the best through objective judging and public feedback.

The best cafes in the Hawkes Bay

Hawkes Bay cafes shortlisted by judges for the national awards:

Best Metro/CBD

Little Black Bird Eatery 

108 Market Street South, Hastings CBD, Hastings

Maina Cafe and Eatery

1 Havelock Road, Havelock North, Hastings

Best Suburban

Aurum Coffee Roasters and Café 

1/1101 Heretaunga Street East, Parkvale, Havelock North

Source

2 Puketapu Road, Taradale, Napier

Source: New Zealand Cafe of the Year Awards 2016, run by the Restaurant Association of New Zealand.  Factors considered by the judges including atmosphere and appearance, menu and coffee, service, staff interaction and overall impression.

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