Hamilton / Waikato — The Heart of the North Island

Regional NZ

Hamilton is NZʻs fourth-largest city, in the heart of the Waikato — the countryʻs dairy heartland. The food identity: dairy (NZʻs dairy industry is Waikatoʻs economic engine), horticulture (kiwifruit, avocado from the neighbouring Bay of Plenty), and an emerging dining scene. Palate restaurant (Mat McLean, two Cuisine Good Food Guide hats, seven-course dégustation from regional produce). Mr Pickles Bar & Eatery (hospitality award-winner). Duck Island Ice Cream (handcrafted in Hamilton East, flavours like roasted miso and white chocolate — sold across NZ). Zealong Tea Estate (the only commercial tea plantation in NZ, in the Waikato). The Feast Waikato festival and the Matariki Dish Challenge (Māori New Year celebration of Waikato produce). This is where Garth lived in Hamilton. The Waikato is Māori heartland — the Kīngitanga (Māori King Movement) is centred here, and Māori food traditions run deep.

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