Trail 2 - SOLD OUT

South Taranaki

Hop on a mini van with a friend or two and visit...

Baked by Blanche

This micro bakery was inspired from a simple sourdough starter kit, which reignited Andrew’s love of baking. His wife Jo is the creative driving force. They focus on making real bread by hand, the way it used to be.  Andrew loves talking about his sourdough and will be sure to fill you in on the whole process.  You'll also be wow'd at how quickly he works with his dough and can churn out the delicious loaves, rolls and donuts!  There is always a line at their farmers market stall which is of course the tell tale sign of how good the sourdough is.  Andrew will give you a variety of his bread to try, including the popular Chilli 'n' Cheese. There will also be fresh bread to purchase on the day....the donuts are definitely recommended!

Forgotten 43 Brewing

Located in Stratford at the beginning of the Forgotten World Highway, a group of enthusiastic friends, with a taste for quality craft beer in the spirit of those early settlers, are forging ahead with their passion to create quality craft beer.   With three of their beers, The Lost Track American Pale Ale, Black Gold Irish Milk Stout and Kraken Chilli Stout winning gold and two silvers respectively at Melbourne Royal Australian International Beer Awards, and their popularity growing, they decided to open a bar across the street from their brewery.   It is a true passion project and all owners pitch in when needed.  You'll get a great overview of the brewing process and what it takes to put together each individual beer.  They have also collaborated with local producers to create some unique flavours.

Fenton St Gin & Vodka

Visit the Fenton Arts Collective where you’ll find art, coffee and a gin distillery! Their hand-crafted gin is produced in small batches, directed by the subjectivity of sommeliers, botanists and chefs.  When you meet the husband and wife team, Jo and Stuart, you will instantly feel the passion they have for all they do.  They are fantastic hosts and Stuart often can't resist jumping in on the gin tasting with his groups!  Being a great story teller (their latest gin is called 'The Merry Wives'!) you are sure to have a giggle or two while trying the variety of gin on offer.

Fairie Bread

Specialising in yummy sweet treats including Belgium biscuits, melting moments and treats for the younger customers, Liz (with support of her husband Josh, also a baker) operates out of a commercial kitchen based in Eltham.  When you walk into her kitchen, you are likely to see Liz working with her mixer, her trusty hand written recipe notebook by her side and a big smile on her face.  Liz loves creating sweet treats and you can tell as she is always quick whisk out one of her latest creations, which if you time it right, could be a speciality gin flavoured cheese cake!  Her latest creation however, is called marshmellow fluff - perfect for hot chocolates in winter!!

8 Acres Orchard

Gerard and Andrea Rowe have only just recently set their propoerty up as 8 Acres Orchard, offering limes (very LARGE limes!), passionfruit, tamarillo, quince and elderflower trees. They also have chilli's growing in their hothouse!   When deciding what to do with their land, they went to one of Venture Taranaki's 'Branching Out' workshops.  After looking into both kiwifruit and avocados, they decided on citrus.  It has proven to be a great choose as they have produced a number limes from just 18 months of planting!  Andrea has a background in sustainability having worked for Sustainable Taranaki so is focused on looking at their production through a sustainability lens.  They also both believe that traceability is important, so  are working on a system to identify the batch and even tree group that their limes have come from.  You'll enjoy walking around this property, purchaps learning a few tips and tricks to growing great citurs at home, as well as enjoying a taste of their products.  You may be lucky enough to try their latest experiments.....lime chilli salt granuels and delish lime syrup and hear about the big plans for this young business.

Lunch Venue - Ohangai

Ohangai has been lovingly created from the former Ohangai school & community hall, set 200m above sea level with expansive views to Mount Taranaki's fertile farmland. Here you will enjoy a delicious plated lunch of slow cooked beef cheeks, caramelised onions and steamed broccoli on creamy mash.  Followed by sticky date pudding with caramel, chantilly cream and caramelised popcorn - wow, mouth watering! Vegetarian options available.