Everything You Need to Know About the Whitianga Oceans Festival
One of New Zealand’s iconic Food and Wine Festivals is back for 2023, the Whitianga Oceans Festival.
Located in one of the Coromandel’s most exquisite locations, the festival makes a return on Saturday the 9th of September. This year’s event will involve all of the iconic elements the previous festival has become well known for, including New Zealand celebrity chefs, live music, delicious food and mouth-watering beverages, all of which have made it one of New Zealand’s most talked about festivals.
Bonnie Hurunui – White Chapel Jak
The celebrity chef line up includes Nici Wickes, a well-known food personality, TV chef and author who just loves to share her cooking knowledge in a fun and practical way. Partnered with the Food Editor of Dish Magazine, Claire Aldous, bringing her love of cooking to the celebrity cooking stage with a variety of styles and cuisines.
Shaun and Alia Branson, 2022 Cook’s on Fire Champions bring a smoky element to the celebrity cooking stage this year. Not only will Shaun and Alia be whipping up a storm on the celebrity cooking stage, but their Black Label Barbecue will also be in the outdoor food section of the festival this year, with a mouth-watering menu.
Nici Wickes – Celebrity Chef
Another exciting Celebrity Chef announcement is coming mid-August – keep your eyes peeled!
White Chapel Jak take the Oceans Festival stage this year, nailing ballads to bangers that span decades of hits and have everyone up and dancing. On the Music stage this year also comes Frisky Business, with decades of performances under their belt, the band will bring an entertaining act to the festival. Along with local Coromandel legend and Oceans Festival crowd favourite The Vegas Brown Band will also be performing for the crowd – live music this year will be a key element of the festival.
The beverage line up at this year’s festival, is a great New Zealand affair, with several New Zealand award winning wineries joining again for another great year. There is also great beer options including Corona, Macs and Blue Fridge Brewery, a local Coromandel Favourite – one not to miss!
The food at this year’s event is definitely the highlight of the festival. With a variety of local, sustainably sourced seafood options available, along with local producers and community groups having a variety of tasty options available, your taste buds are in for a treat.
So, it’s time to grab your mates and make a day of it – the 2023 Whitianga Oceans Festival.
@oceans_festival on Instagram
@Whitiangaoceansfestival on Facebook
latest issue:
Issue #115
Issue 115 is packed with inspiration for all kinds of cosy meals – whether you’re dining alone, as two or with a few. We start with our Plating Game interview with Jesse Mulligan which inspired a medley of curries and sides then move on to a round up of easy one-pan chicken dishes, a variety of pasta bakes and meatballs, and using one simple yet delicious tart base we whip up five fab filling options. Sarah’s wintry faves include a moreish chorizo (not) carbonara, lamb and spinach filo pie and we finish off with sweet treats and decadent puds. We love seeing what you create, don’t forget to share your dish dishes with our Facebook community. When it comes to winter cooking, make it SIMPLY YUM!