New food tour launched to promote Northland’s ‘bold flavors and warm hospitality’

Food-loving travelers can indulge in some of Northland’s best dining, thanks to a series of online videos and content promoting the region as a leading foodie destination.

New Zealand vloggers Thomas and Sheena Southam team up
Together with Northland Inc, we created content promoting Te Tai Tokerau’s top growers, growers, restaurants, cafes and craft drinks.

‘Long Lunch, Northland Style’ was launched at major visitor markets across the country this month.

Northland Inc has created four video-based itineraries for renowned foodie and Chasing A Plate traveler Southams to showcase Northland’s “bold tastes and warm hospitality” at 30 business venues. I introduced the back.

The Southams filmed a foodie road trip around Northland last month. This tour covers icons like the Duke of Marlborough and Mangonui Fish Shop, to gems like Biggie Bagels in Whangarei and Matic’s Fish Shop in Dargaville.

“In the video, we travel around the region and take the viewer behind the scenes, including short interviews with local characters,” Sheena said.

“Meeting all these owners and operators…we had a great time really interacting with them about the Northland food scene,” said Thomas.

“They are all so passionate about life here and the produce and ingredients. It really shined when we spoke to them.”

The new Northland series includes 5 gourmet videos.

1. Kaiwaka, Mangawhai, Wipe, Whangarei, Tutukaka

2. Russell’s Bay of Islands

3. Bay of Islands on the Kerikeri side

4. Doubtless Bay, Houhora, Kaitaia

5. Hokianga to Dargaville.

“We covered a lot of different areas: chocolate factories, breweries, fine dining, pies, fish and chips,” says Sheena.

“They highlight Northland as a dining destination and how you can build this amazing dining journey just by hopping in the car and spending a day or two.

“You can do whatever you want. Cafes, producers, restaurants, markets, everything is there.”

Tania Bart, general manager of Northland’s Destinations, said Te Tai Tokelau’s food and beverage scene “has been growing in quality and depth for some time now.”

She said it was an important draw for visitors to the area.

“In addition to some of Tai Tokerau’s more famous restaurants, we are able to discover and showcase lesser-known experiences, encouraging visitors to stay longer and experience more of what Northland has to offer. I encourage you to.”

Bert said the campaign’s development and supporting content fell within Northland’s Taikelau Northland Food and Beverage Action Plan.

“Our region’s visitor spending is just over $1 billion annually, and the visitor industry is a significant contributor to Northland’s economy.

“The potential of the food tourism market is largely untapped for us, so continuing to evolve our visitor offerings remains a central focus.”

Mr. and Mrs. Southam have traveled the world for many years, searching for the best local eateries in the quandary of discovering different cultures through food.

The Southams have videotaped their experiences and shared them on their YouTube channel, blog and social media platform Chasing A Plate.

The last time they were in Northland was in 2020, shortly after Covid-19 brought their lifestyle to a halt.

They quickly turned their business around and filmed a New Zealand series including several episodes in Northland to showcase Aotearoa’s food culture.

The couple, who moved to the Far North a few months ago, began filming their latest project in mid-September and finished by mid-October.

The first video was released on YouTube and Northland Inc’s website on October 16th, followed by other videos every Sunday for several weeks.

“It was incredible fun. I met so many wonderful people and ate so much delicious food,” Thomas said.

“As new residents to the Far North, it gave us the opportunity to really get out and discover the region,” Sheena said.

Sheena and Thomas’ Memorable Meal

“I love Matic’s Fish Shop in Dargaville. This fish and chip shop has been in business since the 1930s and was recently taken over by Justin and Rick, but has retained the overall feel. The fish is local.” fishermen have just unloaded from the boat.” Sheena

“The Duke of Marlborough is such an icon. I love how Chef Tana cooks traditional Maori dishes with local ingredients. Where else can you boil up like that? ?That’s special.” Sheena

“Dining at Marsden Estate near Kerikeri and Sage’s Winery in Paloa Bay. Both offer sumptuous dining with beautiful views, spectacular food and wonderfully friendly service.” Thomas

“Tutukaka’s schnappa rocks are such a delight to eat. We had to go to their garden in Maungatapere. It’s fascinating to see them working in tandem with the garden and the food is… delicious Thomas

“Biggie Bagels – I loved them, the whole atmosphere, the team and the food. Homemade smoked meats and salmon with hand rolled bagels. Really cool place to eat in Whangarei. Sheena