A second Breakfast: Foodie finds in Hamilton & Waikato

The same rich farmland that has made the Hamilton & Waikato region a hub for the dairy industry has provided the basis for top level local producers and chef’s to create award winning not to mention utterly delicious dining options – perfect for ‘second breakfast’, ‘elevenses’ and so on.

Foodie finds in Hamilton & Waikato

Suggested foodie finds in the Hamilton & Waikato region include:

Award winning restaurants and city dining in Hamilton
Top wineries including Vilagrad Winery and Mystery Creek Winery
Forage for your own Blueberries at Monovale Blueberries
Stop for New Zealand’s best pie (2011,12) at NZ’s top bakery (2012), Viands Bakery in Kihikihi
Dine on Hobbit inspired pizza at the Redoubt in Matamata
Meet friendly folk in country cafés
Source local produce at the many farmers markets
Learn how to make your own Cheese, or just find delicious locally made cheeses at Over The Moon Dairy Co
Try honey from different hives throughout the region from Sweetree Honey
Visit New Zealand’s only Oolong Tea plantation at Zealong Tea Estate and try the Discover Tea experience

Award Winners

With a rich dairy farming and agricultural sector it is no wonder the region produces some award winning cuisine including:

Good George Brewery, Hamilton
- Sparkling Ale: NZ Brewers Guild Awards - Gold
- Doris Plum Cider: NZ Brewers Guild Awards - Silver
Chim Choo Ree Restaurant, Hamilton
- Cuisine Magazine Best Regional Restaurant Award
Victoria Street Bistro, Hamilton
- Montheith’s Wild Food Challenge winner
Smith & McKenzie Chophouse, Hamilton
- Hospitality New Zealand Best Restaurant Award
Vilagrad Winery, Ohaupo
- Pinot Gris: New Zealand International Wine Show Awards – Gold
Over the Moon Dairy Company, Putaruru
- Champion Soft White Rind Cheese Award - NZ Champions of Cheese Awards
- Champion Washed Rind Cheese Award - NZ Champions of Cheese Awards
Aroha Organic Goat Cheese, Te Aroha
- Milk Test NZ Champion Cheesemaker - NZ Champions of Cheese Awards
- Champion Goat Cheese Award - NZ Champions of Cheese Awards
Mercer Cheese, North Waikato
- Champion Sheep Cheese Award - NZ Champions of Cheese Awards
Meyer Gouda Cheese
- Champion New Cheese Award - NZ Champions of Cheese Award
Sweetree Honey
- Dried Bee Pollen: National Beekeepers Association Awards - Gold
- Special Reserve Honey: National Beekeepers Association Awards - Silver

A local's guide to great artisan food in Waikato, NZ

Eat & Drink

Eat And Drink

Food and Wine
Fresh and local products and produce is best and Hamilton and the Waikato region is the place to make the most of some of New Zealand’s best. Enjoy award-winning cheese and wine, sample fresh produce such as asparagus or blueberries, browse the numerous farmers markets, and dine at top cafes and restaurants.
Waikato Cheese Makers
Fertile soils and a long-standing farming heritage have made the Hamilton & Waikato region renowned for its dairy industry, so it should come as no surprise that it’s also home to some of the best New Zealand cheese makers.
Waikato Markets
Nothing tastes better than fresh food straight from the source. New Zealand Farmers’ Markets are a great way to meet the people who produce the fresh, tasty food the country is famous for, and the Hamilton & Waikato region is no exception. Not to mention the array of craft and art markets that regularly feature throughout the region.