Milton, located in the Gisborne region on the East Coast of New Zealand's North Island, offers a unique food and drink scene influenced by its Maori heritage and proximity to local wineries. This region specializes in white wines, including Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Gewurztraminer, Riesling, and Sauvignon Blanc, which can be sampled at Milton Vineyards or Bushmere Estate. Additionally, Gisborne boasts some of New Zealand's most distinctly Maori areas, with Captain James Cook first landing here and European settlements established early on.
In terms of dining experiences, Rotorua, just under three hours southwest of Milton, provides opportunities to immerse oneself in Maori culture and traditional foods. At Whakawerawera Living Maori Village, visitors can witness geothermal cooking techniques used in preparing Maori meals. Another option is to attend the Kuirau Park Saturday Market and Rotorua Night Market for a taste of local street food and crafts. For those interested in the farming industry, the Agrodome offers an educational experience showcasing New Zealand agriculture.
When traveling from Rotorua to Napier, a stopover in Taupo allows visitors to explore local gems such as Huka Honey Hive, where they can sample bush honey, manuka honey, and honey meads. Taupo is also famous for fishing rainbow trout on Lake Taupo, providing a unique opportunity to catch and cook your own dinner.