Back for its fourth year, Flavours of Plenty festival in 2025 is all about Edible Stories.
The festival is not just mouthwatering events – it also serves up a reason to collaborate, and provides a place for people to discover, celebrate and chat about the coastal Bay of Plenty’s food scene.
This year’s theme is taking that chatter and turning it on its head. “Some event organisers have embraced a literal interpretation, while others have taken a more holistic approach,” explains Suzy Spear from Tourism Bay of Plenty, referring to this year’s storytelling theme.
With over 50 events running between 27 March and 13 April there will be plenty to chat about, be it a dinner party at owner of Pepper and Me’s house or a hyper local brunch at Omanu, a crop swap and food fiesta in Katikati or a laid-back evening of crayfish and cocktails at Ōhope beach.
The festival line-up features workshops, markets, BBQs, cocktails, fun for the kids, competitions, cultural events, long lunches, and decadent dinners.
Rare has created an evening that is both a five-course culinary experience and a workshop. Diners will learn about various cuts of beef, explore the distinctions between grass-fed and grain-fed beef, and uncover the mystique of Wagyu.
At Run 15 farm in Matatā, guests can immerse themselves in a comprehensive culinary experience combining a cooking class, workshop, and an exceptional long lunch celebrating local produce. Master sourdough bakers Maurice Lees from Bread Asylum and his colleague Laurent will guide participants through the art of sourdough baking and tomato chilli jam making, followed by a farm-fresh lunch featuring New Zealand lamb and garden-harvested produce.
Fife Lane will celebrate its fifth anniversary with a lunch showcasing favourite dishes from their journey, while But First Dessert and Excelso Coffee have teamed up to create a whimsical Jack and the Beanstalk-inspired experience.
Lantern are weaving the legend of The Three Whales of Pāpāmoa into a carefully curated meal. Each dish represents a part of this cherished tale, celebrating the vibrant tastes, textures and beautiful food offerings available in Pāpāmoa and the Bay of Plenty.
Solera have gone beyond the Bay with a six-course dinner featuring 11 dishes served sharing-style, highlighting New Zealand’s premier producers and products.
Cultural diversity shines throughout the festival, with events celebrating the many communities that call Bay of Plenty home. Start your day the traditional Japanese way with RIKARIKA or end it with Italian-style aperitivo event, Salatini, at The Trading Post. Experience Cook Island traditions through storytelling, cultural music and dance, alongside a beautiful island-inspired lunch by Blank Canvas Catering at Island Vibes in the Cargo Shed. At Otawhiwhi Marae guests will be welcomed with a pōwhiri from Te Whānau a Tauwhao before exploring the full richness of Māori culture and cuisine, passed down through generations.
Step into a world of vibrant flavours and rich tradition at The Big Fat Greek Cypriot Feast at the charming Awakaponga Hall near Matatā. Or join Johney (from Johneys Dumplings) and his factory team with a hands-on workshop, blending Chinese and Cambodian flavours.
Flavours of Plenty Festival
27th March – 13th April 2025
The Plates of Plenty Challenge returns with 29 local eateries competing to create the best dish from the box of local produce. Visit flavoursofplentyfestival.com for a full list of participating venues and discover which dishes tempt your taste buds.
