Great celebrations on both sides of the Tasman to add to your calendar.

With COVID-19 restrictions relaxed, it’s time to enjoy foodie events, expos and celebrations on both sides of the Tasman. Mark these ones in your calendar.

AUSTRALIA

WINTER’S FINEST

Taste the food, meet the local producers, watch the cooking demonstrations with some of Queensland’s best chefs and feast from the Scenic Rim’s smorgasbord of fresh produce at the Winter Harvest Festival on 3 July. The festivities are held at the village of Aratula. eatlocalweek.com.au

CHEESE & CHOCOLATE

Hope Estate presents the annual Hunter Valley Cheese & Chocolate Festival in NSW on 3-4 July. It features local and national chocolate artisans and cheese producers as well as great food, fine wine and craft beer from the Hunter Valley. Plus there will be live entertainment along with a kids’ zone. hopeestate.com.au

SWEET TREATS

Australia’s ultimate home baker experience, the Cake Bake and Sweets Show from July 9-11 at Victoria’s Melbourne Convention Centre is devoted to the world of baking and cake decorating. cakebakeandsweets.com

GO VEGAN

Enjoy delectable vegan food and drink and explore stalls devoted to vegan living at Vegan Palooza, held in Clovelly Park in South Australia on 10 July. veganpalooza.info

CAPITAL IDEA

Held in the National Convention Centre, the Canberra Food and Wine Expo runs from 16-18 July and features gourmet goodies, wine, craft beer, spirits, cooking demos and celebrity chefs. foodandwineexpo.com.au

CABIN FEVER

The Cabin Fever Festival returns to the Margaret River region in Western Australia from 16-25 July with 10 days of food, fire and fine tunes. It features 40 experiences between Busselton and Margaret River including the Mexican Street Food Fiesta. cabinfeverfest.com.au

MOREISH MORETON

The Moreton Bay Food & Wine Festival is back. Get ready to eat, drink and enjoy from 30 July to 1 August at Woody Point, Queensland. Many of the foreshore restaurants will be hosting events and workshops. moretonbayfoodandwine.com.au

WHISKY, PLEASE

Tasmania Whisky Week from 9-15 August celebrates the craft of Tasmanian distillers and gives visitors the opportunity to engage with some of the 50+ distilleries located in the state. With Tasmania’s mountain spring waters, locally grown barley and fresh produce, it’s no surprise the whisky industry is thriving and ready to celebrate. taswhiskyweek.com

MANGO MADNESS

The 2021 Mango Madness Festival in Darwin in the Northern Territory on October 24 is a family-friendly event. It features food stalls and tastings showcasing mango-inspired food and drinks, loads of exciting activities and competitions, entertainment and educational displays and workshops that the whole family can enjoy. northernterritory.com

NEW ZEALAND

EAT THROUGH AUCKLAND

Taste your way around Auckland during Restaurant Month this August. More than 100 restaurants take part in this month-long dining event, featuring tasty cheap eats, degustations and exciting events to tempt your tastebuds. heartofthecity.co.nz

WELLINGTON ON A PLATE

Head along to Wellington’s annual foodie celebration from 1-31 August. One of the largest food festivals in the Southern Hemisphere, Visa Wellington On A Plate returns in 2021. Discover incredible culinary experiences over five weekends, including the cult-hit Burger Wellington, chocolate-making masterclasses and even a culinary cruise on Wellington harbour. visawoap.com

DINE DUNEDIN

Get a taste of Dunedin’s thriving food scene at Dine Dunedin from 6-22 August, featuring special dinner events, exciting chef collaborations, cocktail tastings and much more. dinedunedin.co.nz

OCEANS O’CLOCK

Sample fresh seafood ‘from dock to dish’ at the Whitianga Oceans Festival on 18 September. Renowned chefs and popular food trucks join together to craft dishes inspired by the ocean. oceansfestival.co.nz

EAT.TASTE.CENTRAL

Sample the flavours of Central Otago from 24 September to 26 October at Eat.Taste.Central. The culinary showcase features top wineries, gourmet eateries and exquisite dessert and wine pairings in its packed schedule. centralotago.nz

RAISE A TOAST

Celebrate the beginning of the summer season at Toast Martinborough, a one-day wine, food and music extravaganza set among the region’s vineyards. This year it’s on 21 November. toastmartinborough.co.nz