Riverside Kitchen

Hands On

Discover the flavours of Aotearoa in a hands-on celebration of the ingredients, landscapes and food traditions that make New Zealand unique.

Begin with a South Island truffled cheese roll as our chef introduces the stories and techniques behind a menu inspired by our land and surrounding waters. In the kitchen, you’ll prepare a rich kaimoana chowder finished with foraged kawakawa oil and lamb with a burnt butter horopito crust.

Then gather around our table to enjoy your mahi, alongside mānuka-smoked, hāngi-style kūmara and a vibrant summer salad prepared by our chef. To finish, there’s our Afghan torte — a contemporary take on a much-loved New Zealand classic.

Throughout the experience, our chef shares the stories behind the ingredients and producers, with practical techniques that let exceptional local produce take centre stage. It’s a chance to cook, share a meal and experience a distinctly New Zealand expression of the food we love.

Three beverages are included; additional drinks are available for purchase.

Dietary Information: This information will be updated shortly.

Cancellations: We begin preparing for our classes several days in advance. If you are unable to make it, please give us plenty of notice. If the cancellation is received more than 72hrs before the class you will be offered a gift voucher to use at a later date. If the cancellation is received less than 72hrs before the class, we will be unable to offer a refund or a gift voucher.

Minimum Numbers: In the unlikely event that we do not have at least eight people wanting to attend a class we may choose to reschedule the class to another date. You will be offered a full refund or a gift voucher if the new date does not suit.