Trail 1

SOUTH TARANAKI

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Hop on a minivan and visit...

Fenton St Distillery

The Fenton Arts Collective in Stratford is where you’ll find art, coffee and a distillery!  Their hand-crafted gin and whisky is produced in small 48 litre batches each made with flair and with a story to tell.  The original gins were named The Poet, The Artist, The Vintner and The Novelist reflecting the passions and interests of both Jo and Stuart.  Now added to the product list are The Pioneer, The Beast with Two Backs, 1564 Venus and Adonis and most recently Fenton St Whisky.  Originally from Stratford Jo and Stuart returned after 40 years away.  In 2016 they bought the Egmont Chambers in Stratford’s Fenton Street which was in a bad way.  A warren of accountants and lawyers offices, it required significant work — including earthquake strengthening — to salvage it.  But Jo walked in and fell for the quality of its natural light; the view of Mt Taranaki sealed the deal.  It would be her art studio.  Two years on after extensive renovation when Fenton St Collective opened not only was it their home, Jo’s art studio, somewhere where Stuart could write but also an upmarket café (Amelia’s baby) in a gallery as well as a distillery.  The result is an award-winning home and business — in 2019 the rebuild won the Western Institute of Architects addition and alteration award.

The Fine Lime Company

Gerard and Andrea Rowe have  recently set up their family property  growing (very LARGE limes!).  They also have chilli's growing in their hothouse and are exploring other lines to grow. After a strategic rebranding exercise last year they are now known as The Fine Lime Company. When deciding what to do with their land, they went to one of Venture Taranaki's 'Branching Out' workshops.  After looking into both kiwifruit and avocados, they decided on citrus.  It has proven to be a great choice as they have produced a number of limes from just 3 years of planting!  Andrea has a background in sustainability having worked for Sustainable Taranaki so is focused on looking at their production through a sustainability lens.  They also both believe that traceability is important, so  are working on a system to identify the batch and even tree group that their limes have come from.  You'll enjoy walking around this property, perhaps learning a few tips and tricks to growing great citrus at home, as well as enjoying a taste of their products.  You may be lucky enough to try their new products  - lime salt, chilli & lime salt, chilli salt and hear about the big plans for this young business.

Baked  by Blanche

This micro bakery was inspired from a simple sourdough starter kit, which reignited Andrew’s love of baking. His wife Jo is the creative driving force. They focus on making real bread by hand, the way it used to be.  Andrew loves talking about his sourdough and will be sure to fill you in on the whole process.  You'll also be wow'd at how quickly he works with his dough and can churn out the delicious loaves, rolls and donuts!  There is always a line at their farmers market stall which is of course the tell tale sign of how good the sourdough is.  Andrew will give you a variety of his bread to try, including the popular Chilli 'n' Cheese. An added bonus is a stop at the Good Score Food Store – Jo’s creation. Here there will  be fresh bread to purchase, donuts (which are definitely recommended) and a variety of speciality products including Jo’s delicious pickles and chutneys.

Food Hugger Gourmet

For Ricci and Scott travel & food, go hand in hand.   In December 2020, when Covid put plans for their travel design business on hold, they felt a little lost.  They missed not only the destinations they visited but also the many cuisines and good food they enjoyed; a steaming hot chicken tagine in Marrakesh, tapas in Madrid or dark German beer at Oktoberfest.   Then one day they made a batch of apple butter and having a little extra, gave some to friends who soon were asking for more.  In August 2021 they set up a small stand at the Hāwera Saturday Market.  Sales were brisk and by November they had added 5 new chutneys!  They then started playing around with American inspired BBQ Sauces and Rubs and in 2022 launched a line of BBQ sauces!  You never know when taking a simple chance, what you can achieve if you have great customers and good products.   You'll enjoy tasting the range as Ricci and Scott fill you in on their journey and the fresh ingredients that go in.

Lunch Venue - Ohangai

Ohangai has been lovingly created from the former Ohangai school & community hall, set 200m above sea level with expansive views to Mt Taranaki’s fertile farmland. Ohangai offer sumptuous food, warm hospitality in a spacious, modern environment.