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Tickets are now on sale for almost 60 events in this year’s Flavours of Plenty Festival, with Tourism Bay of Plenty unveiling its 2026 programme.
The annual festival will run from Wednesday, April 16 to Sunday, May 3 across Tauranga, Western Bay of Plenty and Whakatāne. This is the fifth year Tourism Bay of Plenty has delivered the event.
Festival director Rae Baker says this year’s theme encourages visitors to try new flavours and experiences.
“This year’s theme is Pushing the Palate, and this means our food and beverage producers and hospitality operators will be creating flavours to entice everyone to try something new.
“There’s something for every taste and budget — from immersive fine dining experiences to free family-friendly community events. Foodies from near and far will be able to try matcha cupping, whisky tasting, kimchi-making and bacon curing, to name just a few of this year’s options.”
More than 20 eateries have signed up for the Plates of Plenty Challenge, which begins on Tuesday, April 1. Participants will use a box of pre-determined ingredients to create original dishes for diners and judges to taste and vote on.
Tourism Bay of Plenty general manager Oscar Nathan says the festival will officially open on April 16 with Battle of the Snack, hosted by Kelli Brett from Cuisine magazine.
Over 18 days, the programme features Greek, Indian, Asian, European and Māori cuisine, hot chicken wing and chilli contests, and themed dining experiences.
Two locally crafted beers have been brewed for the festival: Sunseeker pale ale by Mount Brewing Co. and Fork’n Good rice lager by Lumberjack Brewery.
Returning events include Vegan Vibes, while Kitchen Takeover will host Five Go Wild With Food, a five-course degustation menu showcasing Plates of Plenty Challenge ingredients.
Solera will host the festival finale on Sunday, May 3 with Melting Point, a five-course savoury dinner featuring ice cream in every dish.
“It’s great to see this award-winning foodie festival earning its place on the annual events calendar in New Zealand and beyond, and we couldn’t have achieved this without the ongoing support from our funders, sponsors and festival partners,” says Oscar.
“Food is an integral part of every travel experience, and our region’s horticultural abundance, innovative producers and creative culinary flair deserve to be celebrated.”
More information is available at: flavoursofplentyfestival.com
