The Bay of Plenty’s Flavours Festival is in full swing, offering food lovers a range of exciting events across Tauranga and the Eastern Bay.

One exciting event is the Discover the Food Secrets of Wainui Tour on Saturday, April 12, showcasing the region’s best-kept edible treasures.

The tour will take participants through the stunning landscapes of Wainui and Ōhiwa, where they can get hands-on with local producers. The stops include:

* Tio Ōhiwa – Experience oyster farming with a cultural twist and try your hand at shucking.

* Gentlemen Farmers – Participate in distilling native botanical gin and learn about the craft.

* Black Diamond Truffles – Discover the art of truffle growing and harvesting.

* Native Tree Farm – Explore the flavours of native herbs and botanicals.

* Gregoli Olive Grove – Explore world-class olive oil production.

The tour concludes at the inaugural Wainui Producers Market, set in a beautiful hillside location of Waingarara Valley.

Dean Smith of Gentleman Farmers will host the bus tour, offering an engaging experience.

Between locations, the producers will board the bus to share their stories and knowledge about their products.

“At Gentleman Farmers, visitors will visit our gin barn where they can see how to make gin, and we will also have from Black Diamond Truffles where we’ll also discuss our new truffle production venture.

“We’ve planted 55 truffle trees on the farm. And they will get to sample some truffle food.”

Discover the Food Secrets of Wainui Tour is on from 10am to 2.30pm on Saturday, April 12, starting at Ōhope Hall in Bluett Road. Tickets are $101.61.

Wainui Food Producers Market

The final stop of the Discover the Food Secrets of Wainui Tour will be at the inaugural Wainui Producers Market, located at the stunning Waingarara Event venue, which is open to the public and is family friendly.

At the market, open from 12pm-3pm, guests will find a variety of  locally-produced goods and food, all available for purchase, from oysters, to macadamia nuts, wine, berries, ice-cream and much more.

“We aim to have around 20-25 vendors, and since it’s a lunchtime event, visitors can enjoy fresh food and the bar will be open,” Dean Smith said.

“It is a beautiful venue, hopefully it will be a sunny day. This is a free event, so families can come out and enjoy it,” said Smith.