Ep 7. Wairarapa, New Zealand

Wairarapa, New Zealand is the destination for season 4 episode 7 of Surfing the Menu. The hosts, Dan Churchill and Hayden Quinn, are in awe of the region's natural beauty as they explore the vast landscapes and stunning coastlines. The episode revolves around discovering the incredible local produce and showcasing the region's best dishes.

The adventure begins at a local farmer's market where they meet impassionate food producers and farmers who share stories of their experiences while showcasing their offerings. From freshly harvested vegetables to artisan cheeses to locally raised meats, they experience the bounty of the region.

Moving forward, they visit a family-run farm where they learn about the responsibility and hardwork that goes into raising animals. They also get a chance to help shear some of the farm's sheep, a skill that is commonly found in New Zealand.

Surfing the Menu takes the adventure waterside next, exploring the coastline of Wairarapa while trying their hand at gathering seafood. They dive into the water with local divers and harvest oysters, sea urchins, and geoducks. The hosts were particularly impressed with the sweetness of Wairarapa oysters which are considered one of the best in the world.

As the last segment of the show, Dan and Hayden visit a popular Wairarapa restaurant where they meet the celebrated chef and try some of the restaurant's signature dishes. The duo is in awe of the chef's creativity and use of fresh local ingredients in his dishes. They learned more about ancient Maori cooking techniques and got to try dishes cooked using traditional methods over a fire pit.

Surfing the Menu's Wairarapa, New Zealand episode showcases the unique flavors and culture of the region. It is a testament to the importance of local produce and ingredients, and how they can bring life to even the most traditional of dishes. The episode culminates with the discovery of new culinary techniques and a newfound love of the seaside lifestyle of New Zealand.