Ep 1. Otago and Canterbury, New Zealand

Surfing the Menu, a popular food and travel series, takes viewers on an exciting food journey to the beautiful regions of Otago and Canterbury, New Zealand in Season 4 Episode 1. With its stunning natural beauty, rich culture, and diverse cuisine, New Zealand is a foodie's paradise, and Surfing the Menu is here to explore the hidden culinary gems of the region.

In this episode, the two vibrant hosts, Curtis Stone and Ben O'Donoghue, embark on an epic road trip through some of New Zealand's most stunning landscapes, from the snow-capped Southern Alps to the rugged coastline of the Otago Peninsula. Along the way, they meet local food producers, farmers, and fishermen who share their passion for fresh, seasonal, and sustainable ingredients.

Their first stop is in the vibrant city of Christchurch, where they explore the bustling farmers' market, taste some of the best local cheeses and artisanal bread, and learn the secrets of crafting world-famous New Zealand lamb dishes. They also discover the unique flavors of horopito, New Zealand's native pepper, which adds a distinctive spicy kick to any dish.

Next, the hosts take to the water to meet local fishermen who take them on a thrilling fishing adventure to harvest the freshest seafood imaginable, including succulent green-lipped mussels and sweet juicy crayfish. They prepare a delicious Seafood Paella on the beach using the freshly caught seafood and other locally sourced ingredients.

Their journey takes them inland to the scenic wine region of Central Otago, where they indulge in the best Pinot Noirs in the world, and explore the amazing food culture of Maori cuisine. They meet award-winning chef Monique Fiso who introduces them to traditional Maori ingredients and cooking techniques, including the earth oven known as a hangi, which is used to cook food over hot stones buried in the ground.

In the beautiful town of Akaroa, they meet a local cheesemaker who takes them through the art of cheese making and shares some of the finest cheese in the region. They also visit a local beekeeper, sampling some of the region's unique honey varieties.

Finally, their food journey ends with a visit to the lively town of Dunedin, where they discover the rustic taste of local craft beer and cider while enjoying a traditional New Zealand barbecue with local friends. In Dunedin, they also visit the only Whiskey distillery in the southern hemisphere, sampling award-winning spirits that have earned international acclaim.

Surfing the Menu Season 4 Episode 1 is a delightful journey of food discovery, where the two adventurous hosts explore the best of New Zealand's rich natural landscape and its diverse food culture. It is a must-watch for foodies and travel enthusiasts looking to explore the hidden culinary gems of New Zealand.