Credit: Akaroa & The Bays
Cooking Schools And Other Hands-On Experiences In Christchurch And Beyond
It’s time to go back to school. No, not maths class. Settle down. We’re talking about memorable workshops and classes defined by fun and creativity. Sinking your teeth into a new skill is anything but boring.
From the Southern Hemisphere’s first plant-based cooking school in Ōtautahi Christchurch, to traditional Māori carving on the rugged West Coast, The Central South Island is the destination to roll up your sleeves for some DIY delights.
The Akaroa Cooking School
Found in the French-settled village of Akaroa, overlooking the picture-perfect harbour, you’ll find The Akaroa Cooking School, lauded by Lonely Planet as one of the best in the world. Eager to impress at your next dinner party? Join a class and learn a few tricks to harness local ingredients with a focus on French, Italian, Thai and Spanish cuisines. Afterwards, wolf down your made-from-scratch dishes while sipping on matching New Zealand wine. Yes please.
Two Raw Sisters
All eaters are welcome at this plant-based culinary school – the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. Two Raw Sisters in Christchurch is all about changing your perception of plant-based food while having fun and learning from some absolute pros. From seasonal salads and indulgent desserts to quick and easy weeknight meals, head along to the sisters’ workshop and learn how to work whole, unprocessed and raw ingredients into your home cooking.
Bonz ‘n’ Stonz Carving Studio
More than just an art form, traditional Māori carving can represent one's ancestors, a connection with the land, or attributes like strength, love and harmony. Sign up for a half-day workshop at Hokitika’s Bonz ‘n’ Stonz Carving Studio to design and carve your own pounamu, bone or pāua shell jewellery piece. You’ll learn more about an ancient skill and leave with your own unique masterpiece.
Rekindle
Rekindle are Ōtautahi Christchurch’s biggest resourcefulness champions. Their philosophies reverberate through their creative workshops, fittingly located at The Arts Centre. Their skills workshops will teach you how to transform local resources into everyday useable items. From soap making and spoon carving to basket weaving and hand darning, it won’t be long until you’re the expert.
Hapuku Kitchen
Hapuku Kitchen is no ordinary cooking school. These guys take farm-to-table cooking seriously – every culinary adventure involves harvesting and foraging from their gardens and sourcing goods from locals. Using these super fresh ingredients, you’ll learn traditional cooking methods, resourcefulness and intuition in the kitchen. Your efforts will be rewarded with a feast at the end accompanied with Hapuku’s favourite local wines and brews.
