Wildfoods Festival - Hokitika, New Zealand

WHAT: Wildfoods Festival

WHERE: Hokitika, New Zealand

Every March, the laid-back West Coast town of Hokitika transforms into one of New Zealand's most unusual food destinations as thousands of adventurous food lovers gather for the annual Wildfoods Festival.

Since its beginnings in 1990, the festival has celebrated the West Coast's wild food culture, showcasing ingredients sourced from the bush, rivers, mountains, and coastline. What started as a local celebration of regional produce has grown into one of New Zealand's most iconic food festivals, attracting visitors from across the country and overseas.

A Taste of the Wild

Forget ordinary festival fare. The Wildfoods Festival is famous for challenging adventurous palates with an ever-changing menu of unusual delicacies.

Depending on the year, visitors may find seagull eggs, huhu beetle grubs, possum, mountain oysters, earthworms, wild game, whitebait, and locally harvested seafood alongside more familiar favourites. Even gorse flower wine, inspired by one of the festival's original attractions, has become part of Wildfoods folklore.

Not feeling quite that adventurous? There are usually plenty of less intimidating options, from frogs' legs and garlic snails to gourmet regional cuisine showcasing the West Coast's outstanding local produce.

More Than NEW Food EXPERIENCES

While its unusual menu has earned international attention, the Wildfoods Festival is equally a celebration of the West Coast lifestyle.

Held at Cass Square in Hokitika, the event combines food stalls with live entertainment, local producers, family activities, and the popular Feral Fashion competition, where participants create imaginative wearable art using natural and foraged materials.

A Festival Born on the West Coast

The festival was founded in 1990 by Hokitika local Claire Bryant, whose homemade gorse flower and rose petal wines inspired a celebration of the region's wild ingredients. The inaugural event coincided with Hokitika's 125th anniversary and quickly became one of New Zealand's most distinctive annual festivals. Today, it continues to celebrate the creativity, resourcefulness, and adventurous spirit of the West Coast.

Why Visit?

Whether you're sampling huhu grubs for the first time or simply enjoying fresh West Coast produce, the Wildfoods Festival offers a uniquely Kiwi food experience. Combining unusual flavours, local traditions, live entertainment, and plenty of fun, it's one of New Zealand's most memorable food festivals.

For more info visit www.wildfoods.co.nz