If you have a passion for fine food, New Zealand will serenade your taste-buds with an abundance of fresh ingredients expertly prepared by talented chefs (many of them trained abroad in some of the world’s top kitchens).

All cities and popular visitor destinations have their own treasures to discover, but some of the best are set in secluded locations outside main centres.

At Carrington Resort on the Karikari Peninsula in Northland you can dine on the creations of a Michelin Star trained chef while gazing across an oceanfront golf course.

For an unforgettable indulgence, travel by helicopter from Wellington to remote Wharekauhau Country Estate at Cape Palliser and enjoy an exquisite three-course lunch (www.helipro.co.nz).