Waipara truffle hunt

From June to August in North Canterbury, it is time to go truffle hunting.

Dollar for dollar, truffles (aka Black Gold) are one of the most expensive luxury foods you can buy, taking years to cultivate, and only available during a short season.

North Canterbury is home to Kings Truffles, where the team, led by Jax Lee, grow and supply fresh truffles direct from the source to top chefs and food connoisseurs alike. Their primary truffiere is in the heart of Waipara’s limestone country, and for a few short weeks you can join them in a bespoke two-hour experience, seeking elusive black Périgord truffles.

For added excitement Christchurch’s Garden City Helicopters has a package that will fly you there and back, and includes a special truffle lunch at Waipara’s Black Estate Wines.

If flying or truffles are not your thing, there’s plenty of other attractions a short distance north of Christchurch, including numerous wineries — most
with cellar doors and restaurants — and cafes. Cycle trails, country walks and sculpture gardens also feature, so why not plan a day out and head north.

In brief:

Kings Truffles has more than 6000 trees, and a knowledgeable team passionate about truffles.
www.kingstruffles.com

Black Estate Wines is organic and biodynamic, and boasts a cellar door, and an excellent restaurant.
www.blackestate.co.nz

Garden City Helicopters offer a variety of helicopter and fixed wing aircraft scenic packages.
www.gchaviation.com