Coastal kitchens are heating up as food fans today begin tucking into the 10-day Flavours of Plenty Festival.

The culinary festival features 35 events, ranging from degustation dinners and desserts to chocolate tastings, a beekeeping experience, hands-on classes, and a cook-off hosted by the editor of New Zealand's most prestigious food magazine.

At least five events have sold out and several others have only a handful of tickets left.

'We're starting to see our first international ticket sales from places like Canada and Australia,” says Tourism Bay of Plenty general manager Oscar Nathan.

'Others are coming from Auckland and Waikato, as well as places like Greymouth and Waimate.”

It's the second year the destination management organisation is hosting the festival, which aims to promote and connect the food community of Te Moananui ā Toi (the Coastal Bay of Plenty), stretching from Waihī Beach to Ōhope. Almost 200 growers, cafes, manufacturers, food trucks, tour companies and other food-related businesses are involved.

'This isn't just about bringing visitors to our region. We're also giving locals the opportunity to encounter some of the incredible produce and culinary talent that is flourishing in our backyard.

'We have world-class chefs in our city restaurants, as well as cider in Te Puna and truffles in Te Puke, or a wonderful little Italian restaurant tucked away in Ōmokoroa.”

Photo: Supplied.

Alma Eatery, in Ōmokoroa, is among more than a dozen businesses that are participating in the Plates of Plenty Challenge, where chefs utilise a box of seven local products to create a unique dish. These menu items will be professionally judged during the festival and diners can also cast their vote to win prizes.

In 2022, the inaugural Flavours of Plenty Festival showcased 16 events across four days. 'This year's festival is obviously much bigger, but we know there's a huge appetite for the premium kai that's being grown and produced and served here,” says Oscar.

'It's pretty obvious that our festival is going to become an essential fixture for food lovers from around New Zealand.” For more details, see flavoursofplentyfestival.com.