The MasterChef judge gives us a virtual tour of her second home

chef-monica-galettis-gourmet-guide-new-zealand

YOU MOVED FROM SAMOA TO NEW ZEALAND AT THE AGE OF EIGHT, WHAT WERE YOUR FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF NEW ZEALAND?

Very cold compared to the islands and I thought it was so busy.

WHICH RESTAURANTS SHOULD YOU TRY IN NEW ZEALAND BEFORE YOU LEAVE?

In Auckland we love the Depot Eatery. In Wellington, go to Whitebait for a fine-dining option, Karaka Cafe for Maori-style cooking or Charley Noble for casual, but great food.

chef-monica-galettis-gourmet-guide-new-zealand

WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE TO HAVE COFFEE IN NEW ZEALAND?

Honestly, New Zealand really knows it coffee. Havana Coffee Works is one of the best for us.

chef-monica-galettis-gourmet-guide-new-zealand

WHICH FOODIE SOUVENIR SHOULD VISITORS BUY?

Definitely Manuka Honey!



THE BEST PLACE TO ENJOY A COCKTAIL?

In Wellington I’d recommend Hippopotamus Bar. In Auckland, along the Viaduct is very popular.

chef-monica-galettis-gourmet-guide-new-zealand

IF SOMEONE WANTED TO DO A MINI FOODIE TOUR OF NEW ZEALAND WHERE SHOULD THEY GO?

Go to Auckland, for the large diversity – it offers and easy accessibility to gorgeous places like Waiheke Island. Head to Bluff for the Bluff Oysters! Visit Hawkesbay, Martinborough and Otago for some fabulous wine and food tours. Then go to Rotorua to see how food is cooked in the boiling volcanic pools.


Suggested Itineraries

Beach, Food, & Art Summer Vacation

Greece Cyclades: Mykonos & Santorini Barcelona Madrid Spain Europe

  • Explore Athens on a private guided tour, including a trip to the Acropolis
  • Visit the sacred site of Delphi, home of the oracle of Apollo
  • Enjoy beautiful beaches and fun activities in Mykonos
  • Get a taste of Spain on a tapas tour of the Spanish capital, Madrid
  • Discover the world of Gaudi in the avant-garde city of Barcelona
ideal length 14 nights

Ultimate Barossa Valley Wine Experience

South Australia Australia Australasia

  • Dine at Hentley Farm Restaurant, one of only two Relais & Chateaux restaurants in Australia
  • Make your own Barossa Valley wine blend under the professional guidance of ambassador for Barossa wine and chief winemaker Andrew Quin
  • Tour famous wineries such as Seppeltsfield, Wolf Blass and Jacob’s Creek
  • Take a private helicopter ride over Adelaide towards McLaren Vale
  • Dine on a personalised tasting menu surrounded by the beauty of McLaren Vale
ideal length 7 nights

Whisky & Golf in Scotland

Scotland United Kingdom Europe

  • See the spectacular Highlands of Scotland
  • Visit a Royal Distillery on a private tour
  • Play golf at the Royal Dornoch Golf Club
  • Enjoy a private helicopter trip to the Orkney Islands to see the Neolithic artefacts
ideal length 7 nights
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