4 of the best food outings

Food writer and Masterchef 2011 winner Nadia Lim. Photo / Mark McKeown

Avocadoes and seafood may have been and gone but there are plenty more festivals around.

1. Hawkes Bay FAWC

About to launch its third November festival of clever restaurant collaborations, cooking classes, foodie tours and fun outings, Hawkes Bay's Food and Wine Classic is already firmly locked in all foodies' calendars. Events range from walk-up food trucks, Pimms at the historic Masonic Hotel to top-end degustations at primo lodges. The smaller winter FAWC is appropriately fireside, with big syrahs and lashings of lamb. Sign up now as popular events sell out on the first day.

Winter FAWC Friday, June 6 to Sunday 15 and Friday, October 31 to Sunday, November 9.

2. Maketu Kaimoana Festival

At the other end of the scale, is the little festival that could - a village festival in the Bay of Plenty in a charming seaside estuary setting. Promising a sumptuous seafood line-up of tasty kaimoana (plus a bit of "landfood"), great entertainment and family-friendly.

Saturday, February 15, noon-6pm, Maketu Sports Ground.

3. Ocean and Orchard Festival

In the fruit bowl of the north, you can expect plenty of fresh local produce, bountiful seafood, boutique wines, gourmet cuisine and a great line-up of local musicians. With 30 stalls, competitions, spot prizes and children's entertainment.

Saturday, February 22, 11am-6pm, Kerikeri Domain.

4. Cuisine CheeseFest

The ultimate New Zealand cheese experience where you can sample the top cheeses, including the winners of the 2014 NZ Champions of Cheese Awards. Meet and taste with the cheesemakers, buy from the cheese sales tables and check out the winners of Cuisine magazine's 2014 Artisan Awards, plus wines.

Wednesday, March 5, 5pm-8.30pm, The Langham Great Room, Auckland.