Truffle Treasure

OVERVIEW

Discover the wonderful world of truffles and enjoy a tasting at a farm that harvests these highly prized fungi. After a panoramic drive through Tauranga, you will head into the country to a truffière or truffle grove. In hopes of growing truffles, the owners planted hundreds of oaks and hazelnuts and inoculated them with the spores of Perigord truffles, as these trees often develop a symbiotic relationship with truffles. As you will discover, their experiment was a success. You will watch the farm dogs sniff out the truffles, which must be carefully extracted from the soil to prevent damage. It is a methodical process that reflects the value of truffles. You will also be treated to a sampling of truffle-infused products such as cheeses, honey and ice cream, all thoughtfully paired with beer or wine. Afterwards, you will drive along the coast in the shadow of the dormant volcano Mount Maunganui.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Tour a truffle farm and learn how the owners encouraged truffles to grow there.
• Watch trained truffle dogs sniff out the truffles that grow beneath the oaks and hazelnuts.
• Sample a selection of truffle-infused delicacies paired with local wine or beer.
• Behold Mount Maunganui, a dormant volcano that is sacred among the Maori.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.