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Drawing up a "things to do" list for when you take a medical job in New Zealand? Here's an event that should make the list: the Hokitika Wildfoods celebration, where creative and daring foodies gather on the South Island's West Coast to sample deep-fried shark, grasshoppers and other wild delicacies.
Over the course of two decades, this feast has become one of the most renowned—and bizarre—food events across the globe. And this year's menu is just as wacky as those from years past.
"For many people, this event is the opportunity to savor a rare delicacy, such as smoked whitebait, or to try something they maybe wouldn't have even considered eating before, like huhu grubs," event manager Mike Keenan said. "But we also have stalls with old-fashioned Coast food, like spit roast venison and sweets."
After trying a handful of savory dishes, like the rare pukeko, mountain oysters and seagull eggs, you can wash it down with one of the region's local brews from Monteith's. If beer's not your drink of choice, the Wildfoods Kiwis have you covered—rose petal and elderflower champagne, locally distilled moonshine and honey mead will also be available, along with more daring drink options.