Hundreds soak up sun and atmosphere

Katikati's Lisa Tawhiti and daughter Kyah, 10, went to the festival with Tara Parker and daughter Tiare, 8, of Waihi. Photo / Rebecca Savory

The sun was out for the annual Katikati Avocado Food and Wine Festival at the Uretata Domain on Saturday.

Hundreds of people made the most of the weather, relaxing under marquees, trialling local food and wine while listening to some local talent on stage.

NZ My Kitchen Rules third-place team Dai and Dal.

The numbers also provided a big boost for the new Katikati St John, with all proceeds from ticket sales and stall fees going to the project.

Katikati locals Lisa Tawhiti and daughter Kyah, 10, headed along to the festival with Waihi friends Tara Parker and daughter Tiare, 8.

The women attended the festival two years ago and enjoyed it so much they returned.

"My ticket was a Christmas gift, which was amazing," Mrs Parker said.

It was a great place to let the kids run around and relax safely while the women enjoyed a day of wine tasting and gourmet snacks, Mrs Tawhiti said.

They had already discovered a few new wines and avocado oils they liked and hoped to take home.

New Zealand My Kitchen Rules third-place team Dai and Dal travelled from Wellington for the festival and were getting an idea for the event, hoping to host their own cooking demonstration stall next year.

"This is awesome, such an awesome event," Dai said.

They hoped they could showcase New Zealand products, including avocado, and provide a fresh spin on how to cook them, using their Asian influence.

Katikati Funfest Charitable Trust chairwoman Karen Lee said she was thrilled with how the event had gone.