Quintessentially Autumn Experience: Moutere Artisans’ Open Day
[The below post is courtesy of Sid Peterson, our wonderful volunteer worker on Atatū, visiting from the USA.]
Upper Moutere is usually a very quiet spot, with not too much going on, which we do love here at Atatū. But twice a year, the village comes alive when the many artisans who call this place home, open their doors to all.
Sunday, April 26 was one of those special days, and the energy in the village was buzzing. We lucked out with the most gorgeous autumn weather – sunny skies and crisp air. The foliage is just beginning to turn, making the entire experience feel quintessentially autumn.
One of the wonderful things about the Moutere Artisans Open Day is that you can choose your own adventure. The hours run from 10 to 4, giving you ample time to explore each artisan’s space and creations without rushing. While we didn’t make it to all nineteen makers, we visited a handful and left each stop feeling inspired in a different way.
Because we started our morning at Atatū, we decided to head to the furthest spots on the map first. We began at the Old Post Office, a wee general store and gourmet grocery with “really, really nice stuff,” as their darling chalkboard sign promises. Housed in a historic, iconic building that has long been the hub of the Upper Moutere community, it offers great coffee, baked goods, local art, gifts, and Moutere Gold preserves.
Next up on our artisan adventure was BearLion Foods. Tucked away on Supplejack Valley Road, arriving at their property felt like visiting a friend’s home. We were welcomed into their backyard and beautiful garden, where they were serving a feast of delicious salads, mains, cakes, and desserts. We tried the chorizo dish with roasted onions, blue cheese polenta slab, tomato relish, and a tasty dessert to follow.
After BearLion, we made our way back to Neudorf Road, where most of the artisan action is. Our first stop there was Neudorf Black, an award-winning black garlic producer. We were immediately greeted by the owner, who kindly offered to give us a kitchen tour. We jumped at the opportunity and learned about the extensive process behind their black garlic. Between the tour, tastings, and saying hello to the alpacas on the property, it was a truly memorable stop.
As lovers of live music and local cider, we were especially excited to visit Peckham’s Cidery & Orchard, and it did not disappoint. It was the perfect place to spend a sunny Sunday afternoon. We sampled cider while listening to local musician Charlie B. Sausage Press Deli Co., had also popped up at Peckham’s, serving delicious toasties made with local ingredients.
Further up along Neudorf Road we found MacMillan Sculptor & Country Homeware, Neudorf Olives, and Neudorf Mushrooms. It was fascinating to learn about the different types of mushrooms foraged in the area and how each is used in their products. They were serving wild mushroom soup, which looked divine, but we were a bit too full to indulge. Everyone received a small Whittaker’s chocolate and a Neudorf Mushrooms sticker upon arriving, which made it feel a bit like Halloween trick-or-treating, for an American like me.
Our dreamy, artisan-filled day ended with a short drive back to Atatū, with a deep appreciation for the creative community in the Upper Moutere. To be surrounded by some of New Zealand’s finest makers and purveyors, and to experience their craft firsthand, feels incredibly special.
BearLion Foods
Mural at Neudorf Black
Alpacas at Neudorf Black
Outside the Old Post Office
Moutere Gold preserves