METRONEWS
© New Zealand Broadcasting School 2026

by New Zealand Broadcasting School students

Food lovers flock to Christchurch Food Show 2026 for a weekend of flavour and inspiration

Business

Rebecca King
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Food lovers flocked to The Food Show at the Wolfbrook Arena, to experience an extensive showcase of culinary goodness  Rebecca King/NZBS

The Christchurch Food Show has wrapped up another successful year after a three-day run from 27th to 29th March, attracting food lovers from across the region to Wolfbrook Arena.

Widely regarded as the country’s largest once-a-year foodie affair, the event once again delivered a vibrant celebration of flavour, innovation, and culinary creativity. 

Opening its doors at 10am each day, the show transformed the arena into a bustling hub of food, drink, and kitchen inspiration. 

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Christchurch food lovers sipped and tasted their way through The Food Show 2026 at the Wolfbrook Arena Rebecca King/NZBS

With more than 120 food and beverage brands, visitors were spoiled for choice as they tasted a range of samples, from sweet treats to premium savoury goods and everything in between. 

A noticeable trend this year was the rise of locally made, sustainable products, as visitors showed growing interest in ethical food options. 

Founder of Little Ardroy Beef Company, Wayne Cameron said, “the feedback we’ve been getting has been unbelievable, it’s been really positive. This is our first time at the show and people liking it and coming back is always a good sign.” 

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A map of the food and drink stalls at The Food Show 2026. Rebecca King/NZBS

One of the most popular highlights of the weekend was the Cooking Theatre, where celebrity chefs Nadia Lim, Chelsea Winter, and Annabelle White made appearances, showcasing their skills through live cooking demonstrations. 

Food lovers gathered to watch the chefs, learning practical tips and techniques they could take home and apply in their own kitchens. The demonstrations reinforced one of the show’s key themes, helping everyday people learn how to cook like a star at home. 

Beyond the stage, industry professionals led cocktail masterclasses, offering a hands-on experience for visitors keen to refine their mixology skills. 

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The Food Show 2026 showcased New Zealand's finest food and beverage producers over three days (March 27-29). Rebecca King/NZBS

The event was packed with products not typically found in retail stores, giving smaller producers a platform to showcase their creations. 

Christchurch Food Show organisers told Metronews this year’s show was a strong success, noting consistent crowds and high engagement across all three days.  

As the doors closed on another successful year, the 2026 Christchurch Food Show once again left its mark on the city’s events calendar, leaving visitors inspired and already looking forward to next year’s show.