HORSE SEMEN AND SHEEP’S TESTICLES

Hidden away on the South Island’s west coast, Hokitika is host to the region’s largest and most famous event. Held every March and attracting around 6,000 adventurous visitors, the Hokitika Wildfoods Festival offers them food from the river, sea, bush and mountain, including some rather revolting stuff that even TV wild man, Bear Grylls, famous for eating just about anything that moves, would frown at.

The district’s iconic whitebait and venison are standard dishes available at this  oddball event. As well as the more conventional lamb tails, there is a wide selection of insects. Earthworms, fish eyes and whisky sausages are also offered to those with strong stomachs. The over 50 stallholders include a cross section of local businesses and even the region’s schools are represented. read more