Hunger for the Wild

Wine match: Kaituna Valley Pinot Noir

 Logan and Brown point the Holden towards Birdlings Flat on Banks Peninsula in search of New Zealand's mysterious migrating eel. Arriving on the shingle beach they meet local eeling legend and kaumatua George Skipper. George catches eels in nearby Lake Forsyth or Wairewa in the time honoured traditional way, which involves digging deep drains. Logie gives George a hand while Brownie drives off to gather the other ingredients.  George skins, dries and smokes the eels himself, showing Logie all the steps along the way.

First stop for Brownie is commercial eeler Clem Smith who's been catching eels on Lake Ellesmere for over 20 years. Brownie gives him a helping hand sorting out his massive catch. Further around the lake, Brownie meets NIWA scientist Don Jellyman, learning about the eels' remarkable mating journey that ends in the South Pacific.  Then he's off tracking down the Two Mandy's - well known for turning gnarly old horseradishes into a delicious secret horseradish sauce.

Ingredients gathered and night falling, Brownie heads back to meet up with Logie. George Skipper takes the eager lads to Lake Forsyth to stalk and trap any migrating eels.

Next morning Brownie starts cooking at a lakeside picture perfect kiwi bach, while Logie, waiting for the smoked eel to finish curing, drives to Kaituna Valley. Here he meets wine maker Grant Whelan who is rightly proud of his Pinot Noir. Logie's happy to take away a couple of bottles to share with Brownie and George as they feast on smoked eel with cauliflower and horseradish puree overlooking the lake waters.

Please note that only Ngai Tahu are allowed to take eels from Lake Wairewa/Forsythe, by Customary permit only. Under the Ministry of Fisheries, there is a Tangata Tiaki/Kaitiaki system in place to ensure these regulations are enforced. The team at Hunger for the Wild ask people to respect these customary rights.