The Hippy Gourmet Blog

In Auckland, New Zealand - Potiki Adventures Tour + a visit with Maori sculptor

2009-07-02T09:59:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hwq0OpqyziU

Organic Living TV with the Hippy Gourmet we arrive to Auckland, New Zealand! Meeting up first with Melissa from Potiki Adventures we learn about the authentic and contemporary Maori cultural sites and then are introduced by her to Maori sculptor Blaine Te Rito of Te Rito Arts. Blaine gives us wonderful insight into the background of Maori language and history through carvings!

For more information, please visit
www.PotikiAdventures.com
www.TeRitoArts.com

In New Zealand, visiting a Maori village in Rotorua

2009-06-29T15:10:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PakQ7tbP1Uk

In this segment from Organic Living TV with the Hippy Gourmet we meet Sonny Galvin of Superia Tours, an indigenous Maori tour company based in Rotorua, New Zealand. Sonny brings us through the Maori Village of Tehokow Hitu-A-Tu where we learn about the thermal waters and Maori culture. We are also so blessed to meet Jason Phillips of the Sacred Maori Instruments studio who demonstrates a number of beautiful Maori instruments and sounds to us. After this we return to the Millennium Hotel in Rotorua and visit with Executive Chef Chris Bell to learn more about the connection between the Millennium Hotel and local Maori ingredients.

For more information, please visit www.SuperiaTours.co.nz

In New Zealand making Maori Fried Bread with Chef Chris Bell

2009-06-27T11:27:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_a7no0ztiw

In this segment from Organic Living TV with the Hippy Gourmet we are in the natural thermal hot springs area of Rotorua, New Zealand! We meet up with Chef Chris Bell from the sustainable Millennium Hotel & visit the local farmer's market, to make Maori Fried Bread!

For more information, please visit www.MillenniumHotels.co.nz

In New Zealand with Chef Charles Royal & MaoriFood.com

2009-06-22T16:12:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pshQQWFFPVs

In this segment from Organic Living TV with the Hippy Gourmet we visit with Maori Chef Charles Royal! Charles gives us a behind the scenes look at his native bush cooking tours, as well as his MaoriFood.com wild herb brand of products called Kinaki!

For more information, please visit www.MaoriFood.com

In Nelson New Zealand at Eatright Foods!

2009-06-17T19:09:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20GD7XL_Jao

In this segment from Organic Living TV we visit with Rebecca Douglas-Clifford, Managing Director of Eatright Foods. Using only the finest organic, sustainable and local ingredients, Eatright produces cookies, crackers and some cake products that are not only delicious, but are created with the utmost sensitivity to people with food allergies! Eatright doesn't stop there, they also source local recycled packaging and use bio-compost trays made from potato starch! Eatright products are available in Wholefoods markets in the U.S., as well as on-line through their website: http://www.Eatright.co.nz

New Zealand Day 16 Chef Charles Royal - Fern Mushroom Salad

2009-06-16T16:30:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oc86WLRmJI

In this segment from Organic Living TV with the Hippy Gourmet we arrive on the north island of New Zealand to Rotorua and meet traditional Maori Chef Charles Royal! Charles takes us foraging for wild and indigenous ingredients. We end up back at Pounamu Lodge on Lake Tarewera to prepare a lovely wild Fern, Mushroom and Smoked Tomato Salad!

For more information, please visit
www.MaoriFood.com
www.PounamuLodge.co.nz

In New Zealand Day 15 on the InterIslander Ferry!

2009-06-15T11:33:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyYn-dM7f-U

In this segment from Organic Living TV, we're crossing the Cook Strait from Picton to Wellington on the InterIslander Kaitaki Ferry! We meet up with the Captain Tor Hellesland on the bridge to talk about the incredible 3.5 hour journey from the south island to the north island of New Zealand! Special thanks to Nigel Parry, to Daniel Bridges from TravelBug and to the Ibis Hotel in Wellington!

For more information, please visit
www.InterIslander.co.nz
www.TravelBug.co.nz

In New Zealand at Hapuku Lodge & Tree Houses!

2009-06-12T17:13:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmykrM_ws4c

In this segment from Organic Living TV we visit with Stanley Morris, the Managing Partner at Hapuku Lodge and Tree Houses. Set against the awe inspiring backdrop of the Kaikoura coast on the east coast of the south island of New Zealand, Hapuku Lodge and Tree Houses is one of the world's most unique eco-accommodations! If you ever want to treat yourself to mountain views from your private balcony and south Pacific ocean views from a luxurious spa bath, Hapuku Lodge is your kind of place!

For more information, please visit www.HapukuLodge.co.nz

New Zealand Day 14 Hapuku Lodge making Vegetarian Ravioli!

2009-06-11T13:15:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72Ye2fTlW18

In this segment from Organic Living TV with the Hippy Gourmet we're in amazing Kaikoura New Zealand on the east coast of the south island! We arrive at Hapuku Lodge and Treehouses which is a breathtaking eco-accommodation perched between the mountains and south Pacific ocean! We meet Executive Chef Rich Huber who shares his favorite organic veggie picking spots with us on their sprawling property, to then bring us into his kitchen to make a wonderful vegetarian ravioli with roasted fennel!

For more information, please visit www.HapukuLodge.co.nz

In New Zealand Day 12 Seresin Estate Organic, Bio-Dynamic

2009-06-10T08:40:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRaKBF5b0A0

In this segment from Organic Living TV we're in the Marlborough wine region on the south island of New Zealand! We meet Jim Rawdon who introduces us to Seresin Estate, and then learn all about their bio-dynamic practices for making great wines and olive oils from Wendy Tillman! Great tasting wine too!

For more information, please visit www.Seresin.co.nz

in New Zealand day 11 Awaroa Lodge with owner Barry Walters

2009-06-08T12:18:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1syI3U-Pm0I

In this segment from Organic Living TV with the Hippy Gourmet we meet up with Barry Walters the owner of the incredible Awaroa Lodge in the Abel Tasman National Park, south island, New Zealand! Awaroa is an eco-lodge that walks the talk, providing organic produce from their gardens, directly to their gourmet kitchen! The lodge is set amongst the crystal blue water and lush green hills that make up this stunningly gorgeous Abel Tasman National Park!

For more information, please visit www.AwaroaLodge.co.nz

In New Zealand at Awaroa Lodge, preparing Fettucine with Clams

2009-06-02T21:41:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAKRz2W6Ujg

In this segment from Organic Living TV with the Hippy Gourmet we're in New Zealand in the stunningly gorgeous Abel Tasman National Park at Awaroa Lodge! First we meet up with Barry Walters, the owner of Awaroa Lodge, and do some sustainable net fishing and cockle digging! Then off to the piazza style kitchen to meet Selena Walters the Executive Chef, to make a delicious Fettucine with Clams!

For more information, please visit http://www.AwaroaLodge.co.nz

Arcadia Organics Shop & Cafe in Matueka, New Zealand

2009-06-02T12:16:00.000-07:00

In New Zealand on the northern part of the south island, on route from Resurgence 5-Star Nature lodge we stopped in the cute town of Motueka and had lunch at Arcadia Organics!

Founded by Linda & Peter Woodgate, Arcadia Organics is a one-stop market, cafe, dry goods and mercantile that specializes in all things organic and sustainable.

We had a lovely vegetarian lunch of lentil stew and veggie pot pies, and veggie burgers, plus fresh organic coffee and teas and just a very peaceful and tranquil respite from our hectic schedule of traveling and filming.

Arcadia Organics has a wonderful philosophy of taking good care of people in the community, even doing their shopping for them while they sit and enjoy their afternoon tea!

The best part of Arcadia Organics of course is how they support all of the local organic farms, artisan food and mercantile producers who are making planet friendly goods!

For more information, please visit www.arcadiaorganics.co.nz

In New Zealand day 9 Abel Tasman region at Resurgence

2009-05-30T10:22:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kt1o0B0dIWo

In this segment from Organic Living TV we are in the Abel Tasman region of New Zealand on the northern part of the south island, staying at The Resurgence! We meet Clare and Adam who roll out the green carpet for us in their 5-star nature resort!

For more information, please visit www.Resurgence.co.nz

In New Zealand Day 8 Nelson Wine Region

2009-05-29T10:11:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbIQYPRFvqA

In this segment from Organic Living TV we are on tour in New Zealand in the Nelson wine region, where we meet up with Lars Jensen of Richmond Plains Wines, an organic, bio-dynamic vineyard!

For more information, please visit www.RichmondPlains.co.nz

In New Zealand Day 7 Nelson Enriching Day Spa

2009-05-28T09:46:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxczeTFlYLo

In this segment from Organic Living TV we've made our way to the northern part of the south island of New Zealand in sunny Nelson! On route we stopped in for a lovely visit with Warren Hoy of Enriching Day Spa, who let us relax and chill out in their extremely warm hospitality!

For more information, please visit
www.Enriching.co.nz

In New Zealand Day 6 story of Birds Ferry Lodge

2009-05-27T10:42:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mzKNcSQVo4

In this segment from Organic Living TV we visit with Alison & Andre Gygax of Birds Ferry Lodge and discover their inspiration for building an organic, sustainable and beautiful B&B and cottage. We also travel around the lush west coast of the south island of New Zealand by Westport and meet the flora, fauna and wild life along the way!

In New Zealand Days 4-6 BirdsFerryLodge with HippyGourmet

2009-05-25T10:26:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4I9LQTyoyik

In this segment from Organic Living TV we're traveling to the wild west coast of the south island of New Zealand! In Westport at Birds Ferry Lodge, we meet up with Alison & Andre Gygax who take us on a tour of their organic gardens where we pick ingredients for a special Roast Parsnip, Fennel & Red Quinoa Pilaf!

In New Zealand Day 3 Lewis Pass HippyGourmet @Maruia Springs

2009-05-20T17:04:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dumqKxTTs3o

In this segment from Organic Living TV we're Day 3 on our organic & sustainable tour of New Zealand! On the south island approximately 2.5 hours drive northwest from Christchurch is Lewis Pass National Park and Maruia Springs Thermal Resort. We meet up with Akira and Takako who introduce us to the magical and healing waters of Maruia Springs!

For more information, please visit www.maruiasprings.co.nz

In New Zealand! Day 2 Christchurch HippyGourmet @GreenSpace

2009-05-19T23:25:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOSzyK3Cnwo

In this segment from Organic Living TV we are on tour in New Zealand! The 2nd day of our tour we're in Christchurch at greenSpace Eco-Accommodation and meet up with Yolanda and Rosemary as they explain their wonderful, organic, sustainable and vegan B&B!

For more info, visit
www.GreenSpace.co.nz

On tour in New Zealand! Day 1 Christchurch @Wish B&B

2009-05-19T13:02:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MUIIciyB8k

In this first segment from our tour to organic and sustainable New Zealand, we arrive day 1 in Christchurch and meet Ngarie from Wish organic B&B! What better way to start our trip than to arrive on Air New Zealand from San Francisco directly to Auckland, with a short flight into Christchurch on the south island of New Zealand! In Christchurch we discovered the pure air, clean water and fresh organic produce that fuels this sustainably savvy Kiwi population!

For more info, visit
www.wishnz.com

Our Filming Tour of Beautiful New Zealand

2009-05-19T10:49:00.000-07:00

For the past 3-weeks we've been filming a series of episodes from organic and sustainable New Zealand! From South Island to North Island and many places in-between, we discovered some of the most pristine places left on earth. Stay tuned for daily blog updates as we post each segment from our broadcast TV series, and also join us on our Facebook fan page for behind-the-scenes photos and stories of our travels around stunningly gorgeous New Zealand!

Brought to you by:
Air New Zealand
Organic Explorer
KEA
Sigg &
All of the wonderful locations we filmed in New Zealand.

Organic Explorer, your guide to everything organic & sustainable in New Zealand!

2009-04-24T16:46:00.000-07:00

This is the quintessential guide book for traveling organically and sustainably around New Zealand! Even if your current travel plans don't include going to New Zealand, when you get this guide book you will be so blown away by the depth of natural beauty and commitment to the environment in New Zealand, that you will be instantly compelled (as we are) to hop on an Air New Zealand flight immediately!

The Organic Explorer New Zealand guide book is more than a list of sweet, family run B&B's and lodges, it is chock full of resources for touring and discovering immaculate landscapes and meaningful excursions that will make you want to visit and re-visit New Zealand time and again.

We will of course be writing so much more as we travel the pages of the Organic Explorer Guide book and we'll be blogging about it much more after we film our episodes there.

To purchase your copy of Organic Explorer New Zealand, please visit: www.organicexplorer.co.nz

Or you can please visit: www.OrganicExplorer.co.nz to learn more about each wonderful organic location.

More to come!!!

Goldman Environmental Prize Winners

2009-04-24T11:30:00.000-07:00

We are honored to blog about the winners of the Goldman Environmental Prize, that awards individuals from six continents for their heroic efforts to bring about positive environmental change!

Our deepest congratulations go out to:

Africa - Marc Ona Essangui
"In Gabon, a country without a culture of civic engagement, Marc Ona led efforts to publicly expose the unlawful agreements behind a massive mining project that threates critical equatorial rain forests."

Asia - Syeda Rizwana Hasan
"Working to reduce the impact of Bangladesh's exploitative and environmentally-devastating ship breaking industry, leading environmental attorney Rizwana Hasan spearheaded a legal battle resulting in increased government regulation and heightened public awareness about the dangers of ship breaking."

Europe - Olga Speranskaya
"Russian scientist Olga Speranskaya successfully transformed the NGO community in Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia (EECCA) into a potent, participatory force working to identify and eliminate toxic chemicals in the environment."

Islands & Island Nations - Yuyun Ismawati
"As waste management problems mount throughout the Indonesian archipelago, Yuyun Ismawati implements community-based waste management programs that employ low-income people and empower them to improve the environment."

North America - Maria Gunnoe
IN the heart of Appalachia, where the coal industry wields enormous power over government and public opinion, lifelong resident Maria Gunnoe has successfully campaigned against environmentally-devastating mountaintop removal and mining."

South & Central America - Head Captain Wanze Eduards & S. Hugo Jabini
Head Captain Wanze Eduards and S. Hugo Jabini successfully organized their communities against logging on their traditional Saramaka lands, ultimately leading to a landmark ruling for indigenous and tribal people throughout the Americas, granting them the right to control resource exploitation in their territories."

Vegan Moussaka at Cafe Gibraltar

2009-04-23T23:59:00.000-07:00

In this segment from Organic Living with the Hippy Gourmet we're back at Cafe Gibraltar with Chef Jose Luis to show us how to make an incredible all Vegan Moussaka! That's right, the typical Greek mixed meat dish made in an vegan way with 100% organic ingredients and a whole lot of love!