Mutton Birds are a traditional Maori food. The nearly-grown chicks are pulled from their underground nests and preserved for later consumption. I found them to be extremely salty and fatty.

Possum anyone? Possums were introdiced to New Zealand from Australia. Like most introduces species, they have run amok and are destroying the place. They are most often seen dead on the road. Perhaps if the "Chicken of the Forest" concept takes hold their numbers will be reduced. I am not holding my breath waiting for that advertising campaign.

It wouldn't be New Zealand without some Whitebait. Kiwis love this stuff, and one of the few offerings at the Fest you are likely to find in an everyday cafe. Transparent minnows that are caught in the spring with nets and cooked into "patties" - basically minnow omelettes. We have not developed a taste for these yet.

Barbequed Cow Udder anyone? Despite the large line at this boot we just could not bring ourselves to partake.