Tasting cheesescapes in Canterbury (New Zealand)

Food tourism is a means to connect agriculture produce and tourism activity. Food tourism allows destinations to convey the authenticity that comes from their food heritage, which is closely linked to natural and cultural landscapes. Food and landscapes in New Zealand are strongly related to dairy production, cheese production being one of the main features. This study showcases cheesescapes in Canterbury, the largest region in the South Island of New Zealand in terms of milk production. On one hand, thanks to food tourism, the producers can explore ways to diversify their production. On the other hand, visitors are able to identify with the inhabitants of a country and ‘taste’ a portion of its landscape through gastronomy.