Take That star Gary Barlow and comedian Jason Manford will venture across New Zealand for a new food and travel programme. The 55-year-old singer will star in Gary Barlow’s Food And Wine Tour: New Zealand alongside Waterloo Road star Manford as they journey across the country for an “epic adventure”.
Sampling food and wine across the country
They will sample food and wine while meeting local producers, chefs, winemakers and communities as they discover how food and drink connects people, stories and the natural world.
Barlow said: “What stood out about New Zealand’s food and wine was the story behind every experience. Every meal, every glass of wine, and every ingredient had some kind of connection with the people, place and the natural environment.”
He added: “I experienced first-hand how New Zealand’s pure flavours are shaped by a deep respect for the land and a genuine spirit of hospitality. And in the world of wine, New Zealand is right up there with some of the best vineyards in the world. The difference between the North and South Island and the East and West Coast is just unbelievable and so much is packed into these two islands in the South Pacific.”
Manford describes experience as a privilege
Manford, 45, described the experience as “one of the biggest privileges of my life”, adding: “I’ve never seen such an incredible country, the scenery, the people, the food and of course discovering wine with Gary and a host of experts.”
He said: “Me and Gary have been mates for years but to have so much time together talking, laughing, learning and getting to know each other away from the pressures of work and life was a real treat. I came back with some fantastic memories and I cannot wait to take my own family back to New Zealand.”
Locations and activities featured
The pair visit locations such as Auckland, Waiheke Island, Queenstown, Central Otago, Marlborough Sounds and Hawke’s Bay to discover new foods, landscapes and experiences.
Barlow and Manford will immerse themselves in New Zealand culture and experience Maori traditions, taking on new challenges such as zip-lining through a native forest and tandem cycling together through vineyards.
Across six episodes, Barlow will embark on a vintage car tour in Napier, dolphin spotting on the Coastal Pacific railway and exploring a walking trail in Central Otago as they make their way around the “good-looking country”.
Barlow’s career and series history
The series comes after Gary Barlow’s Wine Tour: South Africa in 2024, and Gary Barlow’s Food And Wine Tour: Australia – which aired last year.
Barlow rose to fame in the 1990s as the main songwriter and lead vocalist of pop group Take That, alongside Robbie Williams, Mark Owen, Howard Donald and Jason Orange. The band achieved 12 UK number one singles with tracks such as Pray, Relight My Fire and Never Forget, as well as nine UK number one albums and eight Brit Awards.
Barlow launched a successful solo career after Take That split in 1996, but they eventually reunited in 2005 with a second wave of chart-topping albums. He has also appeared on several TV programmes – most notably ITV talent show The X Factor, where he served as a judge from 2011 to 2013.
Gary Barlow’s Food And Wine Tour: New Zealand will air on Sunday August 30 on ITV.
