Thanks to chef Alfred Peterson and owner Alan Hopping from The Lost Spring in Whitianga for the opportunity to enjoy not only a fabulous lunch, but also a chance to discover a special paradise of therapeutic natural thermal spring pools.

Lunch was made even better as we received a perfectly-timed call from pilot friend John, saying he and partner Suzy were pushing their plane out of the hangar and were looking for a bit of adventure for the day! We suggested they join us for lunch in Whitianga and sample the Ora King Salmon (an offer they couldn't refuse). A mere 20 minute flight from Tauranga in John's Europa, and soon we met on the deck overlooking the spectacular view of The Lost Spring.

The award entry, created by chef Alfred Peterson, was described as 'In-house hot smoked Ora King Salmon, served with almond honey roasted pumpkin and feta stack, topped off with Hollandaise sauce”.

The combination of the sweet pumpkin and the slight sharpness/saltiness of the feta worked really well with the soft buttery texture of the salmon. The hollandaise just set everything off nicely – an excellent dish which I would happily order again.

There was plenty of conversation while we all enjoyed the dish where we discussed why it is important to choose Ora King Salmon. John had recently been to Alaska and made some interesting comparisons on the taste. He commented he had not ordered salmon since eating it fresh while away; but he had to say the Ora King Salmon definitely enticed him to eat salmon in New Zealand.

Ora King Salmon grow sustainably in the deep, cool waters of the Marlborough Sounds. It has a luscious, elegant texture and rich taste and the highest natural oil content of all salmon. A150g portion provides the complete daily requirement of omega 3.

As well as starring in superb dining experiences to gourmet connoisseurs in countries such as Australia, China, Europe, Japan and North America, Ora King also appears on the menus of top New Zealand restaurants.

In Tauranga, it can be found at Trinity Wharf, Mount Bistro, Phil's Place, Mills Reef and Momo Teppan-Yaki.

Next time you're out for dinner, make sure you ask for Ora King Salmon and experience the difference.

If you are looking for a day out and you don't have a plane, then head up to Whitianga, and check out The Lost Spring, enjoy a fabulous relaxing soak, and don't forget to order Ora King Salmon for lunch. Alternatively check out the flights with Sun Air, the relaxed flight up the coast offers incredible scenery.