Daily Photo – Tuatapere

When local Tuatapere sausage guru Leo Henderson came up with a new recipe in the 1980’s, little did he know he was creating what is now arguably the country’s best sausage. At the time of creation his friends and neighbours were so impressed and filled with pride that whispers quickly spread: the local ‘snarler’ produced by the well-known butcher from the high street was the best in the land. Thus, over time, word spread that the local delicacy from the countries most south-western town (with a population of approximately 560 people),  was so good that Tuatapere became known as the “Sausage Capital of New Zealand”

It only occurred to me later that day, as I was looking at an abandoned farmhouse being slowly swallowed by sheep, that I should’ve stopped and brought some of the famous local product. I sighed in disbelief. I couldn’t believe I had been so stupid! For a moment I considered going back, but it was getting late and I didn’t have time. There I was, driving through the sausage capital of New Zealand, and I DIDN’T stop and buy any to take with me. I could’ve kicked myself! I did kick myself and vowed ‘never again shall I make such a monumental blunder!’ Well, not for the next 72 hours at least!