The annual Wanaka Autumn Apple Drive which returns early next month has chutney making and juice pressing on the menu.

The apple drive, now in its seventh year, showcases the benefits of reducing food waste by making use of surplus produce.

This year’s event will take place on Saturday April 10 (10am-4pm) at Rippon Hall. 

Participants are invited to bring along their surplus fruit, a sharp knife, a chopping board, small jars and 1-2 litre bottles.

Organisers Local Food Wanaka will host a communal chutney-making session with Lorne Knight from Pirate Pickles, as well as a fresh juice pressing session.

In previous years tonnes of fruit has been pressed and hundreds of jars of chutney have been made.

No tickets are required to attend but a $5 donation is appreciated to help cover costs involved with hosting the event.

Keen foodies can also take part in the annual Long Lunch event on Sunday (April 11) from 1pm to 4pm, where donated local food will be transformed into a multi-course lunch by Wanaka’s top chefs.

Find more information about the events here.

PHOTO: WAO