Discover the Joy of Cooking: 2025 Cooking Classes & Cheese-Making Workshop
Join us for an unforgettable culinary journey with our 2025 Chatham Island Cooking Classes & Cheese-Making Workshop! Whether you’re new to the kitchen or a seasoned cook, these hands-on sessions are designed to inspire creativity and teach new skills, all while enjoying a fun and interactive experience.
We’re thrilled to introduce Rex Morgan, our renowned Cooking Classes Chef. With years of experience in the culinary world, Rex is known for his passion, creativity, and ability to make gourmet cooking accessible to everyone. Under his expert guidance, you’ll master essential techniques, experiment with exciting flavours, and create a range of mouth-watering dishes using fresh, locally sourced Chatham Island ingredients.
Adding to the culinary adventure, we are also excited to welcome Sonya Oysten, our expert Cheese-Making Workshop tutor. Sonya’s love for artisanal cheese-making will guide you through the process of crafting your own cheeses from scratch using fresh cows milk, giving you the skills to bring a taste of the farm to your kitchen. From soft cheeses to aged varieties, Sonya will teach you the techniques and tips needed to perfect your own creations.
These workshops offer a unique opportunity to expand your culinary repertoire, meet like-minded food lovers, and learn from the best in the business.
Want to know more or book – [click here]
REX MORGAN – Cooking Classes at Kopi Bush Retreat
Of Ngai Tahu and Te Arawa descent, Rex has had nearly 40 years’ experience cheffing in New Zealand and around the world. He has fed Royals, Presidents, ambassadors and celebrities.
The awards Rex has acclaimed over the years are too many to mention but include NZ Chef of the year and NZ Restaurant of the year. He is a lifetime ambassador for NZ Beef and Lamb.
Rex has been co-owner of Citron Restaurant, where he was renowned for his degustation menus, and Boulcott St Bistro, both in Wellington where he spent 20 years of his career showcasing some of the best food produce New Zealand has to offer.
Representing and showcasing New Zealand food also had Rex consulting for Air New Zealand business class menus for eight years which included filming a tv series and he has also hosted his own series, ‘Kitchen Kura’.
Now living in Christchurch, Rex is executive chef at the Tannery and is consulting and advising to hospitality and food businesses, not to mention, mentoring the next generation.Rex has travelled the world doing guest chef appearances and is extremely proud to represent the quality and diversity of New Zealand products of which include incredible seafood from Chatham Islands.
SONYA OYSTON – Cheese Making Workshops at Admiral Gardens
Sonya got into cooking for the family in her teens. After university in Auckland, she studied Hotel Management in Switzerland which included Culinary Science and Cheesemaking. Working in kitchens in Europe and the UK opened up new techniques and flavours. Sonya then went to South East Asia (on her way home to NZ) and worked there for 8 years in Catering Management and Course Development. She passed on her knowledge and passion, training chefs and service staff.
Finally back in New Zealand, she runs Main Course, a culinary events facility in Auckland. Main Course has been running Cheesemaking Workshops since 2010, as well as 32 other classes!