Innovation and local pride reign supreme at Over the Moon Dairy
The most important stop on State Highway 1 on any North Island road trip is not for petrol, it’s for award-winning Kiwi cheese. Over the Moon Dairy's factory tasting room in the unassuming town of Putaruru is a celebration of excellent cheese and local ingredients, offering some of the highest quality classics and exciting experimental varieties in New Zealand.
The Over the Moon Dairy team believe cheese should be adventurous, fun and a bit sophisticated; founder Sue Arthur says, “In New Zealand, where we produce some of the world’s highest quality milk, there are no excuses for making boring cheese.”. Their expert cheesemaking team has mastered experimental and classic varieties using four different types of milk, and with over 120 national and international accolades, it’s clear that Over the Moon is doing something right!
The SH1 store in Putaruru offers a truly unique cheese tasting experience where customers can develop personal connections with the cheesemakers, staff and the backstories and flavours of each cheese. The tasting room has large windows so you can watch the artisans work their magic as you sample whatever exciting special edition is on offer that day. We never forget to stop by for their Black Sheep – a Spanish style firm cheese with a divine smoky paprika rind – or their multi award-winning Volcano soft white cheese, the fascinating flavours of the marinated goats curd, or the all-time crowd favourite O.M.G Triple Cream Brie… basically, we end up buying the whole shop each trip!
The Over the Moon Dairy tasting staff have hands-on experience in the factory as well as training through the NZ Cheese School – their knowledge of flavours, styles, textures and what makes an excellent cheese is unparalleled, and makes for an enlightening tasting journey for customers. You can discuss flavour and style, learn about varieties you didn’t know existed, and get fantastic insight into food and wine pairings to make sure you do the cheeses you take home justice. Larger groups can also book a Talk and Taste demonstration, which we highly recommend!
Over the Moon Dairy actively support their local wholesalers, restaurants and schools. These boutique cheesemakers have earned their place in their community, and will continue to be a strong fixture in the Waikato and the wider NZ artisan community for many years to come.
The loyal customer base of Over the Moon Dairy is a testament to their sophisticated products and to the passion of the cheesemakers themselves. Their constant experimentation means there is always something new for customers to expand their palates with, and results in a level of innovation that makes us proud to call Over the Moon a kiwi company.
33 Tirau Street, Putaruru
Mon-Thurs 10.00am – 4.00pm
Friday 9.30am – 5.00pm
Weekends 10.00am – 4.00pm