If you're up in northern Manawatū, check out the historic Āpiti Tavern. This country pub has some serious gastronomic power behind it: the new owner, Jon James, has won several awards as a pitmaster for low n slow BBQ including NZ national BBQ champion and chef Grant Kitchen is an award-winning chef too. The slow-cooked meats, from fall-off-the-bone ribs to brisket, go oh-so very well with a cold pint, and the hospitable staff make it well worth the stop.