NZ Champions of Cheese Awards 2026 Wins

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NZ Champions of Cheese Awards 2026 Wins

 

 


CELEBRATING OUR

2026 NZ Cheese Awards Wins

 

We're proud to announce that Whitestone Cheese has once again taken home top honours at the 2026 NZ Champions of Cheese Awards. Handcrafted in the heart of Oamaru, North Otago, our cheeses have been recognised by the country's top judges for their exceptional quality, character, and craft.

To celebrate, we're offering 25% off all Gold Award-winning cheeses with the code GOLD2026 

★ COMMERCIAL CHAMPION CHEESE 2026

MONTE CRISTO

We’re incredibly proud to share that at the 2026 NZ Cheese Awards, Whitestone Cheese has once again taken out the evening’s highest honour — marking back-to-back wins after Monte Cristo claimed this title last year.

Our Monte Cristo was awarded Champion Commercial Cheese, with judges praising it as “a delicate, smooth-bodied, clean example” that left them salivating — a true reflection of the care and craftsmanship behind every wheel.

Adding to this achievement, we were also honoured to take home the trophy for New Zealand Original Cheese — a celebration of both innovation and tradition in our cheesemaking.

Limited stock available - our latest batch is still maturing and will be ready to enjoy soon.

GOLD MEDAL SELECTION

25% off with code GOLD2026 · While Stocks Last.

VINTAGE FIVE FORKS

Gold Medal — Original New Zealand Cheese

A true Whitestone classic, Vintage Five Forks continues to shine on the national stage, taking Gold in the Original New Zealand Cheese category. Aged to develop its signature depth and complexity, it delivers a rich, savoury profile with beautifully balanced sharpness and crystalline texture that reflects time, care, and craftsmanship.

SHOP NOW — use code GOLD2026 for 25% off

 

LINDIS PASS CAMEMBERT

Gold Medal — Soft Ripened Cheese

Awarded Gold in Soft Ripened Cheese, Lindis Pass Camembert is a delicate expression of creamy indulgence. With its soft, yielding centre and gently earthy rind, it offers a rich yet refined flavour that deepens as it ripens, showcasing the elegance of traditional soft cheese making.

SHOP NOW — use code GOLD2026 for 25% off

 

FERRY ROAD HALLOUMI

Gold Medal  — Greek / Danish-Style Cheese

Taking Gold in the Greek/Danish-Style Cheese category, Ferry Road Halloumi is celebrated for its signature squeak and exceptional grilling performance. Firm yet tender, it holds its shape beautifully when cooked, delivering a savoury, salty finish that makes it a standout for hot dishes and summer favourites alike.

SHOP NOW — use code GOLD2026 for 25% off

 

 

WHITESTONE CHEESE 2026 AWARD RESULTS

 

We're proud to have won across multiple categories at the 2026 NZ Champions of Cheese Awards. Here is our full result:

 

Cheese Category Award
Monte Cristo Commercial Champion ★ Champion of Cheese
Monte Cristo Original NZ Cheese Trophy
Vintage Five Forks Original NZ Cheese Gold
Aged Airedale Original NZ Cheese Gold
Farmhouse Original NZ Cheese Gold
Lindis Pass Camembert Soft Ripened Cheese Gold
Lindis Pass Brie Soft Ripened Cheese Gold
Probiotic Camembert Soft Ripened Cheese Gold
Ferry Road Halloumi Greek / Danish-Style Gold
Windsor Blue Blue Cheese Silver
Benmore Brie Soft Ripened Cheese Silver
Waitaki Camembert Soft Ripened Cheese Silver
Highland Blue Blue Cheese Bronze
Lake Pukaki Blue Brie Blue Cheese Bronze
Moeraki Bay Blue Blue Cheese Bronze

 

SHOP OUR AWARD-WINNING CHEESE

Use code GOLD2026 at checkout for 25% off all Gold Award-winning cheeses. Valid online only. Limited time only. While stocks last.

SHOP GOLD CHEESE HERE

 

Discount code GOLD2026 applies to Gold Award-winning cheeses only. Valid for online orders at whitestonecheese.com. Limited time only. While stocks last.