Top North Island Dining Experiences

SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s is one of Auckland’s must-visit family attractions, home to over 1,500 marine creatures and a range of exciting interactive experiences. Explore themed zones featuring sharks, rays, penguins, turtles, jellyfish, seahorses, starfish and hundreds of colourful fish, while learning about New Zealand’s unique marine environment. Families and children will love walking through the famous Shark Tunnel, meeting penguins at Antarctic Ice Adventure, getting hands-on at the Sea Cave Adventure and touch experiences, creating virtual sea creatures in the interactive Art Aquarium, and discovering fascinating marine life in the World of Jellyfish and Seahorse Kingdom. Younger visitors can also enjoy the indoor Shipwreck Shores playground and splash table.

Spend a day relaxing during this catamaran sailing trip, complete with an island stop and packed lunch. Sail aboard a spacious 40-foot (12-meter) catamaran in the Bay of Islands. Enjoy the scenery as you glide through the waters. Anchor at a secluded bay at an island accessible only by boat. Choose to stroll the island, swim, try stand-up paddle boarding, or snorkel. Relish a delicious catered packed lunch on beanbags upfront before cruising back to Paihia.

Why Choose Our Gin Lab Experience? Personalised Gin Creation: Design a 500ml bottle of gin tailored to your tastebuds, selecting from an extensive range of botanicals, many of which are cultivated in our on-site permaculture garden. Educational Distillery Tour: Gain insights into our sustainable distillation process and discover how we harness the power of plants to craft our luxury gins and liqueurs. Award-Winning Tastings: After your session, enjoy a complimentary tasting at our Cellar Door, sampling our award-winning spirits, including New Zealand's Best Botanical Spirit. 36 x 5 star Reviews on Google... “What an amazing time we had! Our hosts were so welcoming and informative- the gin was delicious and there was plenty of it to try! All 3 of us learnt a lot about tasting notes and pairings, to improve our future gin drinking experiences." “A must-do for gin lovers. The setting is beautiful, the staff are knowledgeable, and the gin is outstanding.”

The Waitomo Caves and Rotorua rank among New Zealand’s top attractions, offering natural beauty, geothermal features, and Māori culture in equal measure. Ideal for travelers short on time, this adventurous small-group tour takes in both places in the same day, with entry fees plus round-trip transport and hotel pickup from Auckland included. Discover subterranean stalagmites and glowworms at Waitomo Caves and hit top Rotorua’s attractions, including Te Puia Geothermal Park.

Delve into Wellington's culinary scene on this Secret Food Tour, where every bite tells a story. Begin with a perfectly brewed flat white, a symbol of the city’s coffee culture. Discover the unique flavors of artisan chocolate and indulge in traditional New Zealand dishes as you stroll through the vibrant Cuba Street. Enjoy a tasting of locally brewed craft beers, and finish with a scoop of fresh, handmade ice cream. Your local guide enriches the experience with tales of Māori traditions and the city’s diverse culinary influences. - Guided food tour through the heart of Wellington - Taste local favorites including artisan chocolate and a hearty dish - Sample 3 locally brewed beers and a traditional flat white - Enjoy a scoop of handmade ice cream made from local dairy

A diverse range of wildlife calls the calm blue waters of Lake Rotoiti—near Rotorua—home, including many species of local birds. Listen to the enchanting birdsong as you paddle across the lake on this half-day evening kayak tour. Then, set out towards the nearby glowworm cave to see bioluminescent light speckle the dark cave walls before a BBQ dinner at the Manupirua Hot Pools.

Mystery Picnic, Matakana is a self-guided food and adventure experience with a difference. Each destination has been thoughtfully selected to showcase the unique food, places and attractions of the region. Not only do you find out more about your travelling companion but also what the area has to offer. Solving clues and puzzles along the way and ending at a beautiful picnic spot.

Lovers of good food and drink will enjoy this small-group food walking tour of Wellington. The New Zealand capital is known for its excellent cuisine, but you need to know where to look beyond the tourist traps. Sample some of Wellington’s finest cuisine, including local specialties. Your guide shows you the best spots that you might miss touring independently. Whether you’re a first-time or repeat visitor, you’ll try something new.

The Bay of Islands is made up of 144 islands, and the best way to explore them is by boat. On this island-hopping day cruise, you can relax on board a comfortable catamaran while admiring the beautiful views of the sea, islands, and maybe even some dolphins. Snorkel, swim, or paddle board, and stop on land to visit a wildlife sanctuary. This is the easy way to see the bay, as it’s difficult to travel here independently without a boat.

Sail from Auckland CBD on Island Direct’s 1:15 p.m. departure with a pre-booked seat, or take the earlier 1 p.m. Fullers360 sailing. At Matiatia, meet Colin or Richard, your private guide, for an afternoon of premium tastings, local flavours, and island stories. Enjoy complimentary coffee overlooking Oneroa Bay, followed by an olive oil tasting at Allpress Olive Groves, with mānuka honey available when possible. Choose two tasting experiences from Mudbrick, SOHO, Te Motu, or Alibi Brewing at Tantalus Estate. Along the way, take in beautiful views and enjoy local stories that bring Waiheke to life. Finish the guided portion at Cable Bay Vineyard with a charcuterie platter and a glass of wine. Linger over the views, with additional food and wine available at your own expense. When you’re ready to leave, complimentary taxi transport will take you back to the Matiatia ferry terminal.

Experience the magic of our orchard and see firsthand how seasonal practices keep our avocados at their best. Uncover why this superfood has such a devoted following and treat yourself to a tasting of inventive avocado dishes that highlight its unique flavor. Ideal for avocado lovers and those keen to dive into local food culture, this adventure promises excitement and discovery for visitors of all ages.

Volcanic beaches, native rainforest, and vineyards abound on this full-day small-group tour of West Auckland. Journey through the Waitakere Ranges to the black sand and pounding surf of Piha Beach and the powerful Karekare Falls. Then, head to a couple of the region’s top wineries in Kumeu and Waimauku to sample local West Auckland wines and relax over a lunch.

Enjoy your own private sailing adventure in the stunning Bay of Islands aboard a spacious catamaran exclusively reserved for your group. Perfect for families, friends, birthdays, corporate outings, hens parties, and special occasions, this private charter offers the freedom to relax and explore at your own pace. Cruise through the beautiful Bay of Islands, visiting secluded bays, golden beaches, and sheltered anchorages away from the crowds. Stop for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, beach time, or simply unwind onboard while taking in the spectacular scenery. With space for up to 19 guests, this private experience combines comfort, flexibility, and unforgettable views. Your experienced skipper will tailor the day to suit your group, creating the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation on the water. A catered lunch can be arranged, with vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options available on request.

Explore Waiheke Island on foot and gain insight into the region’s rich Maori heritage on a walking tour. Hike along winding trails and enjoy sweeping views over the beaches and Hauraki Gulf from the soaring coastal headlands. Along the way, listen as your Maori guide sheds light on the region’s deep roots and shares stories about the island’s past. Stop at a local vineyard and learn of the diverse grape varietals thriving in the fertile soils, then finish with a wine tasting.

Aaron's Kosher tour Is an Historical inspired tour for you to see the best of Wellington. On tour you will experience Colonial and Māori heritage from the great Polynesian migration in the 10th century to the land wars in 1862 and the integration/fusion of early European culture into the Wairarapa region. Hand-picked dining and brasserie style restaurants with set menus that will inspire the foodie in you. Tour 6 hours

The tour will be customized to meet your preferences where possible, in particular which types of wine tasting experiences you would like. You will be transported in a top of the line Mercedes V250D minivan with nappa leather seats and room for up to six passengers. Your guide, Geoff, is the owner of the business and has been a Waiheke resident for over 24 years. He is a wine enthusiast with excellent knowledge of wines from Waiheke and other parts of NZ.

Unwind on a relaxing 2-hour sailing cruise through the stunning Bay of Islands. Departing from Paihia Wharf, this small-group experience offers the perfect way to enjoy Northland’s spectacular coastline, fresh sea air, and beautiful island scenery without committing to a full-day tour. Step aboard our spacious catamaran and sail through sheltered bays and scenic island landscapes while enjoying plenty of space to relax and take in the views. With a maximum of just 19 guests onboard, you'll enjoy a more personal and peaceful experience than larger cruise vessels. Your local skipper will share insights about the Bay of Islands as you cruise past historic shorelines, secluded bays, and native wildlife habitats. Keep an eye out for seabirds, dolphins, and other marine life that are often seen in the area.

Calling all chocolate lovers! Indulge in Wellington’s sweetest experience on our 3.5-hour Chocoholics Walking Food Tour, a small-group tour with just 2 to 10 guests for a more personal and relaxed experience. Discover Wellington through its finest chocolate and sweet treats as you visit a selection of local chocolatiers, cafés and specialty food stops. Along the way, enjoy generous tastings while learning about the people, stories and craftsmanship behind Wellington’s thriving chocolate scene. Your adventure also includes a ride on Wellington’s iconic Cable Car, offering beautiful views over the city and adding another memorable experience to your day. Whether you’re a dedicated chocoholic or simply enjoy discovering local food experiences, this tour is the perfect combination of chocolate, sightseeing and Wellington’s unique culture.

The Rock overnight cruise in the Bay of Islands is the only overnight cruise in the area to offer such a wide range of activities, including kayaking, fishing, snorkeling, island walks, and more. Enjoy adventure activities as well as time to relax in peaceful nature. As this is an all-inclusive tour you don’t need to worry about any logistics. Just show up ready for fun.