Top North Island Food Tours - page 3

Embark on a day of good food and wine on Waiheke Island with a package that includes a round-trip ferry ride across the Hauraki Gulf from Auckland, wine tasting and lunch, and a hop-on hop-off bus pass for semi-independent exploration. Visit local vineyards and other bus stops, and admire the beautiful views of the island and back across the water to Auckland. An easy way to get out of Auckland.

Take a break from the big city on this winery and black-sand beach tour from Auckland. Visit Kumeu River Winery to learn about their prestigious winemaking history, and then stop off at two more wineries, with a chance to enjoy lunch at one. Finish at black-sand Muriwai Beach, one of West Auckland’s dramatic volcanic beaches. Hotel pickup and drop-off from select Auckland hotels simplifies your day.

Sip your way around Martinborough — a once sleepy colonial town that’s now a prominent wine village at the heart of the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail — on this private day trip from Wellington. Following hotel or port pickup and a scenic drive through the Wairarapa, you’ll visit three of Martinborough’s renowned wineries. Enjoy a guided wine tasting at each and a lunch platter with wine at Poppies Martinborough. Then, choose to continue hopping around Martinborough’s wineries or travel to nearby Greytown, whose pretty streets are thronged with cafes and antique stores.

Enjoy a 7-hour private tour from Wellington to the South Wairarapa and Martinborough. Visit a chocolate factory, olive oil press and honey factory. Savor a platter lunch at one of the wineries we visit and local cheese and craft beer tastings. On the way back to Wellington, take in views from the Remutaka ranges.

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.

Sail away on a harbor cruise in Auckland and enjoy a 3-course dinner as you sail past Waitemata Harbour highlights, including the Sky Tower and Auckland Harbour Bridge. Board your yacht at the Viaduct Harbour and enjoy a welcome drink. Learn about Auckland and its scenic sights from your captain. As evening falls, dinner is served onboard while you sail.

Biking is a great way to get active and enjoy Hawke’s Bay’s environment while indulging in wine at some of the area’s finest wineries. After being matched with your cycle gear, transfer to the starting point, then set out on a self-guided tour along 10 miles (16 kilometers) of scenic trails. Stop to sample wine along the way (own cost) before a late-afternoon transfer back to Napier.

Visit two of New Zealand's must-see attractions on this combo tour from Auckland to the Hobbiton™ Movie Set and Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Peek into Hobbit holes, frolic in the Shire, and get a drink at the Green Dragon Inn on a guided tour of Middle-earth, followed by a café lunch. In the afternoon, explore Māori myths and history on an underground boat ride at Waitomo, surrounded by thousands of glowworms.

Make the most of a short time on land as your cruise docks in Napier on a half-day shore excursion that includes two of the city’s highlights: Art Deco architecture and wine. Take a tour of the city’s celebrated Art Deco buildings and learn about the earth-shaking history that led to it. Visit a top winery in the North Island’s largest wine-producing region and sample some of its finest wines.

Explore the Waitakere Ranges and Auckland’s rugged west coast, including Piha Beach, during an afternoon tour with a guide knowledgeable about New Zealand flora and fauna. From the Arataki Centre, admire sweeping views of the ocean and distant city. Learn about Māori history, stroll on the black-sand beach, and take a nature walk through a lush rainforest while you experience one of Auckland's largest regional parks.

Combine a morning sightseeing tour of central Auckland with afternoon wine tasting on this full-day excursion that includes a winery lunch. Travel by minivan past significant landmarks, appreciating the views over Auckland Harbour, and enjoy a beach stroll. Then savor wine at three award-winning North Island wineries in the West Auckland Kumeu wine region, as well as lunch. Take an afternoon walk at the Muriwai gannet colony, too.

Visit the “Lord of the Rings” movie set on this small-group Hobbiton tour from Auckland. At the Hobbiton Movie Set, visit the home of Bilbo Baggins and peer inside other hobbit holes of the Shire—filming site of “The Hobbit” and the “The Lord of the Rings” trilogies, with a break for an included lunch in the Green Dragon Marquee.

For fans of "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" films, visiting the official Hobbiton Movie Set is a truly unforgettable experience. On this tour, enjoy comfortable round-trip transport from Auckland without having to organize a rental vehicle. On arrival, enjoy the opportunity to explore the famous film set, have a drink at The Green Dragon Inn, and see Hobbit Holes, and the Double Arched bridge up close.

Indulge in New Zealands local wine with this wine tour around the Bay of Islands. Start at the Ake Ake Vineyard to explore a family-run operation located just outside Kerikeiri. Tour the vineyard, learn about grape production, and sample drinks including Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Travel to the Marsden Estate Winery & Restaurant. Enjoy a lunch platter while admiring the lake view.

Hike across Waiheke Island, stopping at vineyards on the way, without the risk of getting lost on this half-day guided walk. Your guide will help you spot native wildlife—which is notoriously shy in New Zealand—and lead you to the best lookout points on the island. Sample some of Waiheke Island’s famous wines and have lunch at a vineyard (own cost).

Explore pretty Waiheke Island's beaches, vineyards, and rolling scenery on a small-group day tour that includes tastings at three boutique vineyards. You'll get an overview and orientation of the island, stopping for great views and sandy beaches, and learn about local wine production as you sip Waiheke vintages. Group size is limited to six people to ensure personal service, with pickup and drop-off at Waiheke Island’s wharf.

Enjoy a cruise through Tikapa Moana, the Hauraki Gulf, and discover the Rotoroa Island sanctuary. This pretty little island is a perfect escape from the city for the day or longer. Explore the island on foot via established walking tracks across open fields, native bush and sandy shorelines. Take your chance at spotting iconic native species free ranging across the island including kiwi, takahē and tīeke. Rotoroa Island has been predator free since 2014 and is now home to a number of native birds and wildlife free ranging across the island. Discover the unique history of the island through the award-winning museum exhibition and heritage buildings or enjoy the sheltered sandy bays and clear waters for relaxing, swimming and snorkeling. Facilities on the island include a gift shop, freshwater drinking fountain, toilets and electric barbeques.

This small-group day trip from Auckland features the highlights of Rotorua. Visit the Māori Arts and Crafts Institute of Te Puia and tour the city with a knowledgeable guide. Opt for free time to explore on your own or upgrade with several options, including spa time, a Māori concert, geothermal wonders, or a walk among the redwood trees. A buffet lunch at Te Puia is included.

Most googled reviewed Tour company on Waiheke Island — your sommelier pours the first tasting right there on the bus while the island rolls past beneath you on your way. Ocean on one side, vineyards on the other, wine in your hand. It's a pretty great way to begin. The main event starts at Batch Winery, the highest point on the island. You'll step off and sit down with a special glass of wine and a charcuterie board, with panoramic views stretching out in every direction. From there it's down to the beach for a proper wander around, grab an ice cream, shoes off, sand between your toes, that deep exhale you've been saving up. Then off to Oneroa Village — grab a coffee, duck into the boutique shops, soak up the little-town energy that makes Waiheke feel like Waiheke. The grand finale is Mudbrick Vineyard, the most iconic vineyard on Waiheke. A final tasting with the Hauraki Gulf sparkling below you, and one of those moments where you just look around and think, "Yeah. This is it."

Get out of the city without traveling too far by visiting four West Auckland wineries over the course of a day. Sip your way along the Kumeu Wine Trail, where you’ll receive tastings at each. You’ll also stop at one for longer, to enjoy a delicious three-course meal. Learn which grape varieties grow best in this part of New Zealand, among other interesting wine-making facts, from your knowledgeable guide.

Get out of the city for the day and explore the natural and cultural beauty of North Auckland at Matakana. The seaside town is famous for its art galleries, local produce, and relaxed pace of life. Visit the Matakana farmers’ market (on Saturdays), tour the Sculptuream art park and restaurant, and sample locally made food and drinks, such as chocolate and wine.

Explore the best of Napier’s wine and craft beer scene on this afternoon small-group tour to wineries and a local ale house. Taste wines at each destination, including the country’s oldest winery, and learn about wine-making techniques on a comprehensive tour. The tour wraps up with three glasses of beer at an ale house in Napier’s Art Deco center, and includes hotel pickup and drop-off for convenience.

Get to know Wellington on a private guided day tour without the stress of driving its hilly terrain, or navigating the public bus system. Take in spectacular views from Mt. Victoria, the Wind Turbine, and the Cable Car top. See Oriental Bay's golden sands and colorful townhouses, explore the Rose Gardens, and visit Peter Jackson’s restored art-deco Roxy Cinema. Enjoy hotel pickup and private transportation for a seamless experience.

Visit the Hobbiton Movie Set on a full-day tour from Auckland that explores New Zealand's "Middle-earth," where "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" films came to life. Travel through a landscape of lush farms, then take a guided tour of the 12-acre (4.8-ha) Hobbiton Movie Set, from hobbit holes to gardens and the Green Dragon Inn. With free time to shop and explore, this tour includes transportation from selected locations in Auckland for your convenience.