Top North Island Dining Experiences - page 2

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.

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.

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.

Learn how we make the finest New Zealand Manuka Honey. Join us on this exciting experience. The journey follows the full process from hive to jar.

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

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.

Step into the world of timeless elegance and indulge in a unique experience that combines the history of Art Deco, Distilling, and the history of Napier and the 1931 Earthquake. Beginning with our Art Deco heritage tour, we will drive through Napier City and soak up the beautifully preserved Art Deco architecture. Led by your knowledgeable local guide, you will hear stories of Napier's rich heritage, the 1931 earthquake and how it shaped the Art Deco Napier we see today. Then arrive at the breathtaking Old National Tobacco Building, an architectural gem and home to the award-winning National Distillery Company. Soak up the beauty of this heritage building and peek into the Distillery, where the Spirits you taste have been lovingly crafted. Includes tastings in a relaxed environment while you learn about the distilling process from the experts on site. - Small Group Tour * To request Alternative start times or tour customisations - Book on our Mates Travel website.

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.

Discover the charm of Waiheke Island on a private tour crafted just for you. With a local guide who has 20 years of experience, explore the island’s stunning beaches, renowned wineries, and vibrant art scene at your own pace. Tailor your itinerary to include your favorite highlights, whether it's indulging in local cuisine or enjoying breathtaking views. Accompanied by a curated jazz soundtrack including Briar's own 4 Jazz Cds that are on Spotify, this exclusive experience offers a unique and personal insight into the island's culture and beauty. Ideal for small groups of 2 to 4 people, this tour ensures a relaxed and intimate adventure. - Private, tailored tours for 2–4 people with a local guide - Choose your own highlights: wineries, Mudbrick, Man O War, Tantalus, beaches, and food - Enjoy a personal touch with the sounds of Briars jazz albums. Briar might even sing for you if you ask. Singing along welcome. - Experience Waiheke Island at your own pace with insider knowledge

Spend an evening immersed in Maori culture with a traditional ‘hangi’ dinner and live performance, held at the historically important signing site of the Waitangi Treaty. Enact a warrior challenge on a bush walk and watch energetic Maori music and dance. For dinner, feast on a multilayered meal cooked using the ancient hangi pit oven method.

Enjoy exclusive use of our crewed catamaran for up to 6 hours. Relax with your guests as our crew take you on an unforgettable journey. Following our general itinerary we will leave Paihia or Russell Wharf at 9:30am or a time of your chosing where you can enjoy the scenic coastline as we make our way out into the Bay of Islands. Anchoring up at a sheltered bay for a 2 hour island excursion, where we have lots of fun activities for you to choose from. Including paddle boarding, snorkelling and an island walk. For lunch we have a packed lunch included in the price. Or you can upgrade to a buffet style plated meal. We also can cater for special occasions with cakes, charcuterie boards and more. Then cruise back into Paihia or Russell. Maximum group size is 10 people. For groups larger than 10 please contact us.

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.”

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.

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.