The Tastebud Tour, award winning food tour of Auckland
Recommended by 97% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Auckland, New Zealand
- 4 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Eat your way through Auckland on a half-day tour with a local insider who shares the region’s freshest seafood, baked goods, and other tasty treats. Enjoy morning tea, a light lunch, and wine tasting; visit the Auckland Fish Market and meet talented artisan producers at a farmers’ market; travel by minivan to key landmarks including Ponsonby Road, Mt. Eden, and the Auckland Domain, with hotel pickup and drop-off included.
- Travel by comfortable minivan around the city with hotel pickup and drop-off
- Enjoy a guided tasting of great New Zealand wines
- Small-group tour ensures personalized attention from your guide
- Plenty of food and drink tastings are included, as well as lunch
What's Included
- Mornng Tea
- Food and wine tastings
- Lunch
- Local guide
- Transport by air-conditioned minivan
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup
Operating hours.9:30 am
Itinerary
Join a foodie guide who provides local insight into Auckland’s thriving food scene, which includes an abundance of seafood, fresh produce, and distinctive wines.
Start your half-day tour at a farmers’ market, where local food purveyors and specialty food stores offer samples of mouthwatering jams, sauces, and baked goods with your morning tea. Then, meet vendors and restauranteurs at the bustling Auckland Fish Market.
After a light lunch and wine tasting, take a city tour of Auckland, driving down popular Ponsonby Road, a hip area with boutique shops, cafés, bars, and restaurants. Your guide shares informative commentary about Auckland’s diverse cultures and current trends in the food and wine scenes.
Admire panoramic views over the city from the summit of Mt. Eden and journey past the 185-acre (75-hectare) expanse of the Auckland Domain, the grounds of which include formal gardens, the Wintergarden Pavilion, and the Auckland War Memorial Museum. You can request to be dropped off here, or end the tour back where you started.
Start your half-day tour at a farmers’ market, where local food purveyors and specialty food stores offer samples of mouthwatering jams, sauces, and baked goods with your morning tea. Then, meet vendors and restauranteurs at the bustling Auckland Fish Market.
After a light lunch and wine tasting, take a city tour of Auckland, driving down popular Ponsonby Road, a hip area with boutique shops, cafés, bars, and restaurants. Your guide shares informative commentary about Auckland’s diverse cultures and current trends in the food and wine scenes.
Admire panoramic views over the city from the summit of Mt. Eden and journey past the 185-acre (75-hectare) expanse of the Auckland Domain, the grounds of which include formal gardens, the Wintergarden Pavilion, and the Auckland War Memorial Museum. You can request to be dropped off here, or end the tour back where you started.
Auckland (Pass By)
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 12 hours of travel. In this case confirmation will be received as soon as possible, subject to availability
- Confirmation will be advised at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
- Infants must sit on laps
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Joachim_H
We had an absolutely wonderful time on the Tastebud Tour! It was such a treat to experience so many unique and unusual flavors, many of which we had never tried before, and we ended up loving all of them. Our guide, Laura, made the tour extra special—she was not only incredibly knowledgeable and enthusiastic, but also a confident and skilled driver, which made getting around effortless and comfortable. Her passion for food and the city truly shone through, and she gave us insider tips along the way. This tour is a must for anyone wanting to explore Auckland’s culinary scene in a fun and memorable way!
Reviews
4.9
based on 140 reviews
Martha_P, Apr 2026
I did like this tour but it was way too much food (more than a full meal, in total). Probably my fault for not fully reading the description. Kath, our guide, was great. Loved the farmer's market, could have stayed there for hours! The places we visited were great, just make sure you are really hungry when you start this tour!
Joanne_H, Mar 2026
The small group tour was excellent and provided good insight to some lesser known foodie spots in and around Auckland CBD. There was a good amount of food, which was all delicious. Our guide Kath was very knowledgeable and passionate about her job.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
She’s brilliant is our Kath
Anne_R, Mar 2026
Sarah was an amazing guide who knows food but also really knows Auckland too. The info about the area was just as appreciated as the delicious food
Response from Host, Mar 2026
She really is! Thank you so much!
Joachim_H, Mar 2026
We had an absolutely wonderful time on the Tastebud Tour! It was such a treat to experience so many unique and unusual flavors, many of which we had never tried before, and we ended up loving all of them. Our guide, Laura, made the tour extra special—she was not only incredibly knowledgeable and enthusiastic, but also a confident and skilled driver, which made getting around effortless and comfortable. Her passion for food and the city truly shone through, and she gave us insider tips along the way. This tour is a must for anyone wanting to explore Auckland’s culinary scene in a fun and memorable way!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thanks Joachin! She's brilliant is our Laura.
Louise_B, Mar 2026
This was a very enjoyable few hours - Kath was wonderful. We ate some delicious food. Please if your planning on taking this tour do not eat a large breakfast - you won’t be able to enjoy all of the places you will visit!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
She's a wonder woman our Kath! Thanks so much
David_F, Feb 2026
Started off at a farmers market, tasting local products and coffee. Two stops at highly rated restaurants with different dishes. Interesting flavors. Lastly stopped for pavlova. All the food was excellent especially the meat and cheese pie. Lots of food. Sarah was knowledgeable and interesting to listen to.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you so much!
NICHOLAS_T, Feb 2026
Incredible food and seeing the city of Auckland.
Perfect amount of time between the first stop at the open air marketplace and the 3 restaurants.
Sarah was a wonderful guide and made the tour a memorable one, wouldn't have changed anything.
The staff at the restaurants were very knowledgeable about the food and drinks.
This tour helped my wife and I to better understand the food culture of Auckland and the city itself.
The price of the tour was very reasonable for the experience we enjoyed.
Nice small group of 10 people so the tour guide could really provide a personable experience.
Great for a relaxed couple day for foodies. Very laid back and relaxing atmosphere in all the restaurants with very friendly and approachable staff.
Trish_T, Feb 2026
Kath showed us several neighborhoods of Auckland as well as explaining their history. Went to 5 eating establishments. The coffee was superb! Great way to start the tour.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thanks so much Trish!
Cynthia_M, Jan 2026
We had a fabulous tour with Kath! It was great to go beyond the business district and experience a few different parts of Auckland. The food was delicious at each stop and just the right amount. We were full at the end of the tour but not stuffed. This was the perfect way to start our vacation in New Zealand. And Kath gave us recommendations for other spots to hit while we’re here. I highly recommend this tour!
Response from Host, Jan 2026
thanks so much for your feedback!! I'm so delighted you enjoyed it!
Wendy_B, Jan 2026
Sarah is an excellent guide who obviously knows and loves the unique flavours and sights of Auckland.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Jose_F, Sep 2025
Great places to eat. We learned a lot of food types available in Auckland and at the same time we went around the neighborhood outside the city.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Wonderful thank you so much!Tastebud Tour is a great way to see the suburbs.
Alexander_R, Mar 2025
Amazing experience. Our guide, Kath, made the tour fun and enjoyable. All stops were unique and had great stories about the City, culture and history. I would recommend this tour to anyone.
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Hi! Thanks so much. It’s a lovely tour to do and explore
Michelle_P, Jan 2025
Kath will take you around and get you some great food! She will also tell you lots about Auckland and New Zealand! Wonderful tour!
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Brilliant thank you so much.
Barbara_O, Jan 2025
The tour was a good way to see some areas of Auckland away from CBD. The food was good, but not a particularly interesting assortment. Coffee and ice cream stops seemed rather mundane and there was a glaring absence of Asian food. Kath, the tour guide was very good. A nice experience, but a mediocre food selection.
Response from Host, Jan 2025
thank you for your feedback.
Sheila_B, Jan 2025
Elle was amazing. She took us to some most amazing restaurants and drove us through interesting neighborhoods. She knows the food and city very well. Amazing tour guide/driver.
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Thank you! It was a lovely morning out! Enjoy the rest of NZ
Schuntel_R, Nov 2024
Where do I start?! There was a snafu with our reservation but Elle saved our day! Kath was our tour guide and she made sure we felt special and cared for along the way, this was our first food tour as a family and the best way to experience Auckland. We loved all of our tour stops—most of them were small owned businesses and we had the opportunity to meet the owners and learn there stories. We truly had the best time! Kath was super knowledgeable and very accommodating, request her if you can. Book NOW! Worth every penny.
Response from Host, Dec 2024
Thank you! Kath had the best day with you all. Have an amazing rest of your time in NZ and if you're in Wellington or Dunedin, come and see us there!
Mel_W, Nov 2024
10 lovely people on this tour. The guide was informative and delightful. The food was interesting, delicious and filling by the end. Wonderful experience.
Response from Host, Nov 2024
Brilliant! Thank you!
Elyse_W, Nov 2024
This was a fantastic food tour. Kath, our guide, was really amazing and added so much to our trip. she was so knowledgeable about the area and the places she took us were unusual and parts of the city which we would have never found on our own. It was a delightful tour. We would highly recommend it, especially with the same guide.
Response from Host, Nov 2024
Thank you! What lovely feedback.
Steven_B, Sep 2024
Coffee was fantastic. Loved watching the roasting process. Also the cheese factory was extraordinarily a joy to behold
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Thanks Steven! Loved meeting you.
George_C, Feb 2024
Our first full day in Auckland and what a send off to our bucket list trip. Our guide, Elle was friendly, funny, knowledgeable and just to ticket to overcome any lingering jet lag that was trying to hang on. Amazing food scene in this city and Elle is THE expert. Amazing variety, outstanding quality at each of several stops and delicious food. If you do nothing else in NZ, do this tour!
Response from Host, Feb 2024
Thank you so much George! Loved meeting you all! xxx
Phillip_D, Jan 2024
Absolutely a must do in Auckland. We visited 3 small businesses in the Cuty who have been around 30+ years and enjoyed the coffee and food tastings immensely. Kath was the perfect guide for this trip! Enjoyed the ride around town and the great kiwi/Asian lunch at the end!
Response from Host, Jan 2024
Oh thank you! Kath loved meeting you both. Have an amazing rest of your holiday and all the best for 2024
Dave_K, Nov 2023
The tour was on 1st days transition for States. Enjoyed good local food. Along with a scenic tour of central Auckland.
Response from Host, Nov 2023
Brilliant! I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Thanks so much for your review and have an amazing time in NZ
Bryan_D, Nov 2023
Elle is personable, incredibly knowledgeable about food and took us to a diverse selection of food experiences which were all top notch. We highly recommend this tour to anyone who loves good food.
Response from Host, Nov 2023
Thank you!!! Loved meeting you both and look forward to keeping in touch. Enjoy the rest of your time in NZ
Carol_A, Nov 2023
Great experience and well organized. Fabulous tour guide. Even had a bonus stop at the winter gardens which were breathtaking.
Response from Host, Nov 2023
We love sneaking the little extras in! I'm so glaad you loved it.
Larry_M, Oct 2023
Kath is an excellent guide with a great knowledge of food. She makes the tour fun and knows all the best spots to get incredible food. Highly recommended!!!
Response from Host, Oct 2023
Thanks so much Larry! I'm so glad you loved it. Kath is fabulous
Stacy_S, Sep 2023
Amazing food tour of several different locations- coffee shop, small family owned restaurant, market and restaurant in CBD. Math was such a great guide! Would highly recommend this tour!
Response from Host, Sep 2023
Thanks so much Stacy! It's a fabulous city to show off! :)
Judith_R, Sep 2023
Elle took us on a wonderful tour of Auckland neighborhoods and the different food experiences that each offered. We loved learning about unique New Zealand food industries and bow they developed. We highly recommend taking this tour if you have some time in Auckland.
Response from Host, Sep 2023
Thank you so much Judith! It was a joy to meet you both. What rays of sunshine you both were on such a soggy day. Enjoy your incredible travels. It sounds amazing!
Cassandra_L, Aug 2023
Kath was a fabulous guide taking us to a farmer's market for traditional NZ pies and honey then on to other unique retailers for cheese and chocolate. Would definitely recommend.
Response from Host, Aug 2023
Thank you so much! Weekend Tastebud tours are so much fun. Delighted you enjoyed it.
Sharyn_W, Jun 2023
I would not recommend as a food tour as it was primarily samples, rather than generous portions. Guide was nice and drove us around, but it would have been preferable to delve more into NZ's food history etc and walk around more.
Response from Host, Jun 2023
thanks so much for your comments Sharyn. I do appreciate you taking the time to display them publicly.
Firstly it is a driven tour, not a walking tour. It has always been a driven tour. I did check with the guide as that tour is all about the food history of the city and the country told through many many samples of local produce with a lunch at the end. I'm sorry if you thought it was a progressive meal.
Richard_E, Feb 2023
We had a good time visiting several food locations; all the food was outstanding and the transportation was comfortable and informative. Plenty of food from the various sources. I recommend this tour.
Response from Host, Feb 2023
Thanks so much Richard. Delighted you enjoyed it. Elle
From $165.37
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