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
Don’t risk a mediocre meal in Auckland with a local guide taking you to some of the multicultural city’s best eating spots. Sample 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 or a farmers’ market; and travel by minivan to key landmarks. Hotel transfers are included for added convenience.
- Travel by comfortable minivan around the city
- 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
Start time.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
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 150 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Enjoyed that we went to different parts of the city and had a mix of types of foods, the food was delicious. Laura was a great guide and did an awesome job leading the group, answering questions, keeping us engaged, and sharing with us Auckland facts and tips. Would recommend this tour!
Only other thing was I liked the idea of the farmers market but didn’t feel that visiting there added too much (imo) but it was nice to walk around after all the tasty food.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Thank you so much for joining us and for your lovely comments about Laura! We’re delighted you enjoyed exploring different parts of Auckland and, most importantly, all that delicious food. Laura will be thrilled to hear how much you enjoyed her knowledge, stories and tips along the way.
We’re incredibly proud of the mix of places we visit, from fantastic little local favourites to restaurants recognised by the New Zealand Good Food Guide and Michelin. For us, the tour is all about showing just how diverse and exciting Auckland’s food scene has become.
Just a little clarification on the farmers market, as there actually wasn’t one operating on the day of your tour. The area you walked through is part of our route between tastings and gives everyone a chance to explore another little corner of the city and, as you say, a welcome walk between all that food!
Thank you again for recommending us, and we’re so pleased you enjoyed your taste of Auckland.
The Big Foody Team
Amazing mix of food, culture and history. Kath of Big Foody was our guide and was so friendly and welcoming as we made our way through a cool winter day in Auckland.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
She's the best is our Kath!
This tour is perfect for travelers who are not familiar with the Auckland CBD for eating establishments. We went to many local eateries and a farmer’s market showcasing local cuisine and fresh ingredients. We never would have known about these gems without going on this tour.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you!
Great experience our tour guide Kath was fabulous. She was not only knowledgeable about the food scene in Auckland but also an expert on the history of the city. The food was great. I advise you not to eat a big breakfast. We had a fun and interactive group of seven.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Brilliant! Thank you so much
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!
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Yes we're sorry about that. Food Tours have a habit of making sure everyone eats lots.
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
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!
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.
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
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!
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.
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!
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!
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!
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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!
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!
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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! :)
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