The New Zealand Foodie Experience

Welcome to the stunning harbourside city of Auckland. The City of Sails is the starting point for your delectable adventure of the North Island. Check-in is available at your downtown accommodation from 2pm but we’re not scheduled to start as a group until 6pm, so arrival time is flexible. If you'd like to arrive a day earlier, just let us know and we can help book that in for you.

Tonight, you'll get to know your host and fellow foodies while experiencing some of the finest food available in Auckland at the famed Ahi restaurant. Ahi, located in the Viaduct Basin, is critically acclaimed for serving the very best of New Zealand on a plate - during this set menu experience you’ll experience a variety of gastronomic delights, encompassing everything from seafood and lamb to delectable sweet treats.

Embark on a picturesque journey from Auckland to the stunning Coromandel Peninsula as we truly begin our foodie adventure. As we leave the city, we'll take a scenic drive through lush green hills and picturesque farmland. Our first stop is the famous Matatoki Cheese Shop, where you can taste a selection of delicious locally-made cheeses. After indulging in some savory treats, we'll continue on our way, taking in the breathtaking views of the North Island's rugged coast and rolling hills. As we approach the Coromandel Peninsula, we'll pass through charming towns and quaint settlements, giving you a glimpse into local life. Finally, we'll reach our comfortable accommodation in the heart of the region, where you can relax and soak up the natural beauty of the area.

In the evening, we make our way to Cooks Beach to visit an incredible artisanal supplier of boutique liqueurs, all made using fruit collected around the Coromandel Peninsula - their signature drink is a feijoa liqueur. Whilst sampling the delicious selection of drinks you’ll prepare your own gourmet pizza, which will be cooked in a wood fired pizza oven. All of the pizza ingredients are sourced locally and include the cheese from Matatoki, sun-dried tomatoes and a range of cured meats from a local butcher.

We take in magical vistas as we follow the scenic drive around the coast to the charming Coromandel town. Here, we make a visit to a local business that specialises in one of the area's seafood highlights - oysters. From a quaint shack overlooking the harbour we feast on these locally grown oceanic delights, while our hosts share with us some insights into their business and the art of growing oysters. To make the most of the oysters, they are paired with their signature seafood chowder and crispy, golden french fries. A highlight for seafood lovers!

You’ll smell Rotorua before you see it - welcome to the geothermal heartland of New Zealand. In addition to bubbling mud pools and simmering hot springs, Rotorua and the surrounding region are home to the country's largest indigenous Maori population. New Zealand's Maori population have been in the country about four times longer than European settlers. Naturally, they have mastered better than anyone else the harvesting and cooking of NZ’s wild foods. Tonight you’ll visit a Maori village for an experience that is about more than food, it's about culture and identity. The delicious hāngī (a traditional Māori method of cooking food using heated rocks buried in a pit oven) is merely a bonus!

We set out from Rotorua for a memorable experience at one of the geothermal highlights of Rotorua, the famous mud spa at Hell's Gate. Experience for yourself the waters once bathed in by Māori warriors. As the mud gently exfoliates your skin, take part in a soothing experience that has been enjoyed by locals for centuries. You may optionally wish to add a walk through the geothermal area of which the mud spa forms a small part.

Continuing, we make our way towards the captivating Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake. We'll give you some free time to explore Taupo, where you can choose to take a jetboat ride, a relaxing cruise, give parasailing a try, take a leisurely stroll, or perhaps check out some of the free natural local hot springs.

This evening, you'll indulge in a bespoke 5-course meal, highlighting modern Maori cuisine and fresh seasonal produce, prepared by an award-winning Michelin-trained local chef. The meal will be an intimate Chef's Table experience, where you'll have a front-row seat to the culinary magic as our chef guides you through each course. With incredible food and friendly, knowledgeable staff this is bound to be one of the highlights of your gastronomic adventure.

As we say goodbye to Lake Taupo, we embark on a scenic journey back to Auckland via the iconic Waitomo Caves. The drive is a breathtaking experience that takes you through some of New Zealand's most spectacular landscapes, from rugged mountains to lush green forests.

Our first stop is at the Waitomo Caves, where you'll get to explore the stunning underground world of glowworms and limestone formations. The Waitomo Caves are a must-visit destination in New Zealand, and our expert guides will ensure that you get the most out of your visit.

After exploring the caves, we'll continue our journey back to Auckland, where you'll have some free time to relax and prepare for the next leg of our foodie trip. In the evening, we'll fly to Queenstown, the food capital of New Zealand's South Island, where we'll embark on the Southern edition of our Foodie Trip.

Enjoy a free morning today, taking the time to relax and enjoy the Queenstown vibe, take part in an exciting adventure activity, or visit some of the downtown boutiques.

Start your afternoon (and South Island league of the tour) with a scenic cruise on the iconic Earnslaw steamship, which has been ferrying passengers across Lake Wakatipu since 1912. Enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains and crystal-clear waters as you make your way to Walter Peak High Country Farm.

Upon arrival, you will be greeted with a traditional Kiwi welcome and a glass of local wine. Take a stroll around the picturesque farm and meet some of the friendly animals, including sheep, cattle, and deer.

Next, it's time for the highlight of the tour: the Gourmet Kiwi BBQ. Enjoy a feast of locally-sourced meats, including lamb, beef, and venison, cooked to perfection on the outdoor grill. After dinner, sit back and relax with a cup of coffee or tea and enjoy a stunning sunset over the lake before cruising back to Queenstown.

Today is independent and unguided, allowing you the entire day to explore the delights of Queenstown at your own pace. We highly recommend taking advantage of this opportunity by indulging in two iconic experiences: a ride on the TSS Earnslaw and a journey on the Queenstown Skyline Gondola.

Step aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw steamship, a true Queenstown legend. Cruise across the crystal-clear waters of Lake Wakatipu, taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Explore the ship's vintage charm, visit the engine room, and even witness the skilled stokers at work. Enjoy the gentle rhythm of the steamship as you traverse the tranquil lake, immersing yourself in the serenity of this remarkable setting.

In the afternoon, treat yourself to a scenic gondola ride on the Queenstown Skyline. Ascend to the top of Bob's Peak, where awe-inspiring panoramic vistas of Queenstown and the surrounding mountains await. Marvel at the stunning beauty of Lake Wakatipu and the majestic peaks that stretch as far as the eye can see. Once at the summit, you can enjoy a range of activities, including hiking trails, mountain biking, or even testing your courage on the thrilling Luge track.

We start our day with a short drive to Arrowtown, a charming historic gold-mining town nestled in the foothills of the Southern Alps. Take a stroll down the main street and admire the beautifully preserved buildings, before stopping for morning tea at one of the local cafes.

Afterwards, head to Gibbston Valley Winery, located in the heart of Central Otago's wine country. Central Otago is the southernmost wine-growing region in the world and is known for its unique climate and soil that produce some of the world's best Pinot Noir wines. Take a tour of the vineyard and winery to learn about the winemaking process from grape to bottle, including the use of sustainable and organic practices. Then, head to the tasting room and sample some of the award-winning wines. The knowledgeable staff will guide you through the tasting, explaining the unique characteristics of each wine and the story behind its production.

For dinner, head to Rata, Queenstown's premier fine dining restaurant owned by kiwi celebrity chef, Josh Emmett. The menu features a range of New Zealand-inspired dishes, made with locally-sourced ingredients, and paired with some of the best wines from the region. The restaurant has a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with a focus on exceptional service and attention to detail.

The drive from Queenstown to Wanaka is a picturesque journey that takes you through some of New Zealand's most stunning landscapes. Leaving Queenstown, you'll head northeast towards Cromwell; Cromwell is famous for its fruit orchards and vineyards, and it's the perfect place to stop and sample some of the region's fresh produce. There are several roadside stalls and orchards where you can pick your own fruits, including cherries, apricots, and peaches, depending on the seasonality of course.

Upon arrival in Wanaka the highlight of your day (and maybe entire tour) begins - a salmon fishing and eating extravaganza. The pristine waters of the glacier-fed Lake Wanaka are home to some of the freshest and tastiest salmon in New Zealand, and you'll have the chance to catch your own using a fishing rod and reel. Trained staff are on hand to help and offer tips and advice, making the experience suitable for all ages and skill levels.

Once you've successfully caught your fish, you can choose to have it prepared for you on-site or take it back to your accommodation to cook for yourself. The restaurant on-site offers a range of delicious salmon dishes, including sushi, sashimi, smoked salmon, and salmon burgers, all made with the freshest and highest quality ingredients.

Our foodie adventure continues today as we make our way north to the famed Lake Tekapo, making stops along the way to indulge in some of the country's culinary delights. The first stop will be in the small town of Tarras, known for its traditional English-style scones with freshly whipped cream. After satisfying our sweet tooth, we'll continue our drive through the stunning landscapes of Central Otago, passing through the rugged countryside and over the Lindis Pass.

Finally, we'll arrive in Lake Tekapo, home to the best lamb in the country. New Zealand lamb is renowned worldwide for its quality and taste. The country's unique climate and pasture-based farming system allows for the production of lamb that is tender, lean, and full of flavor. The animals are raised free-range and fed a natural diet of grass and other plants, resulting in a healthier and more sustainable meat.

The alpine lamb shank dish we'll be having for dinner is a prime example of the delicious dishes that can be created with New Zealand lamb. Slow-cooked to perfection with a combination of herbs and spices, the tender meat falls off the bone and is served with a variety of hearty sides, such as roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes. It's a simple meal that truly showcases the exceptional quality of the raw ingredients.

As we leave the stunning Lake Tekapo behind, we set our sights on the charming town of Akaroa. But before we reach our destination, we make a couple of delicious stops along the way.

First, we visit the Geraldine Cheese Factory, where we can sample some of New Zealand's finest artisan cheeses. From creamy brie to tangy blue cheese, there's something for every cheese lover to enjoy. We can also watch the cheese-making process in action and learn about the history and traditions of the local dairy industry.

Our second stop is at the famous Fairlie Bakehouse, home to some of the best pies in the country. This family-owned bakery has been serving up mouth-watering pies for decades and their reputation for quality and taste is well-deserved. You can choose from a range of classic meat pies but the traditional staple is the beef steak and cheese!

Our day is punctuated by a chef's table experience at the finest seafood restaurant in Akaroa. We'll have the opportunity to witness the expert preparation of fresh seafood by the talented chefs, and sample some of the most delectable and creative seafood dishes available. From the locally caught cod fish to the succulent mussels and other treasures from the sea, our taste buds will be tantalized and delighted by the expertly crafted menu. This will surely be an experience to remember for any foodie!

This morning, we’ll take a nature cruise in the Akaroa Harbour to explore the stunning scenery and local wildlife, including dolphins, penguins, and seals. After the cruise, indulge in some French-inspired pastries and explore the town's unique French heritage, with its quaint French-inspired architecture and street names named after famous French figures.

For dinner, we'll be trying some of the best fish and chips in New Zealand. The dish is a Kiwi classic, consisting of battered and fried fish and crispy chips, served with tartar sauce and lemon wedges. We'll enjoy our meal while overlooking the picturesque harbor, watching seagulls swoop and dive for scraps. It's a quintessential New Zealand dining experience that's not to be missed!

This morning we'll drive from Akaroa to Kaikoura, which means "meal of crayfish" in Maori. Our first stop of the day is at Waipara Springs Winery, where you'll have the opportunity to taste some of the region's finest wines and learn about their unique characteristics. From there, we'll make our way to Kaikoura, a coastal town renowned for its stunning natural beauty and abundance of marine life.

As this is the last night of the tour, we've arranged something special for you. You'll go out on a local crayfishing boat, catch wild crayfish, and bring them back to a local restaurant for cooking. After catching the crayfish, the local fishermen will show you how to prepare and cook them in a traditional kiwi style. You'll learn about the different techniques and recipes used to create the perfect dish, and then sit down to enjoy the freshest and most delicious seafood meal of your life. The experience is not only educational but also highly entertaining, as you get to chat with the locals and hear stories about their lives at sea. It's the perfect way to end our culinary adventure in New Zealand.