New Zealand · DINING EXPERIENCES
Every trip has one free day too few. These 11 dining experiences justify the slot, priced and timed so you can decide in minutes and get back to the fun part.
Mitai Māori Village combines a waka arrival, haka, glow worms, cultural stories, and a generous hāngī buffet in a three-hour Rotorua evening.
“10/10 experience. Food was amazing and the cultural experience was amazing. Thank you for having us.”
Te Pa Tū near Rotorua pairs Māori storytelling, haka, forest rituals, hands-on activities, and a generous four-course fusion dinner.
“Fabulous. Wonderful performances and hospitality. Information giving about Māori culture.”
Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw, enjoy a generous buffet at Walter Peak Farm, and watch sheepdogs work and sheep being shorn.
“Excellent boat trip across the lake - food buffet was good and loved the sheep shearing ! Lots of history around the boat”
Sail Auckland’s Waitematā Harbour at dusk with a three-course dinner, welcome drink, live commentary, and skyline views from a 50-foot yacht.
“Loved seeing the city from the water. The sailing experience was so much fun, and the crew was great.”
Sail Auckland’s Waitematā Harbour on a 50-foot yacht with a three-course New Zealand dinner, local stories, sunset views, and a welcome drink.
“A nice and windy evening, so lots of great sailing. Food was tasty.”
Review of Te Puia’s Te Pō evening in Rotorua, with Māori performance, hangi buffet, hot chocolate, and Pōhutu geyser after dark.
“Entertanment was informative and fun. Fantastic food. We enjoyed the geothermal event and learning about the Maori Culture.”
Kayak Lake Rotoiti at sunset, soak in hot springs, eat a BBQ dinner, and see glowworms and crayfish in boat-only caves.
“We had an amazing time on this Kayak tour! Our family of four enjoyed every moment from beginning to end (even the rainy moments). Swimming at the lake by the hot pools was a highlight for our 14 year-old, and our 15 year-old still talks about the stories we got to hear as we paddled from place to place. Thank you River Rats for such a great day!”
Taste Central Otago wine and a three-course dinner at three Queenstown-area venues, with guides, transport, and lake and mountain views.
“Very pleasant evening and efficiently planned and run. Food choices were made in advance of each stop and were being served within minutes of arrival and nicely paired with wine choices. Each venue was quite different but very nice. Host/driver Grant was very engaging, knowledgeable, and fun. We were well taken care of!”
Tour Dunedin’s historic Speight’s Brewery, taste fresh local beers, learn the brewing craft, and finish with a hearty two-course Ale House meal.
“Our tour guide Marty was great, kept us amused with some interesting anecdotes and was a wealth of information. The beer tasting proved that fresh is best, it was excellent. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. The food at the Ale House was brilliant, best seafood chowder ever! It’s a big tick from us.”
Pair fine dining at The Moraine with Southern sky stargazing, Saturn’s rings, and a 9-inch telescope at Pukaki Observatory.
“Really amazing, such a beautiful place. Everybody who we interacted with was so passionate and excited about their work. Highly recommend!”
Kayak Lake Rotoiti by starlight, visit a glowworm cave, soak in hot pools, and enjoy a Kiwi BBQ dinner for $209.
“Tom was an amazing tour guide. He was patient with us and the whole tour was great. The BBQ with the peacock/venison sausage and salmon was amazing and the glowworms was the icing on the cake. Thank you Tom for the amazing memory!”
Pick an island, a lake or a cave.
