The Bay of Plenty Region on New Zealand’s North Island is a treasure for travelers seeking authentic experiences. From lush orchards to thriving distilleries, this area offers a taste of local life that’s hard to match. Among the standout experiences are tours that combine scenic beauty with culinary delights and craft spirits. We especially love the guided avocado tours for their approachable way to learn about this tropical fruit—plus, who can resist tasting fresh avocado dishes? The Matahui Distillery Tour is another favorite, offering insight into the art of gin-making along with tastings that showcase New Zealand’s innovative spirits. If you’re into food and drink, these tours deliver a satisfying slice of the region’s flavors.
Quick Overview
Our list focuses on food and drink tours that provide a behind-the-scenes look at local produce and spirits. You’ll find guided experiences exploring avocado orchards (Katikati: Guided Avocado Adventures with Tasty Treats) and gourmet avocado tastings (Katikati: Guided Gourmet Avocado Tour), perfect for food lovers. Also included is a distillery tour (Bay of Plenty: Matahui Distillery Tour) that highlights New Zealand’s innovative spirit industry. Each offers a unique perspective on regional specialties, so read on to find your perfect match.
1. Katikati: Guided Avocado Adventures with Tasty Treats
Starting with the avocado experience that’s as informative as it is delicious, this tour is perfect for those who want to see orchards firsthand. Led by the local grower, you’ll walk through a picturesque grove filled with towering avocado trees and native birds flitting about. The guide shares insights into avocado cultivation, revealing what makes this fruit so special to the region. What sets this tour apart is the opportunity to taste freshly prepared avocado dishes that showcase the fruit’s culinary versatility—think creamy spreads, salads, and more. It’s a relaxed, 1.5-hour stroll that delivers plenty of opportunities for photos and questions.
This tour is especially good for culinary enthusiasts and nature lovers who want an authentic, no-frills look at avocado farming. Reviews highlight its personal touch and the spectacular orchard scenery. At $35 per person, it offers great value, especially considering the insider knowledge you gain. The guide’s friendliness and the orchard’s beauty make it a memorable experience.
Bottom line: If you want a short, hands-on introduction to avocados combined with tasty samples, this guided tour hits the mark. It’s a gentle walk with plenty of flavor.
2. Katikati: Guided Gourmet Avocado Tour
For a more gourmet experience, this tour builds on the avocado theme with a focus on culinary creativity. Again led by the local grower, this 1.5-hour tour offers a deeper dive into avocado-based dishes—but with a focus on gourmet preparations. You’ll explore the same stunning orchard, but instead of just tasting, you’ll sample a variety of carefully crafted avocado dishes that highlight the fruit’s culinary potential. This makes it ideal for foodies who want to taste the difference that preparation makes, not just the fruit itself.
Guests rave about the delicious selection of avocado dishes and the insightful commentary from the guide. At $44 per person, it’s slightly more expensive but justifies the cost with the focus on culinary craftsmanship. The combination of spectacular orchard views and gourmet bites makes it a favorite for those wanting an elevated version of the avocado experience.
Bottom line: If you’re a foodie eager to explore avocado dishes that go beyond the basics, this guided gourmet tour is worth the extra few dollars.
3. Bay of Plenty: Matahui Distillery Tour
For those interested in spirits and the art of distillation, the Matahui Distillery Tour offers a fascinating peek into New Zealand’s craft gin and liqueur scene. The tour includes a walk through the permaculture garden, where botanicals are grown for distillation. The guide explains the distillation process and the unique botanicals that give Matahui’s spirits their distinctive flavors. This experience is capped off with a complimentary tasting, allowing you to sample award-winning gin and liqueurs, including the notable Fennel Liqueur.
While the reviews are currently unavailable, the focus on learning about spirits production and the opportunity to taste locally crafted spirits makes this a standout. The tour’s $29 price point offers a good value considering the educational component and the chance to sample some of New Zealand’s best botanical spirits.
Bottom line: Ideal for spirits enthusiasts and those curious about distillation, this tour combines education with tasting and a walk through a lush garden.
$29 per person
How to Choose
When deciding between these experiences, consider your interests and budget. If you love fresh produce and simple farm tours, the Avocado Adventures (link) are ideal, especially for a quick, affordable outing. For gourmet food, the Avocado Gourmet Tour (link) offers a more curated tasting experience. If spirits are your thing, the Matahui Distillery (link) provides a deeper dive into distilling craft, perfect for those wanting to learn and sample.
Consider your time availability—all tours are around 1.5 hours—so they fit well into most itineraries. Budget-wise, they range from $29 to $44, offering good value for unique, locally-focused experiences. Booking early is advised, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure your spot.
Final Thoughts
The Bay of Plenty region offers a diverse range of food and drink tours that highlight its rich agricultural and craft spirits heritage. Whether you prefer tasting fresh avocados in a scenic orchard, savoring gourmet avocado dishes, or exploring the secrets of distilling spirits, there’s an option for you. For travelers eager to enjoy authentic, hands-on experiences, these tours are a wonderful way to deepen your appreciation of the region’s flavors and craftsmanship.
If you’re planning your trip, consider your interests and time constraints carefully. The guided avocado tours are perfect for a relaxed, flavorful outing, while the distillery visit appeals to those curious about spirits. Be sure to book ahead, especially if visiting during busy seasons. Whichever you choose, these experiences promise a memorable taste of the Bay of Plenty.