Jade Carving, Honey & Wine Tasting Private Tour

Discovering Matakana: A Perfect Day Out from Auckland

If you’re looking to escape the city for a day filled with art, natural beauty, and genuine local flavors, this private tour offers a well-rounded experience that’s both relaxing and enriching. For around $855 per person, you’ll spend about nine hours exploring some of New Zealand’s most charming spots just 45 minutes north of Auckland. Led by a knowledgeable guide, the journey includes a visit to the Brick Bay Sculpture Trail, a delightful wine tasting in a glasshouse restaurant, a hands-on jade carving session, followed by honey tasting and native bush walks.

What we love most about this tour is how it combines art and nature in a seamless way, letting you enjoy stunning outdoor sculptures and native bushland without feeling rushed. The second highlight is the opportunity to create your own jade necklace, a personal souvenir that adds a special touch to the day. A possible consideration is the price point, which is on the higher side, but the inclusive nature of the experience and the private setup justify the cost for those craving exclusivity and depth.

This tour is best suited for travelers who appreciate art, wine, and authentic local crafts, rather than those looking for a quick sightseeing dash. It’s ideal for curious visitors eager for a more immersive experience that offers both relaxation and hands-on activities.

Key Points

• Authentic local experiences blending art, wine, and nature
• Hands-on jade carving creates a personal keepsake
• Scenic outdoor art trail situated amid native bush and vineyards
• Premium wine tasting in a suspended glasshouse restaurant
• Private, intimate tour perfect for those seeking exclusivity
• Includes delicious local food and honey tasting with native bush walks

The Heart of the Tour: A Deep Dive into Each Stop

Brick Bay Sculpture Trail — Art Meets Nature in a Natural Setting

Your day begins with a visit to the Brick Bay Sculpture Trail, about a 20-minute drive from Auckland. This outdoor space is more than just a walk — it’s a curated experience of over 60 contemporary sculptures created by New Zealand artists. As you stroll along the 2 km trail, you’ll find striking artworks integrated into the native bush and vineyard landscape; it’s a playground for both the eyes and the imagination.

The sculptures are thoughtfully placed to complement the surroundings, offering plenty of opportunities for photos and contemplation. Alongside the art, the Glass House restaurant provides a perfect spot for a quick snack or a coffee, with views over a tranquil lake. It’s a peaceful, inspiring start that sets the tone for the rest of your day. The included admission ticket makes it easy to explore at your own pace, and the quiet charm of the landscape keeps the experience intimate and personal.

Matakana Village — A Cozy Hub for Local Artisans and Tastings

After the outdoor art walk, your journey continues to the village of Matakana, a vibrant yet relaxed community filled with boutique shops. Here, you can browse artisan crafts, local produce, and unique souvenirs — a genuine taste of Kiwi creativity and craftsmanship. It’s the perfect place to pick up a handcrafted item or simply enjoy a leisurely walk through charming streets.

A highlight of this part of the tour is the wine tasting in a suspended glasshouse restaurant. You’ll get to sample some of New Zealand’s finest regional wines, served with environmental views of vineyards and gardens. The relaxed atmosphere and great selection of wines make this a memorable tasting session, especially for wine lovers wanting to savor quality without the pretension.

Jade Carving — Craft Your Own Keepsake with a Local Artist

Perhaps the most unique part of this tour is the hands-on jade carving experience. You’ll join a local artist to craft your own Pounamu (Jade) necklace, a treasured New Zealand craft. The artist guides you through the process, sharing insights into the cultural significance of jade in Maori tradition, and helping you design and carve your own piece.

This activity offers more than just a souvenir; it’s a meaningful connection to the local culture. As one reviewer noted, the jade pendant making was “beyond lovely” and a highlight of the trip, giving you a tangible memory of your time in New Zealand. The process is accessible for beginners and offers a true artisan experience — a wonderful contrast to more passive sightseeing.

Honey Tasting & Native Bush Walk — Nature and Beekeeping in Harmony

The day winds down with a honey tasting session, where you’ll learn about the vital role of bees in the environment and sample various local honeys. It’s both educational and delicious, offering insights into New Zealand’s native plants and native flora.

Following this, a native bush walk allows you to explore the local landscape, learning about native plants and how they’re intertwined with the natural ecosystem. It’s a calming way to relax after the more intensive activities, and it provides an authentic glimpse into Kiwi flora and fauna.

Practical Details and What You Should Know

The tour is designed for most travelers, with a minimum age of 18 for wine tasting. The private nature means your group gets exclusive attention, and transportation is provided in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi. The day starts promptly at 9:00 am, giving you ample time to enjoy each part without feeling rushed.

The tour is priced at $855.17 per person, which on the surface might seem steep. However, considering all included experiences — private transportation, guided art and jade sessions, tastings, and meals — it offers considerable value, especially for those wanting a comprehensive, curated experience. The fact that the tour is private ensures a personalized day, with flexibility to ask questions and explore at your own pace.

Accessibility and Practicalities

• Confirmation is immediate, and most travelers can participate
• Vegetarian options are available, so be sure to specify dietary needs when booking
• The tour is dependent on good weather — rain could affect outdoor activities, but rebooking or refunds are possible
• Children must be accompanied by an adult, making it suitable for families with older kids or teenagers interested in arts and crafts

What Past Travelers Say

While this tour boasts a perfect 5-star rating from a recent reviewer, the feedback highlights the professionalism and friendliness of the guide, Andy, who made the experience especially memorable. The reviewer describes the day as “beautiful from start to finish,” emphasizing the jade pendant making, honey tasting, and wine sessions as “beyond lovely.” They also appreciated the “great weather and timely stops,” which turned a lovely day into a truly memorable one. Such personal touches and attentive guiding make a big difference in how enriching the experience feels.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for art and craft lovers, wine enthusiasts, and those interested in authentic Kiwi culture. It suits travelers who prefer private, curated tours over large group excursions, offering an intimate glimpse into the region’s creative and natural offerings. If you enjoy hands-on activities, scenic outdoor art, and sampling local food and drink, you’ll find this tour a compelling choice.

Travelers seeking a balanced day of relaxing scenery, engaging activities, and cultural insights will leave with lasting memories and meaningful souvenirs. It’s especially good for those who want to take home a piece of New Zealand in the form of a Jade necklace or simply enjoy the sensation of discovering hidden local treasures.

FAQs

Is transportation included? Yes, private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle is included, making the day comfortable and convenient.

What is the duration of the tour? The entire experience lasts approximately 9 hours, starting at 9:00 am and returning in the late afternoon or early evening.

Can I participate if I don’t drink wine? Yes, the wine tasting is optional. The tour also includes other activities like jade carving, honey tasting, and art walks.

Is this tour suitable for children? Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the wine tasting is limited to those 18 and over. However, the arts and nature parts may appeal to older children.

What if it rains? The tour requires good weather, especially for outdoor activities. If canceled due to rain, you can rebook or receive a full refund.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated? Vegetarian options are available upon request, and any specific dietary requirements should be noted when booking.

What souvenirs will I take home? Your handcrafted jade necklace is the highlight, along with memories of tasting top regional wines, local honey, and exploring native bush.

How much does the tour cost? The price is $855.17 per person, offering a comprehensive and private experience with many included activities and meals.

Final Thoughts

For those looking to blend art, culture, and natural beauty in a single day, this private tour offers a curated, personal experience that’s hard to match. The combination of outdoor sculpture walks, high-quality wine tastings, hands-on jade carving, and native bush exploration creates a well-rounded view of what makes this part of New Zealand so special.

While it might be a pricier option, the value lies in the depth of experience, the personalized attention, and the chance to bring home authentic souvenirs. It’s perfect for travelers who prefer a more relaxed, intimate day filled with meaningful activities rather than hurried sightseeing. If you’re eager for a glimpse into Kiwi craftsmanship, scenic beauty, and fine wines, this tour is a splendid choice that will leave you with lasting memories.