This is our original food tour and is a great way to see and taste your way around the Bay of Plenty. Each region of New Zealand has a unique climate and grows different products and the Bay of Plenty is a great example. Fertile land has provided ideal growing conditions for Maori & European settlers. The great English explorer Captain James Cook first named this region the "Bay of Plenty" and by the end of this tour you will understand why!!

The crystal clear waters of Tauranga harbour have also proved the perfect environment for fish and shellfish and this tradition continues today. European settlers in the 19th and 20th centuries introduced lamb, deer, beef, pigs and chickens to add to the Bay's reputation for high quality food production.  The mild coastal climate, with few frosts in winter, provides ideal growing conditions and today the region produces award winning olives, avocados, citrus, macadamia nuts, kiwi fruit and honey. The region is the largest producer of kiwi fruit and avocados in New Zealand. In fact, kiwi fruit was developed in the small farming centre of Te Puke a few kilometres from the Port of Tauranga. Also pioneered by locals is the production of honey from the flowers of the indigenous Manuka tree. The increasingly popularity of Manuka Honey is testament to its unique taste and medicinal and cosmetic effects.

This Taste of Plenty 'foodies tour' has been designed to introduce you to the unique and delicious bounty of the Bay of Plenty with visits to local suppliers and growers across the region. We collect you at the Port in our air conditioned vehicles to embark upon our foodie and cultural adventure. Along the way you will see lush farmlands and some of the best beaches in New Zealand and the vibrant colonial town and current regional capital city of Tauranga. This is a fun and interesting day tour and our knowledgeable guides will share stories of the land and its people. 

On this bountiful foodie tour enjoy at least 8 tastings which may include:  artisan baked goods, local cheeses, seafood, beers, wines and ciders, manuka honey, berries, fruits, famous pies and home made kiwifruit ice cream to name a few. Depending on the day of the tour we may stop at the local farmers market to see the seasonal produce, or it might be a visit to our favourite coffee roaster to learn about the process of sourcing and roasting beans.  You will experience a working Kiwi fruit orchard and get up close under the vines before sampling wines, liqueurs, fruits and juices. We also take you to one of the most historic and beautiful beaches in New Zealand and you have an opportunity to taste an iconic kiwi favourite.... the savoury pie!! Hear the story of the family that has been making the award winning Maketu Pies for over 25 years. Enjoy a light lunch and a glass of wine as you marvel at the stunning view of the coast all the way back to Mount Maunganui and further up the Coromandel Peninsula. 

This is a full day that will leave you with a full belly and a full camera! You will only be hungry for a return visit to the stunning Bay of Plenty!

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* The minimum number required for this tour to operate is 6