Things to do in

Kerikeri

Indulge and have fun in Kerikeri with a small group tour of some of New Zealand's finest quality wines. Taste and savor different wines at several wineries in the area, and enjoy a platter lunch. After getting picked in the Kerikeri, make the first stop at the Fat Pig Vineyard, one of the older vineyards in the Kerikeri area. The owners Richard and Jenny love hosting customers and showing off their products. Taste from a selection of different wines, such as Fat Pig Bubbles 2021, Fat Pig White Diamond 2021, Fat Pig Rosé 2021, Fat Pig Sauvignon Blanc 2020, and the S&J Chardonnay 2018. Their wines are produced exclusively from grapes grown on a small 3-acre property. They work closely with local winemakers to produce a unique small batch run of wine. Next up is the Sovrano Estate vineyard, a family-run boutique operation which is located just outside Kerikeri. Here, customers will sample their organically grown wines, which include Chambourcin, Pinot Gris, Syrah, Chardonnay, Tempranillo, and Sauvignon Blanc. A recent addition is a range of Limoncello liqueurs which are made by Andrea and Marzia Loggia (Estate Owners) who have a rich history in liqueur making. The couple based in Kerikeri, emigrated to New Zealand from Italy in 2007, with a mission to create the best and finest Limoncello Liqueur in New Zealand. While delicious on its own, Sovrano Limoncello is a versatile liqueur. It’s the perfect touch for cocktails and desserts. You can find recipes ideas on their website. Finally, arrive at the Marsden Estate, which was started by the McIvor family some 20 years ago. Here customers can enjoy six wine tastings, plus a platter lunch in the relaxed atmosphere of its courtyard which overlooks the lake and vines. Planted in the early nineties, Marsden Estate’s 10 acres of vineyards comprise Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Muscat, Merlot, Pinotage, Chambourcin, Syrah, and Tempranillo.

Explore the Bay of Islands' uniquely stunning coastline on a shared scenic flight. With a duration of around 30-minutes, you'll have exceptional views of the beautiful islands, the famous Hole in the Rock, and beyond. After check-in at the helicopter base near Paihia Wharf, you'll receive a short safety briefing. Hear the whirl of the rotors as the helicopter touches down and step out to the helipad. Meet your experienced and friendly pilot who will help you buckle in. All seats on board the helicopter are window seats so that you can marvel at the spectacular views. Put on your headset so that you can hear the commentary throughout the flight.  Take flight over the bay to the remote coastline on the eastern side of the Cape Brett peninsula covering Elliot Bay and Whangamumu, leading to the lighthouse and the Hole in the Rock. On the return journey, admire views towards the Kerikeri inlet, over the Black Rocks, to Waitangi, and Paihia before landing back on the helipad.