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Jade Carving, Honey Tasting & Wine Tour
schedule
9 hours
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Art & Wine
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Day trip from Auckland
schedule
9 hours
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Private
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Art & Wine
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Fully Guided
eco
Eco-conscious
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Hands-on
Discover Matakana's art, sculpture and wine, and carve your own pounamu (jade) necklace to take home!
Discover the charm of Matakana where creativity fine wine and natural beauty come together in perfect harmony on this elegant private tour just 45 minutes north of Auckland. Tailored for curious travellers, this thoughtfully designed journey blends art, flavour and authentic local experiences.
Your day begins with a comfortable pickup from Auckland, heading north through picturesque countryside to the renowned Brick Bay Sculpture Trail. Meander through peaceful native bush where striking contemporary artworks are beautifully integrated into the landscape.
Enjoy a relaxed wine tasting experience sampling some of the region’s most celebrated wines. This is followed by a lunch in a suspended glass restaurant offering breathtaking views of surrounding vineyards and gardens.
The tour continues with a stroll through the Matakana Village Boutique Shops where you can browse local artisan crafts and charming small-town finds. A special hands-on moment awaits as you join a local artist for a Pounamu (Jade) carving session in which you will create your own necklace to take home as a one-of-a-kind souvenir.
Enjoy a honey tasting and a peaceful walk through native bush learning about New Zealand’s flora and the vital role bees play in our environment.
As the day draws to a close you will return to Auckland with a handcrafted keepsake, enriched senses and lasting memories of Matakana’s unique blend of art, nature, and hospitality.
Destination
Matakana, north of Auckland
Available Languages
English
Included
Pick up from Auckland CBD, Snacks & water, Brick Bay Sculpture Trail, Wine Tasting, Lunch in a suspended glass restaurant, Visit to Matakana Village Boutique Shops, Pounamu (Jade) carving with an artist to make your own necklace, Honey tasting & native bush, Drop Off in Auckland CBD
Duration
9 hours
Transport Mode
Driving, walking
Category
Private day tour
What can you expect
1
The Brick Bay Sculpture Trail
Just 45 minutes north of Auckland, meander through peaceful native bush where striking contemporary artworks are integrated into the landscape on the renowned Brick Bay Sculpture Trail.
2
Wine Tasting and a Glasshouse Lunch
Enjoy a relaxed tasting of the region’s celebrated wines, followed by lunch in a suspended glass restaurant with breathtaking views over the vineyards and gardens.
3
Carve Your Own Pounamu
Join a local artist for a Pounamu (jade) carving session and create your own necklace to take home as a one-of-a-kind souvenir.
4
Honey Tasting and Native Bush
Finish with a honey tasting and a peaceful walk through native bush, learning about New Zealand’s flora and the vital role of bees.
Plan Timeline
Check out the plan below to see what you'll get up to with your local guide. Feel free to personalise this offer.
Pickup from Auckland CBD
Collection from your Auckland accommodation.
Brick Bay Sculpture Trail
Wander the sculpture trail through native bush.
Wine Tasting and Lunch
Taste local wines and lunch in a glass restaurant.
Matakana Village
Browse the boutique shops and artisan crafts.
Pounamu Carving
Carve your own jade necklace with a local artist.
Honey Tasting and Return
Enjoy a honey tasting before the drive back to Auckland.
*Note: Our itinerary is flexible and may change on the day so we can give you the best possible experience.
Reviews from guests
5 reasons to book this tour
Carve Your Own Jade
Create a pounamu necklace to take home.
Honey Tasting
Discover local honey and the role of bees.
Art and Sculpture
Walk the Brick Bay Sculpture Trail.
Door-to-Door Pickup
Collection from your Auckland accommodation.
Wine and Glasshouse Lunch
Taste local wines with vineyard views.
Flexible Cancellation Policy
Plans can change — we get it
Cancellations made more than 3 days before your tour date are eligible for a partial refund, with fees varying based on timing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I get to keep the jade necklace?
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Yes. You carve your own pounamu (jade) necklace with a local artist and take it home as a one-of-a-kind souvenir.
Is lunch included?
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Yes, lunch in the suspended glass restaurant is included, along with snacks and water.
Is this tour suitable for non-drinkers?
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Absolutely. The wine and honey tastings are optional highlights, and there is plenty to enjoy across the art, carving and scenery.
How long does the jade carving take?
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You will spend a relaxed session with a local artist carving your pounamu necklace. It is hands-on but beginner-friendly, and you take your finished piece home.
Is this tour good for couples or special occasions?
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Absolutely. The mix of art, wine, food and hands-on carving makes it a popular choice for couples, anniversaries and relaxed celebrations.
Auckland & Beyond tours are always
Safe and comfortable
Your safety is our priority. We travel in a modern fleet of Mercedes Benz luxury vehicles with high safety ratings, and our guides are experienced in assisting travellers of all ages and mobility levels.
Fully guided by local experts
Our guides don’t just drive you from A to B. They share rich stories about Aotearoa’s history, natural wonders, Māori culture, and wildlife — so you understand and feel the places you visit.
Eco-conscious
Sustainability is a core value. We run eco-conscious tours, use modern low-emissions vehicles, and support local communities and conservation wherever possible.