Taste Hawke's Bay - A Sweet treat food Tour

Satisfy your sweet tooth and discover a different side of Hawke’s Bay on this delightful journey through the region’s picturesque countryside. Accompanied by a friendly local guide, you'll visit some of Hawke’s Bay’s most loved artisan producers, sampling local honey, handcrafted chocolates, and New Zealand’s iconic real fruit ice cream along the way. Unlike larger coach tours, our small-group experience offers a more personal and relaxed pace, with opportunities to connect with local producers and hear the stories behind their craft. Travelling through beautiful rural landscapes, you'll gain insight into the region's food culture, local history, and hidden gems. Perfect for families, couples, friends, and food lovers of all ages, this tour showcases a side of Hawke’s Bay that many visitors miss. You'll discover exceptional local flavours, warm hospitality, and authentic experiences that celebrate the people and produce that make Hawke’s Bay so special.

Itinerary

1. Step into a chocolate lover’s dream at Silky Oak Chocolates. You’ll enjoy a selection of handcrafted chocolates, served in Silky Oaks boutique factory shop. As you savour each bite watch the factory action through the viewing windows. After tasting, explore the fascinating Chocolate Thru’ the Ages Museum, where you’ll journey through 3,000 years of chocolate history – from ancient Aztec traditions to modern-day treats. This self-guided museum is the only comprehensive chocolate museum in the Southern Hemisphere and a hidden gem of Hawke’s Bay. (45 min) Admission included
2. Discover the world of New Zealand’s most famous honey at Arataki Honey. Enjoy a friendly meet-and-greet with their knowledgeable staff, who’ll share the fascinating story of how bees create liquid gold. Step into the interactive visitor centre to see a live hive in action and sample a delicious range of honeys – from smooth clover to powerful manuka. It’s an experience that’s equal parts educational and sweet, perfect for all ages. (45 min)
3. Enjoy a visit to Birdwoods Gallery – Set in the beautiful Hawke’s Bay countryside just outside Havelock North, Birdwoods is a charming destination featuring an eclectic art gallery, expansive sculpture garden, cosy café and an old-fashioned sweet shop. Housed in a lovingly restored historic church hall, it’s the perfect place to enjoy locally inspired food, browse unique art and handmade treasures, and soak up the relaxed gardens and creative atmosphere. (30 min)
4. We will take you to a Kiwi gem to Experience a true Kiwi classic, real fruit ice cream — a refreshing swirl of creamy vanilla ice cream or yoghurt blended on the spot with fresh seasonal berries or fruit. This beloved New Zealand treat bursts with natural fruit flavours and is the perfect way to cool down while savouring the taste of our local produce. Location will be decided when we finalise your tour but will be Napier, Hastings or Havelock North depending on season and opening hours. * We are Cruise ship friendly and willing to change start times based on cruise ship arrival and departure. Book on our Mates Travel website to get this organised. * To request Alternative start times or tour customisations - Book on our Mates Travel website. * This tour requires a minimum of 4 guests to operate. If minimum numbers are not met, the tour may be rescheduled or cancelled. In that case, we’ll contact you with alternative dates, tours or offer a full refund. (1h 0min)