Hunter Gatherer Tours of Hawke's Bay
An insider’s view of Hawke’s Bay food,
wine, scenery & quirky producers
Click here to see a video of me collecting Pine nuts
Tours are hosted by me, Juliet Harbutt, food writer, wine buyer and world cheese expert! Together we gather the best food & wine Hawke’s Bay has to offer while touring this area of outstanding natural beauty, with glimpses of Cape Kidnappers , black swans in the wetlands, willow lined rivers and elegant Art Deco buildings.
Lunch is at my home, overlooking Black Barn Vineyards and includes a Cheese & Wine Experience and what we discovered en route - tamarillos, whitebait, strawberries..
All Tours are private, designed just for you. [There are no scheduled tours]
What you can expect
Taste exceptional food & wine at stunning locations, making a quick detour for coffee and a kiwi donut. Drop into THE FIGGERY for fresh figs in late summer, or enjoy fresh asparagus at my home, overlooking the vines and orchards of the Bay. The heroes of lunch are NZ artisan cheese, ripened to perfection in my own “cave” matched with local wines!
We can also visit galleries, artists, gardens or a second-hand book shop with rare gems from yesteryear. All possibilities dependent on availability and what you love. Whatever we do I will designed a day to create lasting memories.
An Insiders’ Taste of the Bay
[CODES- TASTE4 or TASTE6]
Unhurried, curated, food & wine journey
“Hawke’s Bay is an area of outstanding natural beauty where anything grows – from pinot gris to pomegranates. A food lovers’ paradise, I create a unique experience for each client. We visit award winning wineries, hunt for new tastes and gather what we need for the perfect lunch at my lovely home, overlooking Black Barn vineyards. Including of course cheese!”
Depending on the season Juliet will ferret out the best strawberries, cherries or even wild spinach. You might taste fig ice cream at The Figgery, Pohutukawa honey at Arataki Honey, or sample the best ever pies!
The wineries are chosen to highlight the quality and complexity of Hawke’s Bay wine and ensure you pass through stunning scenery, from black swans on coastal wetlands to Te Mata Peak. Visiting galleries, individual artists and significant Māori sites along the way.
12th WINE CAPITAL OF THE WORLD TOUR
[CODE - WINE4 or WINE6]
In-depth, individual, inspirational
Hawke’s Bay was named 12th Great Wine Capital in May 2023, for its exceptional winegrowing diversity, over 200 vineyards and 30 cellar doors to choose from. After 35 years working with food & wine in Europe, Juliet has sought out the best and every tour is curated just for you, shaped by our inspirational wine makers, the season and location. Between tastings you pass through areas of outstanding beauty and sample some favourite, kiwi foods! Lunch is included and can be a platter at a winery or a CHEESE & WINE EXPERIENCE at Juliet’s home overlooking Black Barn.
COST FOR BOTH TOURS
FULL DAY [6 hours ]
1030 - 1630
$ 1295 for 2 + $ 375 for each additional person up to 4
From 5 -11 people $ 470 per person
HALF DAY [4 hours]
From 1030 [flexible start time]
$ 975 for 2 + $275 for each additional person up to 4
From 5-11 people $ 325 per person
Children under 16 are ½ price
Premium wine tastings may incur an additional charge
CHEESE AND WINE EXPERIENCE
JULIET AT THE MARKET WITH HOHEPA
What people are saying:
Hi Juliet! This is Meghan, one of the two Americans who were lucky enough to hang out with you! … Seriously, our afternoon with you was the highlight of our trip. We loved going around to your favorite spots and I will forever dream about your incredible garden, your beautiful home and the delicious cheese we got to try with you. Thank you so much, truly. If you find yourself in our Neck of the Woods, you are more than welcome to stay with us.
Megan April 2025
“Whether you have one day or one week, a Hunter Gatherer Tour is the best way to see and experience HAWKE’S BAY from the inside. Loved talking to your producers and meeting Winston Thanks Juliet “Sarah & Michael Tomlinson, Oxfordshire
That was truly the best Tour we have ever done. Juliet was such easy company, so knowledgeable, interested in what we like and tailormade a day we will never forget. It was the little things that made a difference – our first feijoa, homemade tamarillo chutney, a personalised olive tasting and discovering the magic of cheese. An unforgettable way to celebrate our 10th anniversary Ben & Tracey Miami May 2023