Hi, I’m Philippa and the creator of Village Picnic and Mystery Picnic.
I have always had a passion for food, creativity and the desire to bring pure joy to the lives of others. Fresh from school I completed a Bachelor of Hospitality Management at Auckland University, then spent the next 20 years living in Sydney and working for a number of fine dining restaurants, hotels & co-owning a successful restaurant, The Bach Eatery in Newtown.
It was only natural that a foodies paradise, like Matakana, would lure me back to New Zealand, my young family in tow. The region for me has many fond memories, having spent a large amount of time visiting my family bach and now my parents home in Omaha. Watching this area evolve and flourish over the years has given me the inspiration to add to this unique offering.
Village picnic was created from the idea to showcase the very best local and artisan brands. Helping create a picnic experience with a lasting memory of Matakana and beyond.
Mystery Picnic is a new experience idea, offering a unique artisan adventure taking in the sites and tastes of the Matakana Coast region. A self drive day trip out of Auckland, solving clues and puzzles along the way connecting you to your final picnic destination. To find out more click here.
If you are looking for a gift with a difference, a Mystery Picnic or bespoke picnic, Village Picnic can satisfy your requirement and budget; casual or extravagant, for one or many. I look forward to personally fulfilling your request.
Locally Sourced
We are committed to using the highest quality, products and ingredients sourced from local suppliers. Some of our amazing local artisan purveyors and suppliers include (subject to availability);
- Kete Love, Britta Conrad, Mangawhai
- Planet Protector Packaging, NZ
- Compostable Insulated Pouch, Ecoware, NZ
- Ecoware Biodegradable Disposables, NZ
Farm, Sea & Land
- A Lady Butcher – Coppa, Wagyu Bresaola, Lamb Prosciutto, Auckland
- Craft Pate & Terrines, Nelson
- Matakana Smokehouse – Salmon, White Fish & Sardines, Matakana
- Apatu Aqua – Smoked Fish & Pate, Northland
- Puhoi Valley Cheese, Puhoi
- Grinning Gecko, Wellsford
- Mahoe Cheese, Kerikeri
- Little River Estate, Nelson
Pantry
- Seed Crackers (GF), Torbay
- Seed Crackers (GF & DF), Papamoa
- The Original Kumara Chips (GF), Dargaville
- Get Pickled Jams & Chutney, Wellsford
- Panatone Bakery, Auckland
- Ringawera Bakery, Matakana
Sweet As
- Foundry Chocolate, Warkworth
- Honest Chocolat, Matakana
- Bennetts Chocolates, Mangawhai
- Chocolate Brown, Warkworth
- Swiss Bliss, Kaiwaka
Beverages
- Daily Organics, Omaha
- Petes Natural, Nelson
- Runner Duck Grape Juice, Matakana
- Lothlorien Grapefruit Juice, Ahuroa
Gifts
- The Village Cookbook, Matakana
- Primrose & Bee Beeswax, Wellsford
- Earth Candle Co., Warkworth
- Earth Kitchen Sunscreen, Mangawhai
- Macrocarpa Chopping Board, The Slab Shop (aka Matakana Sawmill)
- Mini Picnic Table, Matakana Builders
- Leach Studio Ceramics, Warkworth
- Morgan Haines Ceramics, Sandspit
- Michelle Bow Ceramics, Whangarei
- Matakana Beer Soaps, Soap Opera, Puhoi
- Sparrowhawk Leather Wallets, Auckland
- Cosytoes Merino Socks, Auckland
Eco-Friendly
Committed to working towards zero waste, here’s how:
Packaging – Presentation is paramount to Village Picnic and the environmental impact it has on the planet. That is why a lot of research has gone into making sure Village Picnic’s environmental footprint remains low by choosing suppliers who have a similar ethos.
- Our kete (traditional Maori woven basket) are currently handmade by Britta Conrad from Kete Love in Mangawhai using Harakeke (NZ flax). We encourage you to repurpose the kete for shopping, storage or everyday living.
- Compostable pouches by Planet Protector Packaging keep your chilled products cold for up to 30 hours.
- Kraft Brown bags and boxes used are recyclable and again encouraged to be reused where possible.
Artisan Products
Village Picnic has carefully sourced premium quality NZ made products by suppliers who have a similar environmental consciousness. Artisan purveyors who only use NZ products and ingredients and boutique gift makers who offer unique eco-friendly products ie Earth Candles made with recycled beer & wine bottles, Primrose & Co. beeswax wraps & scents.
