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.
The majority of Covid lockdown was spent delivering Village Picnic hampers, to the doorsteps of many kiwis, around the country. Then, it wasn’t until Jacinda told everyone that “picnic-ing” was ok and encouraged, did I have to then quickly think “how can I still support the local artisans of Matakana but through a fun and interactive way instead”. I wanted to combine my love for food and adventure and this was when the Mystery Picnic experience was born!
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.
More recently I have added a unique catering concept to my offering called Village Picnic to You! – a mobile charcuterie (fancy word for cured meats) & cheese cart that can be hired out for special occasions, corporate branding events and weddings in the Matakana area.
The cart will also be a blank canvas for corporate branding opportunities and a great way to compliment your next team activity outing – Paint n Picnic, Pottery n Picnic, Putt n Picnic and Press n Picnic
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
- Matakana and Warkworth Butcher Salami & Ham
- A Lady Butcher – Coppa, Wagyu Bresaola, Lamb Prosciutto, Auckland
- Craft Pate & Terrines, Nelson
- Matakana Smokehouse – Salmon, White Fish & Sardines, Matakana
- Puhoi Valley Cheese, Puhoi
- Mahoe Cheese, Kerikeri
- Little River Estate, Nelson
- One Love Plant, Red Beach
Pantry
- The Original Kumara Chips (GF), Dargaville
- The Rootstock Larder, Algies Bay
- Telegraph Hill Olives, Hawkes Bay
- Get Pickled Jams & Chutney, Wellsford
- Ringawera Bakery, Matakana
Sweet As
- Foundry Chocolate, Warkworth
- Honest Chocolat, Matakana
- Bennetts Chocolates, Mangawhai
- Chocolate Brown, Warkworth
Beverages
- Daily Organics, Omaha
- Lothlorien Grapefruit Juice, Ahuroa
- Puhoi Distillery
- Matakana Gin
- Matakana Winegrowers
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.
