Hi, I’m Philippa – founder of Village Picnic, based in Matakana (and Queenstown, coming soon!).
I’m a food lover, experience creator, and passionate curator of joy, nature, and delicious local fare. Village Picnic was born from a simple yet beautiful idea: to showcase the very best of Aotearoa’s artisan producers and craft picnic experiences that leave lasting memories, starting in Matakana, and soon beyond.
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.
After earning a Bachelor of Hospitality Management from Auckland University, I spent over 20 years immersed in Sydney’s dynamic hospitality world, working in luxury hotels, award-winning restaurants, and co-owning The Bach Eatery in Newtown.
Eventually, the pull of home and the magic of Matakana, became too strong to resist. I returned to New Zealand with my young family and a head full of ideas, ready to combine my passion for food and hospitality with the charm and beauty of the place that gave me so many cherished bach-side memories.
Welcome to Village Picnic, where every basket tells a story, and every bite celebrates the best of New Zealand.
Village Picnic started in 2019 with a simple mission: to showcase the best artisan producers Matakana has to offer. During lockdown, our hampers traveled far and wide, landing on doorsteps across Aotearoa.
When outdoor gatherings returned, the Mystery Picnic and Pedal n Picnic experience was born: a self-drive, puzzle-filled adventure that ends in a thoughtfully packed picnic at a surprise location. It’s immersive, local, and leaves you full of memorable moments.
Our picnic adventures can be enjoyed to celebrate any occasion, think date night reimagined, family bonding activity, a group of friends who love to graze and gather or even a team building outing, like the Amazing Race!
A love for curating picnics led to the idea of curating a mobile charcuterie & cheese cart that brings the Village Picnic experience to weddings, corporate events, and special occasions across the region.
It’s also the perfect canvas for branded pop-ups, combining food and flair, with themed workshop events like Paint n Picnic or Pottery n Picnic.
We’re thrilled to announce that Village Picnic is coming to Queenstown this Spring! Nestled among the breathtaking landscapes of the South Island, this new chapter brings our signature food experiences to one of New Zealand’s most iconic destinations.
We’re proud to be collaborating with the incredibly talented Jade & Carla from The People Pleasers, who will be our local hosts—welcoming guests, curating memorable moments, and being the friendly faces behind the Queenstown experience.
Whether you’re a local explorer or a traveller from afar, Village Picnic Queenstown offers a fresh perspective on adventure. Not into bungy jumping or skydiving? No problem—we’ve got your kind of thrill: a foodie’s treasure hunt!
We can’t wait to welcome you to a new way of experiencing Queenstown—one bite at a time.
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.
We source from New Zealand’s finest makers and showcase only the best artisanal suppliers. Each offering and picnic experience is a love letter to local flavor. Here are some of the hand picked purveyors we love supporting:
Village Picnic is more than food. It’s a celebration of community, creativity, and the simple joy of grazing outdoors. Whether you’re exploring Matakana or winding through Queenstown’s alpine trails—come picnic with us.
Sustainability isn’t just a value—it’s part of the experience.
