🧺 Standard Mystery Picnic Matakana

A Mystery Picnic in Matakana is the perfect way to explore the region’s flavours, views, and hidden gems, all at your own pace.

A self-drive adventure through the breathtaking region of Matakana, blending local food discovery, riddle-solving fun, and gourmet indulgence. Perfect for couples, friends, or families looking for a day out with a twist! Allow a minimum of 3-4 hours.

⭐️ Standard Experience Highlights

Hot Beverage on Arrival

🧺 Gourmet Picnic: Base picnic provided and a few extra items are collected along the way from local food heroes.

🧩 Foodie Scavenger Hunt: Solve interactive riddles and clues to unlock each location.

🗺️ Explore the Matakana Coast Hidden Gems: Wind your way through seaside towns, country land, boutique stores, and local artisan producers.

📍 Scenic Final Picnic Spot: Relax and dine at a picturesque destination you uncover as part of the adventure.

🎯 Surprise Activities & Tastings along the way.

  1. Choose Your Date & Time
    Select your preferred date and starting time (between 9:00am and 12:00pm) from the calendar when booking.
    For groups of 6+ people, please contact us directly.
  2. Confirmation
    Once we receive your booking, you’ll get a confirmation email with all the details — including where to meet and what to bring.
  3. Starting Point
    Your experience begins at Village Picnic Headquarters in Warkworth where you’ll receive:
    • A regional map
    • Clues for your foodie scavenger hunt
    • Your base picnic pack (includes sliced meats, cheese, crackers & condiments – dietary requirements available on request please enquire)
  4. Collect & Discover
    You’ll explore a variety of local stops, using clues to uncover each location while gathering delicious treats to build your picnic. Along the way, you’ll pause to take in stunning scenery and enjoy fun, engaging activities.
    The route involves short walks and drives of up to 15–20 minutes between stops (subject to traffic).
  1. Duration: Approx. 3–4 hours (self-paced)
  2. Start Times: Between 9:00am and 12:00pm
  3. Available: 7 days a week (Closed on public holidays)
  4. Notice Required: Minimum 3 days’ notice to book
  5. Subject to availability – your date and time are not confirmed until you receive an official confirmation email.
  6. To check availability before booking, call 027 912 0710 (8am-6pm) or email mysterypicnicbookings@gmail.com
  1. Special dietary needs? Let us know when booking — we’ve got you covered.
  2. BYO drinks welcome
  3. Plates, napkins, and cutlery included (disposable).
  4. Picnic is held in all weather – rain, sun, or shine! (Bring appropriate clothing)
  5. Postponement policy:
    • Free with 3+ days’ notice
    • $50 fee if postponed within 48 hours
  6. Great for all fitness levels
  7. Dog-friendly! 🐶
  8. Bring:
    • Picnic blanket, Chilly bin/cooler, Sharp knife (Picnic Pack for hire includes all these items – cost can be added on at check out for $50 and $25 refunded on return).
    • Comfortable walking shoes
    • Weather-appropriate clothing (swim suit & towel or jacket & gloves depending on the season).

Book now

Standard Mystery Picnic: $350 for 2 people

  • Standard Extra Adults (16+): $150 each
  • Add Children (2-15): $100 each

Some other Picnic Options...

Customer Reviews

Gavin Gray Concepcion
Gavin Gray ConcepcionDec 2025
We’re so thankful we had the chance to try this amazing outdoor activity! It really takes a lot of planning and teamwork to make it happen, and we appreciate Philippa and all the friendly merchants around town.
Anna B
Anna BJan 2026
What a fun day out we had. We were quite impressed by it. Everything is well thought and organized. We were given quality products to eat and the clues were fun to find out.
Lee-Ann van Heerden
Lee-Ann van HeerdenNov 2025
What an amazing experience my partner and I had. It was an awesome day out and was quite romantic! We are relatively familiar with Matakana and were surprised to discover new places we did not know about.
Daniel Matene
Daniel MateneNov 2025
What an incredible experience! The Village Picnic wasn’t just a picnic it was a full-on adventure through Matakana’s best local produce. A beautiful scavenger-style hunt that led us from one hidden gem to the next each stop filled with amazing food, local makers, and the warmest hospitality.
Glenda Adams
Glenda AdamsNov 2025
Philippa welcomed us warmly and explained everything before sending us off with a gorgeous picnic, a set of clues, and a cup of coffee to start our adventure. We followed the clues, discovering wonderful local spots and collecting delicious treats along the way.