Top Bay of Islands Cooking Classes

Sail the Bay of Islands on a working tall ship aboard the famed ‘R. Tucker Thompson,’ built in the tradition of a 100-year-old Northland schooner. Ply the waters of the pristine bay, where you can help hoist the sails, climb the rigging or simply relax on board, then swim while anchored in a sheltered bay in the maritime park. Enjoy morning tea and a barbecue lunch, with an optional complimentary ferry ride from Paihia to Russell, where your vessel departs.

Spend a day cruising through the Bay of Islands aboard a deluxe sailboat that sets sail from Russell. Your captain stops at a picturesque island where you have lunch, and time to snorkel, kayak, swim, and walk to a lookout point. Cruise over to The Black Rocks for photo ops of the volcanic formation, keep an eye out for marine life, and hear commentary from your captain about the region.

Enjoy a private and authentic cooking class, local market tour and home cooked meal with your host Anna. This is a wonderful opportunity for anyone looking to connect with local culture over food. The market tour involves Anna showing you the best vendors and talking to you about the local culture. Anna and her family live in a 140-year old Kauri villa that they are slowly renovating. The kitchen is the hub of their home and they have opened it up to make the most of its beautiful original character. Anna enjoys meeting new people and is looking forward to having fun sharing wholesome delicious food together with travelers to the area. After your cooking class you will join the family at the dining table or vine covered deck in the summer time, to enjoy the very meal you have cooked. You may have cooked a vegetarian or vegan barbecue or a meal influenced by middle-eastern, Italian, Asian or Mexican flavors. Dessert will include pudding, cake, tart or homemade ice cream.

Enjoy a unique opportunity to visit the home of a local and cook delicious vegetarian cuisine with this private cooking class. Step into the beautiful 140-year old villa of your host Anna and learn to cook a range of vegetarian dishes in her wonderful kitchen. After you have finished cooking, enjoy your meal alongside the family at either the dining table or, in summertime, on the vine-covered deck.