A delightful day out that’s full of surprises
If you go down to Matakana Coast today, you will be surprised by how much fun a mystery picnic adventure can be, writes Emilie Pullar.
Are you one those people who looks up a restaurant menu before you go? To the point that you have decided what you will have before you arrive?
That is me in a nutshell, but I take it one step further. I need to know what the restaurant looks like, where the parking is, and what the wine list is like. I am a huge researcher. I am one of those people who needs all the information.
So, going on a mystery picnic where I know nothing is as daunting as skydiving might be for most people.
Village Picnic is based in the beautiful Matakana region, a 50-minute drive from central Auckland. We were greeted by friendly owner Philippa Potaka, whose obvious passion and enthusiasm for local produce is such that she lights up when talking about the items we were putting in our picnic basket.
With freshly made coffees in our hands, she set us off with a map and clues for our day.
Without giving too much away, we spent the next five hours on a self-driven scavenger hunt, solving riddles to take us to our next destination.
A little brown envelope held the clues that would direct us to each stop. There was a mix of riddles to solve and even a crossword that gave you the business name of the next place. Don’t fear, the answers are there when you need them, but having to work out the clues is half the fun.
The stops were a combination of picking up picnic supplies, where we exchanged our clues for incredible local fare, and secluded spots on the Matakana Coast for some sightseeing and rest. It led us to places off the beaten track, and we could spend as much time as we wanted at each spot.
The only time constraint was getting to a winery for a wine tasting, but there was plenty of time and you could spend the whole day on this delightful quest.
There was a walk through native bush, an activity stop where we picked fresh flowers and, of course, plenty of spots where you could cool off with a swim.
The last clue leads you to the most idyllic and picturesque location where you enjoy the final picnic. All our hard work and clue-solving had paid off, and we could finally tuck into our loot. Gorgeous breads, cheese and meats with other goodies that I will not spoil – you will have to find out for yourself.
This really is an activity for everyone and would make a wonderful gift for loved ones, a proposal, a birthday surprise or even a corporate, Amazing Race-style competition.
Potaka can tailor the experience to suit any occasion and budget. We had the most fantastic day. The obsessive researcher in me had to relax, and I loved the fact someone else had made all the decisions.