Australia & New Zealand Holidays is a subsidiary of the Travelcation Group
Australia and New Zealand are gastronomic goldmines—offering a wealth of unique dining experiences shaped by their equally breathtaking landscapes. The journey from earth to fork couldn’t be more seamless, with nature’s bounty sprinkling its magic onto every dish you try. From truffle hunting to open-fire seafood feasts, each culinary adventure invites you to savour the land, meet the makers, and indulge in incredible flavours. Read on to discover the tasty treasures that prove Australia and New Zealand don’t just offer a feast for the eyes, but for the palate as well!
From June to August, the forests of Western Australia produce one of the world’s most prized delicacies: black truffles. Hunt for your very own piece of black gold with the help of specially-trained dogs, then enjoy a multi-course truffle degustation by the fire, paired with the region’s finest Cabernet Sauvignon.
Stay at: Cape Lodge, Margaret River – An exclusive country house hotel set on its own private vineyard, Cape Lodge offers the ultimate ‘treat yourself’ trifecta of luxurious accommodations, fine dining, and private wine tours. Their award-winning restaurant is known for using local produce sourced directly from nearby farms—including truffles, of course—in their curated seasonal menus.
If wine only gets better with age, then you can’t get any better than Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand’s oldest wine region and the first stop on the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail, which boasts over 30 wine producers connected by 200km of flat, easy-riding cycle trails. Hailed as the 12th Great Wine Capital of the World, Hawke’s Bay is blessed with just the right mix of soils and microclimates needed to produce exceptional Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris, just to name a few. Enjoy an intimate leisurely lunch at a boutique winery, with dishes expertly crafted from the local harvest of the day, and wines poured fresh from the source. Go behind the scenes with a private tour and barrel tasting with a winemaker, where you’ll hear things through the grapevine—and learn the secrets and fascinating stories behind every bottle.
Stay at: Scenic Hotel Te Pania – A standout on Napier’s iconic waterfront, this contemporary hotel offers astounding panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean from its sleek, award-winning rooms. Savour the best of New Zealand’s seasonal flavours at The Curve, their on-site restaurant, where the local produce of the day take centre stage—whether you choose to dine indoors or alfresco with the sea breeze as your backdrop.
Bruny Island answers the age-old question of nature vs. nurture by proving it’s actually nature and nurture. Here, every bite and every breath you take comes straight from nature and right into your soul. Start your healing journey with a honey tasting from the island’s Ligurian bees, then follow it with a gourmet picnic of artisan cheeses, freshly-shucked oysters, and piping hot bread on your private slice of paradise.
Best way to experience it: Join the Bruny Island Traveller full-day tour from Hobart – This all-inclusive experience takes you straight to the island’s artisan producers, including Bruny Island Cheese Company, Bruny Island Honey, and Get Shucked, with a delicious lunch at Pennicott’s beachside restaurant overlooking Adventure Bay. Expect nothing less than premium Tasmanian fish and chips, and two glasses of your choice of local wine, beer, or cider—because every great adventure deserves a perfect pairing.
Can’t decide whether to embark on a one-of-a-kind trip by land, sea, or air? Why not do all three? Plus a food trip, of course! Set sail to this subtropical micro-region of 144 islands on a private boat for a true paddock-to-plate experience—gathering fresh crayfish, pāua (abalone), and green-lipped mussels straight from the source. Then, make a pit stop at a secluded bay, where a private chef awaits to transform your fresh catch into a flame-kissed feast over an open fire–which you can pair with a local Sauvignon Blanc. Cap off this foodie adventure by soaring over Cape Brett and the Hole in the Rock, and heading back down to earth and grounding yourself among the 50 metre, 2,000-year-old Kauri Trees that call the lush rainforest home.
Stay at: The Sanctuary, Bay of Islands – True to its name, this secluded luxury retreat is nestled within a private native bush reserve, home to one of the last untouched rainforests in the region. Designed to both showcase and blend harmoniously with its beautiful surroundings, its elegant yet understated interiors feature native timbers, expansive decks, and dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows–bringing the breathtaking beauty of the Bay of Islands right to your doorstep.
For an authentic bush tucker experience, there’s no better place than Kakadu National Park—where you can immerse yourself in ancient Indigenous traditions, storytelling, and cuisine. The Taste of Kakadu festival, running from the 23rd to the 25th of May 2025, calls on visitors to embark on a sensory journey through Indigenous food, culture, and history amidst one of the world’s most extraordinary landscapes.
Set within the World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park, this three-day celebration is much more than just your average food festival—it’s an invitation to experience the land through the eyes of its Traditional Owners. From a Yellow Water Cruise to guided tours of ancient rock art at Burrungkuy (Nourlangie), and hands-on lessons in pandanus weaving and traditional spear-making, every moment forges a connection with one of the world’s oldest living cultures.
Stay at: Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel, Jabiru, Northern Kakadu – A stay here is more than just accommodation—it’s an experience in itself. Uniquely shaped like a saltwater crocodile, this Indigenous-owned hotel is a true icon of Kakadu, offering the perfect base for exploring the region’s northern wonders, including Ubirr, Cahills Crossing, Bowali, and Arnhem Land.
After a day of adventure, continue your bush tucker journey at Manjmukmuk Restaurant & Bar, where you can savour locally inspired dishes featuring barramundi, buffalo, and kangaroo, paired with an extensive wine and bar menu.
Exclusive Access: Gain entry to private tours, VIP tastings, and chef’s tables through our exclusive insider connections, offering you experiences and packages you won’t be able to find on your own.
Tailored Itineraries: Make the most of your journey with a seamless blend of luxury accommodations, curated experiences, and effortless transfers, all meticulously designed to match your travel style.
Unmatched Service: From securing your bookings to ensuring a smooth journey home, your AUNZ Holidays Expert is with you, every step of the way.
From truffle hunts to vineyard lunches, these gourmet experiences cater to the ultimate gourmet traveller–serving up a full-course feast for the senses, as well as the soul. Contact your AUNZ Holidays Expert to start planning your luxury foodie escape.
If you’d rather chat, give one of our Travelcation Experts a call today to begin crafting your bespoke holiday experience.