What's Your Picnic Style?

Most epic picnic spots are found by chance, on the road from hither to thither, but every outdoor grazer has a picnic preference – what’s yours?

‘My hamper must have wine’ You need: VINEYARDS

Picnic amidst the vines at Waiheke Island’s oldest vineyard, Goldie Estate. The on-site deli provides wicker picnic baskets jam-packed with food and, for an additional cost, as much wine as you desire. Armed with picnic rugs, you’ll be given directions to a private picnic spot overlooking Putiki Bay. From north to south, you’ve no doubt locked lips with a drop of Cloudy Bay wine before. At their Marlborough vineyard, glass doors spill onto a patio with couches, wooden picnic tables and cushioned egg chairs hanging from the trees. Between December and April, you can upgrade your alfresco experience with oysters from Cloudy Bay’s seasonal oyster bar.

‘I like ease and convenience’ You need: CITY GARDENS

You needn’t lug your hamper far in Hamilton. The Lake Domain is within walking distance of the CBD. As well as the esplanade which encircles the lake, there is plenty of lawn and a dedicated picnic area. In Christchurch, garden-lovers are spoilt for choice. Hagley Park is the obvious go-to, but adjacent to this green mecca is Milbrook Reserve. Formerly part of architect Heathcote Helmore’s estate, it is now a quiet pocket of riverside and landscaped garden. In Invercargill’s Anderson Park, Sir Robert Anderson’s grand homestead remains a focal point. Featuring manicured grounds, sheltered picnic areas and rose gardens, it’s a lovely spot to roll out your rug.

‘I want to dip my toes as well as my chips’ You need: RIVERS

Puhoi sits 50 kilometres north of Auckland on the banks of Pūhoi River. Well regarded for its dairy produce, Pūhoi cheese will put your taste buds in a tizz. Stock up at Pūhoi General Store: your onestop shop for sandwiches, cheese, cakes and pies from award-winning Matakana Patisserie. Kaitoke Regional Park is 40 minutes outside of Wellington and the real location of Rivendell. There are numerous swimming holes along the Hutt and Pakuratahi rivers where you can combine quick dips with riverside picnics on the shingle.

‘I crave something special’ You need: LUXURY

Picnic on Mt Cardrona

© Cardrona Alpine Resort

Queenstown tour operators have lavishness down to a tee. High-end companies such as Black Label Experiences escort guests to a beautiful, secret waterfall in a private boat where a chef then prepares a gourmet lunch. Alternatively, concepts such as ‘Picnic on the Peak’ brings together a helicopter ride with a champagne picnic perched on an isolated Queenstown mountain top.

‘Bathe me in nature’ You need: FORESTS

Redwoods Forest, Rotorua

© Destination Rotorua

Hidden picnic benches litter the nooks of Whakarewarewa Forest in Rotorua, frequently dwarfed by Redwood trees and more-oftenthan-not stumbled across, not sought. Just 5 kilometres from Wellington’s CBD, Otari-Wilton’s Bush is a public forest dedicated solely to native plants. The picnic flat boasts a large forest-framed lawn and free barbecues. No car? No worries, a daily bus service links the city to this woodland. For a space you can spend all day at, the Pourakino Picnic Area in Longwood Forest is a large clearing approximately 50 minutes from Invercargill. There is also a wooded walking loop and swings hanging from the tree branches.

YOUR ‘PACK IT’ PICNIC LIST

Locally bought homemade produce from farmers’ markets, delis and stores

Chips and dips (Kiwi dip, obviously)

Fruit punnets: in summer you can PYO first

Paper serviettes and wet wipes

Insect-repellent candle

Plates and cutlery. Check out the gorgeous kiwiana inspired picnic ranges by Kiwi Collectionswww.kiwicollections.co.nz

Classic enamel camping mugs and a thermos.