Matakana River Tours and Heron's Flight

Overview

Running as part of month-long festival of arts, eats and beats, Elemental AKL, this river cruise experience will fill you up with oysters, wine and maritime information.

Cruise along the Glen Eden River aboard The Kotiti with oyster farmer and skipper Phil Morris and Mary Evans from Heron's Flight Winery. During the 90-minute voyage you'll learn how the river was once a vital transport route for local Māori and early Europeans. Then, Evans will share the aquaculture and viniculture behind her boutique vineyard as you enjoy a Heron's Flight wine tasting.

Presumably as someone else takes the wheel, Morris will give an account of what it's like to be an oyster farmer in Mahurangi, where oyster farming first began in New Zealand back in the 1960s. Learn how the sought-after delicacies are now in hot demand, as you knock back one-dozen half shells.

There will be a maximum of 20 people per sailing. To book your spot, email contact@heronsflight.co.nz.