Here's an excursion that offers a little bit of everything you're looking for while on vacation-taking in the sights, mingling with the local artisans, and indulging in delicious food. From the pier, you'll head to the island's northwest to The Vineyard Cottages, a stunning countryside retreat set on 440 hectares (1,000 acres) in the verdant Waikoukou Valley. Once greeted by owner Elle Armon-Jones, you'll embark on a stroll, learn about the honey producers, cheesemongers, producers and providers of the island's innovative culinary treasures, and pick herbs from the vegetable patch. When hunger calls, you'll be treated to a tasting of three different wines and a lunch of locally sourced produce (including your freshly-picked herbs). But delicious food isn't the only thing that's being served up. Your next destination is Muriwai Beach, a popular surf spot and home to New Zealand's largest onshore gannet colony.