Brigid Ormond, owner-operator of Long Island Tours, has lived and farmed the land all her life. Her knowledge of the land and the relationships she has built up with the people make her the perfect person to plan your itinerary and create a tour that is perfect for you.

“Let me take you to the real Hawkes Bay. People and places that are unforgettable, extraordinarily beautiful, and have a fascinating history.”

The tours outlined are defined to make booking easier – they can easily be altered. Our main activities are listed below, however, we have many other alternatives. The more information we have about the customer the better their various interests can be satisfied.

Main activities include:
Maori Culture & Heritage • Wine & Food • Trout Fishing • River Kayaking • Artists in their studios • Farms • Gardens, Scenic & Bush Walks • 4 Wheel Drive Trek • Rafting & Hunting • Sea Jet Boating & Horse Treks. (Private tours can be arranged for any of these.)

The areas we cover: all of Hawke’s Bay including Central & Northern (Te Urewera National Park, Lake Waikaremona and Mahia Peninsula).

The Region of Hawkes Bay (Heretaunga) is on the east coast of the North Island. The local airport is at Napier (population 57,000), which is an Art Deco center. Napier is an hours flight or five hour drive from Auckland or Wellington and has a temperate Mediterranean style climate.

Hawke’s Bay is renowned for its fresh produce, numerous wineries with their fine vintages, sparkling beaches, great fishing, spectacular rivers and countryside.

Daily Scheduled Tours

Wine & Food, Sightseeing, History, Maori Culture and Artists

Half day HD01 This tour is not private
Start your day with a spiritually moving Powhiri (Maori welcome) on top of legendary Te Mata Peak (weather permitting). Talk with our Maori kaumatua, hear his stories and gain an understanding of things Maori. Gain a snapshot of Hawke's Bay - our food, our wines and our people. Meet food producers and taste their delicious products, taste our wonderful wines, visit fascinating artists and view their works. Explore stunning scenery. A platter lunch at a winery restaurant is included.

9am to 1.15 pm. Pick up and return to accommodation.
After the tour, if you wish we can deliver you to an overland Gannet tour or a Napier Art Deco walk.

Daily Maori Interactive Cultural Tour

HD02 This tour is not private
Guided by a Maori personality, spend time with the Ngati Kahungunu people and talk about their culture, hear their stories, myths and legends. Experience a welcome on to a Marae (powhiri) and visit their villages.
Duration: 3 hours

Private tours

Food & Wine Lovers Delight

Full day FD 01
Half day HD 03
This tour is private

Become absorbed into the world of wine – talk with the personalities who are passionate about crafting world class wines from our soils. Visit some of the best of our wineries and taste their special wines. A highly enjoyable, fun day. Guided by a wine specialist, this is a fantastic day for wine lovers. Our food growers are producing delicious products and you will taste samples on our travels.
Wine lovers on past tours have said this was their best ever winery tour!
Half day: light snack Full day: picnic lunch

Winery lunch is an extra

Best of the Bay

Full day FD 02 includes light snack
Half day HD 04 includes gourmet picnic lunch
This tour is private
Food & Wine, Art Deco, Artists in their Studios and Maori Culture.

An authentic New Zealand experience, meet our wonderful characters, hear their stories and have fun. Walk amongst the diverse collection of art deco buildings in Napier. We have fascinating artists working in their studios, spend time with interesting Maori, talk with wine specialists and sample our special wines, meet food producers and taste delicious foods, explore stunning coastal scenery. This tour is crafted for each client to follow their interests. It will take the client on a special journey to find the true essence of this beautiful country.

Alternatives: Gardens, walks, farms, horse treks, jet boating

Maori Culture & Heritage

Full day FD 04
Half day HD 05
This tour is private

Our Maori guides are extraordinary people, proud to share their culture and heritage. Experience spiritual welcome into the world of Maori. Talk with these remarkable people on their own land and become involved in their lives and villages. Enjoy their sense of fun, their natural musical ability, their connection with their land and their whakapapa (lineage).

They have fascinating stories which they love to share and these alongside the things that are important to them highlight the spirit of Maoridom.