Do I have to purchase tickets in advance? Can I pay cash?
All tours must be booked in advance to make sure our suppliers are all ready and waiting for you. If you want to book within 24 hours of a tour email [email protected] to see if we can squeeze you in.
If a food tour is sold out, can I get on a waiting list?
If the tour is sold out we will quite often run a second tour, email us at [email protected] to see what we can do
Can I get a refund on my tickets or reschedule my tour after I purchase them?
Our tickets at The Big Foody Food Tours are non-refundable. We do our very best to reschedule your tour booking. If tours are canceled due to severe inclement weather or a dangerous situation such as tornados we will be glad to reschedule or refund the price of your tickets.
Do you run tours on Sundays?
Auckland: Yes we do!
Portland: The Portland Makers Tour runs every Wednesday through Friday. New tours coming soon that will be available Sundays, stay tuned!
How much food is served on the food tour?
We serve enough food that will be the equivalent of a small meal. You’re certainly not going to leave hungry! We do recommend you have a light breakfast before any morning tours as our tours are not designed to replace meals.
Is there beer, wine or alcohol tasting included on the tour?
Auckland: Yes in The Big Beer Tours, The Tastebud Tour, The Afternoon Tour & The Queen Street Food Tour.
Portland: Yes
Are any beverages served on the tour?
Water is available at each location we stop.
Portland: Otherwise, we will be tasting spirits, coffee and tea. If you require something without caffeine or alcohol please let us know when booking and we can accommodate you.
What types of foods are served on the tour?
Auckland: Food is provided from a variety of different eateries, markets and artisans throughout the city and the region. We also taste local ethnic cuisines and some true New Zealand staples. Please advise of any allergies when booking.
Portland: We sample a variety of different food and drink products that put Portland on the culinary map. From chocolate to coffee, cheese to charcuterie, there is something for everyone, but please do let us know if there are any allergy or diet restrictions during the booking process so we can make sure we can accommodate you.
What restaurants will we visit on the tour?
Our destinations change depending on the day and the tour. If you are planning a meal somewhere and don’t want to double up, please email us on [email protected] for more information.
Portland: During the tour we will also point out excellent restaurants where you can enjoy lunch or return to at a later time during your trip.
Can you provide options for dietary restrictions or allergies?
We do our very best to provide alternatives with enough notice. There are some tours that this may not be available. Please do email us with particular requests and we will see what we can do
Are there vegetarian options on the tour?
Yes
How much walking is involved? Is it a fast-paced tour?
All of our tours are very relaxed with a maximum of three kilometres (slightly less than 2 miles) of walking for the walking tours.
Does the tour end at the same place we begin?
No but we will be in the same area, nearby our starting point. All our guides will be able to advise you on how to return to your hotel.
Are bathrooms available during the tour?
Yes at every location we go to apart from two.
Do we only walk around and sample food?
Absolutely not – our tours combine architectural commentary, historical facts, local culture and culinary insights. We also meet some of the fabulous people who make this city so special.
Is it possible to request a different tour starting time?
With enough notice we try very hard to accommodate a special start time – please email us at [email protected] for assistance.
How do I get to the tour starting point from my cruise ship or hotel?
When you book your tour you will receive a very comprehensive description of how to get to us.
Auckland: We offer pick ups for certain tours and can arrange Airport and Port transport for you if you wish. Please email us at [email protected] for any further questions.
Portland: The Portland Makers Tour is easily accessed by public transportation from anywhere in Portland, or if you are staying at a downtown hotel, the distance is easily walked to from most.
When is the best time to take the tour?
Our tours are the perfect way to introduce you the city and the country, so we really recommend you consider taking one of our tours first to make sure you know all the other wonderful places to go and eat around the country and the city while you are here.
Do you cancel tours due to rain or other bad weather?
Very very rarely and if we have to cancel a walking tour because of the weather we will try and accommodate you into a driven experience. Please be advised this will only happen in very severe circumstances.
What do I need to bring on the tour?
Auckland: The weather in Auckland changes very quickly so we recommend you have a look on our website on the day of your tour for the weather conditions. A light jacket is always a good idea for any sporadic rain fall. Comfortable shoes are very important. And don’t forget your cameras! There are some lovely photo opportunities along the way.
Portland: Please keep up to date on weather conditions, tour runs rain or shine! Always dress comfortable for the weather with a waterproof jacket or umbrella for the rain and wear shoes that are comfortable to walk in. Don't miss an opportunity to photograph your experience or our beautiful city from some interesting vantage points and bring your phone or camera!
Are tours offered only in English?
Auckland: We can offer tours in Japanese, Mandarin, Cantonese, French, Spanish and English.
Portland: We can offer tours in English or Spanish at this time.
What is your late policy?
Auckland: We are at our first location for 15 mins which is just around the corner from the meeting point. This allows for stragglers to catch up. We can’t hold the tour up though, so please call our free phone number on 0800 366386 to find out where we have gone on to.
Portland: We meet at 10:30 am for introductions and tour information in front of Steve Smith Tea at 110 SE Washington St. By 10:30 we are doing our first tasting and are promptly off to our next stop by 11, we cannot hold up the tour because our businesses are expecting us and it is not fair to our other guests. If you are going to be late, please feel free to call +1 503 740 1209 to find out where we are and meet up with us.
Is the tour wheelchair and baby stroller accessible?
Auckland: Our Takapuna Food Tour is the most wheelchair friendly tour due to the flat nature of the terrain. Auckland is built on a number of volcanoes so is subsequently very hilly. Please email us at [email protected] and we will be happy to see what we can do to accommodate.
Portland: Please email us at [email protected] and we will be very happy to see how we can best accommodate you.
Are cameras allowed on the tour?
Yes of course!!! We love to see your pictures too, so send them through to us, or tag us on social media!
Can children participate on a food tour?
Of course and we love to host them. Children under three who are not having the tastings are invited to join us for free. Please be aware the tours are a minimum of three hours, so please consider carefully whether it is something your children would enjoy. Children’s tickets are available here.
Are gift certificates available?
Yes please go to our gift voucher page. Vouchers are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.
Can I book a private group tour?
Of course, please see our private tour page information here.
Does the tour leader accept gratuities?
If you had a wonderful time on our tour then of course gratuities are accepted, however they are never mandatory.
Can I shop during the tour?
Yes, there are opportunities to purchase from our host businesses on tours, and we’ll be happy to tell you when. There are also occasions when we just don’t have time, so please don’t be offended if we have to leave before you get a chance to spend some money, we highly encourage you to come back and purchase after the tour as well!
Are tours led by trained tour guides?
Our tours are led by passionate, trained tour guides.
Are tours suitable for people from Auckland and New Zealand?
Absolutely! You can never know enough about your own country and we have access to some of the most wonderful artisans and experiences you won’t necessarily have a chance to meet otherwise.
Do I need to purchase a ticket if I’m not eating?
Yes
I see a lot of text on this page but still can’t find the answer to my question?
Please email us at [email protected]
