Your ticket includes hosted return transport from Havelock North, a walk across the farm and through native bush, welcome drinks, a generous multi-course feast cooked over live fire, a thoughtfully selected range of alcoholic and alcohol-free beverages, music throughout the gathering and the journey back to your waiting transport.

From the moment you meet us in town, everything is taken care of.

Allow approximately five to six hours from departure in Havelock North to your return.

The exact timing may vary with the season, but the experience generally begins in daylight and unfolds into the evening.

Your journey begins outside Porters Boutique Hotel in central Havelock North, where our friends at Mates Travel will collect the group for the hosted return transfer to Te Aratipi Station.

Transport is included in your ticket, allowing the experience to begin before you reach the farm—and everyone to relax and enjoy the evening.

Your confirmed meeting time and pickup details will be sent to you before the event. To protect the flow and safety of the experience, guests cannot drive directly to The Bush Table unless arranged with us in advance.

The journey begins with a leisurely 10–15 minute walk across farmland and through native bush.

The track follows natural, uneven ground and may be damp or slippery depending on the weather. Comfortable enclosed footwear with good grip is essential.

The Bush Table sits high in the Maraetōtara hills, approximately 500 metres above sea level, and the temperature can drop quickly once the sun disappears.

Dress for an evening outdoors, wear warm layers and bring a jacket—even when the forecast in town looks beautiful. Sturdy, enclosed walking shoes are strongly recommended. This is not the evening for heels.

The Bush Table goes ahead in most weather. Our dining shelter offers protection from the elements, and a cooler evening beside the fire can be part of the magic.

However, we are at the mercy of nature. If heavy rain, high winds or unsafe farm and track conditions mean the experience cannot proceed safely, we may adjust, postpone or cancel the gathering. Ticket holders will be contacted directly with the available options.

The Bush Table is set on a working sheep and beef farm, so naturally our menus celebrate quality farm-raised meat alongside seasonal Hawke’s Bay produce.

Our set menus are cooked over open fire in a remote bush setting by a small team of two chefs. Because of the nature of the menu and our shared preparation and cooking environment, we may not be able to accommodate every dietary requirement or allergy.

Please contact us before booking so we can understand your needs and discuss what may be possible. We would much rather have the conversation beforehand than disappoint you on the day.

Reaching The Bush Table involves walking across farmland and along natural bush tracks with uneven ground.

If you have mobility concerns or may require assistance, please contact us before booking. We will talk through the journey with you honestly and explore what may be possible.

Our public Bush Table gatherings are R18 unless an event is specifically advertised as family-friendly.

Children may be welcomed at selected private gatherings by prior arrangement. Please speak with us when planning your event.

Because each gathering has limited seats and is carefully planned in advance, tickets are non-refundable.

If you can no longer attend, you are welcome to transfer your booking to someone else. Please send us the new guest’s name and any dietary information before the event.

Yes. Subject to availability, you can extend your visit with a stay at Rabbiter’s Cottage or nearby at Limestone Ridge.

Accommodation is booked separately, so please enquire early if you would like to make a weekend of it.

We would love to hear from you. Please get in touch before booking if there is anything you would like to discuss.