Discover the flavours of Nelson Tasman

ABOUT EPICUREANZ

The love of people, the landscapes, food, culture and expertly crafted beer & wine we share with our guests is the focus of EPICUREANZ unique private experiences.  Based in the Nelson Tasman region on New Zealand's northern South Island, the team at EPICUREANZ relishes the opportunity to immerse you in the culture, scenery and rich gastronomic lifestyle of the this abundant and tremendously scenic area.  Combining luxury overland touring with hiking, private ocean cruising and helicopter flights to otherwise inaccessible locations, we delight in sharing our region's hidden treasures with our guests.  Our tours celebrate authenticity in a convivial touring setting with well-connected, professional guides.

The owners of EPICUREANZ have been key members of New Zealand's tourism industry for over two decades and it's this experience and our significant heritage in this exquisite land that allows us to capitalize on our knowledge of the Greater Nelson Tasman region.  With deep connection to place and warm relationships with with the artisan food producers, wine makers, craft breweries, farmers and other local characters who call this diverse part of New Zealand home, the opportunities for our guests to gain real and meaningful exposure to our beautiful region are many and varied.  At the four corners of EPICUREANZ sit luxury, authenticity, spectacular landscapes and gastronomy.  At its centre are people.

EPICUREANZ FEATURED TOURS

Karen Pettit

Director/Guide

Karen has been a member of New Zealand's tourism industry since 1997.  She shares a huge depth of experience and skill with her guests and her passion for and knowledge of all things gastronomic is clear.  Along with the rest of the EPICUREANZ team, Karen is also an avid outdoors person and loves combining all things epicurean with the spectacular landscapes of the Nelson Tasman region.  Karen enjoys time in the hiking the hills and riding horses in the back country and when not riding horses and hiking, loves to bake.

Claire Pendlebury

Tour Curator/Guide

Since 2017, Claire has worked with Karen in delivering exemplary experiences to our guests.  Claire's commitment to excellence is unwavering and her ability to connect with our guests makes for a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere as you travel the backroads and coastal byways of our spectacular region of New Zealand.  At her core, Claire is an adventurer and spends her spare time, as well as some of her time with our guests, running, hiking and exploring the secret spaces and hidden places of this sublimely scenic part of New Zealand. 

Sandra Unwin

Office Goddess

Sandra has been a member of New Zealand's tourism industry since 2011.  Sandra's experience in the industry and her incredible eye for detail assures our guests of accuracy and reliability in the arrangements they plan with EPICUREANZ.  Sandra takes care of tour bookings, partner liaison with our restaurants, wineries and other operators involved in our day to day touring needs.  When not in the office, Sandra enjoys staying fit with long hikes and runs in the hills.  Sandra also enjoys baking and makes a mean chocolate brownie!

Patricia Pettit

Guide

Patricia has been hosting EPICUREANZ guests for many years and has a crucial advisory role in the business as Karen & Sandra's Mum!  Patricia's career in New Zealand's tourism industry commenced 30 years ago in Queenstown with a Milford Sound flightseeing operator before relocating to Nelson.  If you decide to book the 'Dinner at our Place' experience, you'll enjoy an evening at Patricia's home with its spectacular, sweeping views over the entire Tasman Bay.  Like all of our team, Patricia stays active and enjoys hiking, tennis and sailing.