The Bush Table - The First Table

FAQs

• WHAT IS INCLUDED?

  For our public gatherings, your ticket includes hosted return transport from Havelock North, a guided walk across the farm and through native bush, fireside bites and a generous feast cooked over live fire, music from our DJ and a Can-Am journey back across the farm.

  Drinks are thoughtfully woven through the experience: a welcome drink at the Holding Pen, selected pours (including local beer) alongside the fireside bites, paired Hawke’s Bay wines at the table and a digestif to finish. Considered alcohol-free alternatives are available throughout.

  Beverages are hosted and served progressively as part of the gathering, rather than offered as unlimited service.

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

• HOW LONG IS THE EXPERIENCE?

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

  Exact meeting and return times vary between dates and seasons and will be confirmed before your gathering.

• HOW DO I GET TO THE BUSH TABLE?

  All guests travel together on our hosted return transport, operated by our friends at Mates Travel, from outside Porters Boutique Hotel in central Havelock North. This is included in your public-gathering ticket and allows the experience to begin before you reach the farm.

  Meeting times and final details will be sent before your gathering. To protect the flow and safety of the experience, guests cannot drive directly to The Bush Table unless arranged with us in advance.

• HOW MUCH WALKING IS INVOLVED?

  The journey begins with a leisurely 20-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.

• WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

  The Bush Table sits high in the Maraetōtara hills, approximately 500 metres above sea level, where conditions can change quickly and temperatures may be considerably cooler than in town.

  Dress for time spent 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 place for heels.

• WHAT HAPPENS IF THE WEATHER CHANGES?

  The Bush Table goes ahead in most weather. Our dining shelter offers protection from the elements, and a cooler day 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.

• CAN YOU ACCOMMODATE DIETARY REQUIREMENTS?

  Our seasonal menus are prepared over live fire in a remote bush setting by our small kitchen team. The Bush Table is part of a working sheep and beef farm, so locally farm-raised meat is naturally celebrated here.

  With advance notice, we may be able to accommodate vegetarian, gluten-free and nut-free requests. However, because food is prepared and cooked in a shared environment, we cannot guarantee an allergen-free experience or accommodate every complex dietary requirement.

  Please tell us about your needs when booking—or contact us before purchasing your ticket if you are unsure. We would much rather have the conversation beforehand than disappoint you on the day.

• IS THE BUSH TABLE ACCESSIBLE?

  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.

• CAN CHILDREN ATTEND?

  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.

• WHAT HAPPENS IF I NEED TO CANCEL?

  We understand that plans can change. If you cancel at least 14 days before the gathering, we will refund the ticket price, excluding any booking or processing fees.

  Within 14 days of the gathering, tickets are non-refundable because food, transport and staffing will already have been committed. However, you are welcome to transfer your ticket to someone else at no charge. Please send us the new guest’s name and any dietary information before the event.

  If The Bush Table cancels the gathering, ticket holders will receive a full refund, including the booking fee. If the gathering is postponed and you cannot attend the new date, you may request a full refund.

• CAN I STAY ON THE FARM?

  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.

• WHAT IS THE BUSH TABLE GUEST RISK ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

  The Bush Table is an outdoor dining experience on a working farm, reached by a guided walk through farmland and native bush. Please read this information before booking and contact us before purchasing if you need to discuss access, allergies or participation.

  OUTDOOR SETTING AND GUIDED WALK

  The experience includes uneven farm and bush tracks, roots, slopes and potentially wet or slippery ground. Depending on the season, parts of the experience or return journey may take place in lower light or after dark. Outdoor risks include changing weather, insects, falling branches or rocks, and proximity to live-fire cooking. We manage these risks but cannot remove every risk associated with an outdoor environment.

  Guests must wear sturdy, closed-toe footwear suitable for walking and bring warm layers and weather protection. Please remain with your guides and on designated routes, follow all reasonable safety instructions, and keep clear of cooking areas, fuel, restricted farm areas and marked hazards. Tell a host promptly if you feel unwell or require assistance.

  ACCESS AND HEALTH INFORMATION

  Please contact us before booking about any mobility or access needs so we can explain the route and discuss what may be possible. Do not assume vehicle access to the table will be available.

  Please advise us of any health information relevant to your safe participation and bring any prescribed medication you may require.

  FOOD ALLERGIES AND DIETARY REQUIREMENTS

  Tell us about all food allergies and dietary requirements before booking so we can confirm what may be accommodated. Some requests may not be possible in our remote live-fire cooking environment.

  We will discuss relevant allergen and cross-contact risks so you can make an informed decision. Please do not assume that a dish is safe without checking with your host, and reconfirm any agreed requirements when you arrive.

  ALCOHOL AND TRANSPORT

  Public Bush Table gatherings are for guests aged 18 and over. Please bring acceptable proof of age if requested.

  Alcohol service is subject to our licence, responsible-service requirements and host discretion. Guests must not drive while impaired and must follow all boarding and transport instructions. Please advise us in advance if alternative transport has been arranged.

  CHANGES FOR SAFETY

  We may modify, pause, postpone or cancel activities if conditions are unsafe. Guests who cannot participate safely or who disregard safety instructions may be asked to stop participating.

  Booking, cancellation and refund terms are provided separately; this acknowledgement does not replace those terms.

  YOUR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND RIGHTS

  By ticking the required acknowledgement during checkout, I confirm that I have read and understood this information, will follow reasonable safety instructions, and will contact the organisers about relevant access needs, health concerns, food allergies and dietary requirements.

  This is an acknowledgement of risks and guest responsibilities. It does not exclude or limit the operator’s statutory duties or any rights or remedies that cannot lawfully be excluded.

• STILL HAVE A QUESTION?

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