Tickets
On Sale
Now!
Proudly catered by
Long white tables set beneath the trees, dressed by candlelight. Come in white, style your own table, bring your glass, and let the grove do the rest. For one night only.
The school grove, lit by candlelight and fairy lights as the sun drops behind the trees.
Inspired by Dîner en Blanc. Everyone in white, styling their own table, for a spectacle that only works when we all play our part.
Dinner under the stars, drinks flowing, live music and dancing, and a night given entirely to our kura.
Crafted by Pepper & Me
Dinner is a Pepper & Me Summer Picnic for Two: fresh baked ficelle, whipped feta with hot honey, that famous Green Goddess potato salad, a chicken, brie and cranberry salad, pork and apple sausage rolls, and something sweet to finish.
Upgrade to the VIP Summer Picnic Experience and it arrives in a Pepper & Me cooler bag you keep, with two bottles of wine, burrata, a summer antipasto selection and a few exclusive treats.
VIP experience limited to 50 guestsIn partnership with
Dinner in the Grove is proudly catered by Pepper & Me, the much-loved kitchen brand founded right here in Tauranga by chef Cherie Metcalfe. What began as a market stall is now a nationwide favourite, and their team is crafting every picnic for the night.
Their classics run right through the menu, from the whipped feta with hot honey to that famous Green Goddess potato salad. VIP guests even take home a jar of Green Goddess Mayo and the brand new Summer Salt.
From dusk till late
Samba to welcome you in, a live band and jazz through the evening, and dancing till midnight. A raffle and live auction on the night too.
Tickets
Tickets are sold in pairs, as each picnic is made for two. Choose standard or VIP, come dressed head to toe in white, and gather your group. Book early for the best price.
A seat at our long white tables, a Pepper & Me summer picnic for two, with live music and entertainment. Drinks from the bar. Early bird is $200 a pair for the first 80 places, then $250 a pair from 1 December.
ReservePremium seating and a deluxe Pepper & Me picnic for two, with burrata and antipasto, in a cooler bag that's yours to keep, plus two bottles of wine, a cocktail on arrival and a few extra treats.
Reserve VIPA booking fee is added at checkout ◆ Early bird ends 30 November ◆ R18 event, photo ID required.
On the night
Take part on the night, or add a donation when you book.
A purpose that grows our future
Dinner in the Grove is a fundraiser, first and last. This year we are raising funds for Stage 2 of our school landscaping: outdoor spaces where every child can learn, play and grow.
Our kura sits on land of real significance, overlooking the wetlands that once sustained Ngāi Tamarawaho. The project honours that history and that connection, for the tamariki who learn here today and those still to come.
Come in white. Leave having grown something.
Good to know
All white, cocktail style, head to toe. It is the heart of the evening, and the more effort everyone puts in, the more magical the grove looks. Think linen, whites and florals in white.
In the Dîner en Blanc tradition, guests come in white and style their own table. Your Pepper & Me picnic arrives with plates, napkins and cutlery, so all you need is your table styling, your best whites, and a wine glass or two. Full details come after you book.
Tickets are sold in pairs, as each picnic is made for two. Standard is $200 a pair ($100 each) early bird for the first 80 places or until 30 November, then $250 a pair. VIP is $400 a pair ($200 each): premium seating and a deluxe Pepper & Me picnic with burrata and antipasto in a cooler bag to keep, plus two bottles of wine and a cocktail on arrival. Only 50 VIP places.
The evening runs from 6pm to midnight. Arrive on the earlier side to set your table and catch the light through the grove.
We're going ahead rain or shine. If the weather turns, we'll move the evening inside to the school hall.
The Taumata School avocado grove, 145 Mortlake Heights, Pyes Pa, Tauranga 3112. This is an R18 event, so please bring photo ID. It's licensed with a bar on site and no BYO, so please plan a safe ride home.
We're on the grass, so comfy shoes are a good idea and bring a wrap for later. Seating isn't allocated, so come as a group and find your spot together. Photos and video may be taken on the night for Taumata School, so let our photographer know if you'd rather not be in them.
Tickets aren't refundable, but you're welcome to transfer them to someone else.
There's a licensed bar on site, EFTPOS only, with non-alcoholic drinks and water available too. No BYO.
Email us at dinnerinthegrove@gmail.com and we'll get back to you.