Lots of bits and bites perfect for picnics

Taking food outdoors makes it taste better - even if it's just into your own garden.

On a warm day, venturing slightly further outdoors than the deck is a rewarding experience - even better when the reason is a picnic.

A picnic doesn't have to be a day-trip that involves hours of driving and the previous night spent preparing exotic tarts. We're not talking about Nigella-style alfresco dining, but the sort of impromptu affair for busy people who grab an hour where they can.

So don't accept weak excuses for not going, such as "it looks like rain" or "I've got the breakfast dishes to do".

Keep a blanket and some mozzie repellant in the boot so you're not caught out. Then all you need do is to round up a few ingredients and make your way to a nearby spot.

Little and often is the key to good picnics.

We've asked four experts for their favourite spots within easy reach.

GEOFF SCOTT - chef and owner of Vinnies

Favourite picnic spot

At the moment it's Centennial Park, just off Marsden Ave. It's round the road from where I live. It's completely surrounded by residential properties and you can't drive up to it. It's like a little oasis at the back of Mt Eden. I also like Cornwall Park from my boyhood.

What to eat

A piece of smoked fish, a good dollop of mayonnaise, a lovely fresh baguette and a sliced tomato. I could certainly eat half a baguette by myself. The French favourite of shaved ham and gruyere doesn't do it for me anymore.

Alfresco tip

Go whenever you can. On a recent day the weather was so gorgeous and I was smoking snapper for a salad at the restaurant ... I grabbed an extra slice and we went there.

JACQUI DIXON - director of Sabato

Favourite picnic spot

The Domain because it's close, still relatively private, has lovely green grass and you can find a sunny spot with a view.

What to eat

I like jars of vegetables in olive oil. I'm fond of the Puma brand of artichokes. They're delicious spread on any loaf of good bread. Then some nice cheese and ripe tomatoes and a cheese knife and there's your picnic - you just shop, basically.

Alfresco tip

Ditch the chilly bin and use chill-bags instead. They take up less room and they don't rely on frozen pads to do the job.

JEREMY TURNER - maitre d' Cibo

Favourite picnic spot

Karaka Bay, near St Heliers. It's secluded. You can't drive to it. It's about a 10-minute walk from the car. It's all overhanging trees and about 400m of white sand. You can take your dog there and there's a view of Rangitoto Island.

What to eat

Anything fresh. It doesn't matter what it is, so long as it's fresh. And a bottle of rose.

Alfresco tip

Stemless wine glasses. You can put them on uneven ground. We use them at Cibo for rowdy parties as they're a lot harder to break. When you open a nice bottle of wine you don't want to be drinking it out of crusty old plastic glasses. And leave the cellphone at home - just turning it off isn't good enough.

JULIE LE CLERC - Viva food editor

Favourite picnic spot

Lack of time has made me a less intrepid picnicker than I used to be. My favourite spot is my own garden. Picnics can then be spontaneous and matters such as packing, transportation, rain and messy dishes aren't an issue. Abandoning dining formalities and taking food outdoors makes food taste better - even if it's just your own garden.

What to eat

The best picnic food is made up of bits and bites - antipasto-style food that can be nibbled over time. Good bread is a foundation for make-your-own sandwiches. I always pack a selection of flavoursome dips and spreads, prosciutto, pate, tasty relishes, marinated vegetables, goat's cheese, olives and vine-ripened tomatoes. And I really like iced tea on a hot day. My picnic would end with individual cakes or tarts or a favourite slice.

Alfresco tips

Save elaborate food for dinner parties. The sun is the enemy of picnic food, so chill it well and pack a cooler with food in the order that it will be eaten. Pack it as full as possible - food stays cooler longer. Pack a separate cooler for cold drinks because drink coolers tend to be opened more often. Don't be tempted to bring perishable leftovers home.