Adventure brief
Beer, Wine, Cider and Gin Tour
Taste your way through Hawke’s Bay with Hawkes Bay Scenic Tours Ltd’s Beer, Wine, Cider and Gin Tour, a small-group outing featuring hand-picked stops and safe transport. Discover local beverages in an iconic New Zealand region known for its rich soils and craft traditions.
Hawkes Bay Scenic Tours Ltd offers an inviting journey through Hawke's Bay, New Zealand’s renowned food and wine region on their Beer, Wine, Cider and Gin Tour. Located in Hastings, this tour provides an exceptional way to taste the region’s best-crafted beverages while soaking in the distinctive landscapes of rolling vineyards and orchards that characterize Hawke's Bay. The tour is designed to cater to all beverage tastes, from beer and cider enthusiasts to those with a fondness for gin and wine.
Each carefully selected stop embraces local producers, offering guests a chance to sample a diversity of fresh, artisanal drinks. Whether it's the complexity of a handcrafted Pinot Noir or the crisp punch of a locally brewed cider, attendees get a full spectrum of the region’s beverage craftsmanship. What makes this experience stand out is the practical and safe transportation, ferrying small groups by air-conditioned minivan so you can truly relax and enjoy the tasting without worry.
Hastings and the greater Hawke's Bay area are blessed with fertile plains and distinctive microclimates, contributing to the rich flavors of the region’s beverages. The tour sheds light on how these natural factors influence production methods and the character of the drinks. Beyond the tastings, the tour introduces visitors to Hawke’s Bay’s vibrant cultural background, where pioneering winemakers and innovative craft brewers have built a reputation for quality and sustainability.
Guests can anticipate insightful commentary about local traditions alongside ample opportunity to savor the scenery. This 5 to 5.5-hour excursion offers an accessible, enjoyable entry point for beverage lovers wanting to engage with the region beyond its landscape. With small groups, welcoming hosts, and a focus on authentic flavors, Hawkes Bay Scenic Tours Ltd helps travelers connect with one of New Zealand’s treasured outdoor and culinary playgrounds.
Adventure tips
Plan your experience.
Curated tips for an optimal adventure.
- 01Plan for transportessential
This tour includes transportation, so enjoy tastings worry-free—leave driving to the guides.
- 02Bring valid IDessential
You'll need identification to participate in tastings as the legal drinking age in New Zealand is 18.
- 03Wear comfortable shoesinfo
Stops often involve a bit of walking on gravel or uneven surfaces—solid footwear is recommended.
- 04Arrive hydratedinfo
Stay hydrated throughout the tour to balance out alcohol tastings and keep energy up.
Recommended gear
What to bring.
Comfortable walking shoes
Ideal for walking between venues and on uneven surfaces during tastings.
EssentialLight jacket or layers
Weather can shift; layering ensures comfort throughout the day.
spring|fall|winterEssentialWater bottle
Stay hydrated between tastings to maintain energy and balance effects of alcohol.
EssentialPhoto camera or smartphone
Capture the scenic vineyards and moments from your tour.
Local insights
Context for the journey.
Nearby secrets
Secluded craft cider houses off the main tourist routes, Boutique gin distilleries featuring native botanicals
Local fauna
Local songbirds frequenting vineyard hedgerows, Occasional sightings of New Zealand fantails around tasting locations
Historic heritage
Hawke's Bay has a winemaking tradition dating back to the mid-19th century, growing steadily into one of New Zealand’s premium regions.
Mindful exploration
Many producers visited prioritize sustainable viticulture and minimal-impact brewing practices to protect the region’s unique ecosystem.
Photography tips
Capture the moments
- Viewpoints
- Vineyard rows with distant mountain backdrops, Distillery exteriors showcasing rustic architecture, Cellar doors bathed in natural light
- Subjects
- Rolling vineyard landscapes, Tasting glasses with vivid colors, Artisan labels and bottles
- Best times
- Late afternoon, Golden hour, Mid-morning
Frequently asked questions
Before you go.
Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes air-conditioned minivan transport between all tasting locations.
Can I participate if I don’t drink alcohol?
Tea and coffee are available at stops, making the tour welcoming to non-drinkers as well.
Are children allowed on the tour?
Children must be accompanied by an adult, but the minimum drinking age is 18—underage guests cannot participate in tastings.
How large are the tour groups?
Groups are kept small, with a maximum of 20 people to ensure a personal experience.
Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
Unfortunately, this tour is not wheelchair accessible due to terrain at some stops.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour proceeds rain or shine, with most tastings hosted indoors.