Hawkes Bay Scenic Tours: Napier Wine, Beer & Cider Trip

Wine · Hastings

Napier, Wine, Beer & Cider Tour

Spend 5.5 hours immersing yourself in the rich beverage culture of Hawkes Bay. From vineyard walks and winery tastings to artisan ciders and craft ales, this tour offers an intimate taste of Napier’s finest drinks.

View experience
Duration5–5.5 hours
LocationHastings, Hawke's Bay
OperatorHawkes Bay Scenic Tours Ltd
Price shownFrom $184

Adventure brief

Napier, Wine, Beer & Cider Tour

Spend 5.5 hours immersing yourself in the rich beverage culture of Hawkes Bay. From vineyard walks and winery tastings to artisan ciders and craft ales, this tour offers an intimate taste of Napier’s finest drinks.

Hawke's Bay, on New Zealand’s eastern coast, is a premium destination for those who appreciate the craft behind exceptional beverages. This region is celebrated for its fertile soils and temperate maritime climate, producing some of the country's finest wines, ciders, and beers. Hawkes Bay Scenic Tours Ltd invites visitors to spend 5.5 hours uncovering the secrets behind these local flavors with their Napier, Wine, Beer & Cider Tour.

Starting from Napier, the tour covers handpicked stops at two standout Hawke's Bay wineries. Here, visitors dig into detailed, guided tastings that showcase the diverse profiles of New Zealand’s reds and whites. A highlight is the walk through a Chardonnay vineyard paired with an insider's view of the winemaking process—from vine to glass—offered at one of the stops.

This immersive experience is complemented by artisanal bread and dip, or a cheese platter option upon booking, grounding visitors in the region’s unique terroir. Beyond wine, the tour steers toward a cider house where participants select and savor three craft ciders, accentuating the local apple-growing tradition. The final destination is a local ale house, where a diverse lineup of beers awaits, inviting guests to try a range of brews in a relaxed setting.

Throughout the journey, the group travels comfortably in an air-conditioned minivan, with attentive hosts ensuring small group intimacy. Hawkes Bay Scenic Tours Ltd stands out as a connector between the land and the craft, offering access and insights unavailable to casual visitors. Their careful curation means this tour offers a balanced and authentic taste of Napier and Hawke's Bay beverage culture.

Visitors leave not only with palates enriched but also with a souvenir wine glass—a lasting keepsake from this memorable day of flavor and discovery. This tour fits naturally into Hawke's Bay’s thriving tourism scene, where outdoor enthusiasts and food lovers alike find a fulfilling blend of landscape and locality.

Adventure tips

Plan your experience.

Curated tips for an optimal adventure.

  1. 01
    Plan Your Pickup Location

    Confirm your Napier accommodation or meeting spot clearly since the tour includes free pickup within Napier.

    essential
  2. 02
    Pace Your Tastings

    With multiple tastings over 5.5 hours, drink responsibly to fully enjoy each stop and avoid early fatigue.

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  3. 03
    Bring Weather-Appropriate Clothing

    Wear layers suitable for changing outdoor conditions, especially for the vineyard walk portion.

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  4. 04
    Minimum Legal Drinking Age

    Participants must be 18 or older and carry valid ID for alcohol tastings under New Zealand law.

    essential
DifficultyEasy
Duration5–5.5 hours
FitnessSuitable for most fitness levels; includes some walking during vineyard tours
Technical skillsNone

Recommended gear

What to bring.

01

Comfortable Walking Shoes

Recommended for walking through vineyards and winery grounds with uneven surfaces.

Essential
02

Weather-Appropriate Layers

Prepare for changing temperatures and possible rain during outdoor portions.

spring|summer|fall|winterEssential
03

Reusable Water Bottle

Staying hydrated is important throughout the tasting tour.

Essential
04

Valid Government-Issued ID

Required by law to participate in alcoholic tastings.

Essential

Local insights

Context for the journey.

Hidden gems

Nearby secrets

Unmarked walking trails on the outskirts of vineyard properties, Small family-run cider orchards off the beaten path

Wildlife

Local fauna

New Zealand fantail birds often seen near vineyards, Possibly playful pukeko birds near local waterways

History

Historic heritage

Hawke's Bay has a long history of viticulture dating back to the late 19th century, making it one of New Zealand’s oldest wine regions.

Conservation

Mindful exploration

Local producers emphasize sustainable viticulture practices to preserve soil and water quality amid growing tourism.

Photography tips

Capture the moments

Viewpoints
Chardonnay vineyard aisles during the guided walk, Nearby rolling hills overlooking the wine estates, Ale house interiors featuring local artwork
Subjects
Lush vineyard landscapes, Close-ups of grape clusters and cider apples, Artisan drink pours and tasting presentations
Best times
Golden hour near vineyard rows, Late morning for crisp winery interiors, Afternoon light at the cider house

Frequently asked questions

Before you go.

Is transportation included in the tour?

Yes, the tour includes air-conditioned minivan transport with free pickup and drop-off within Napier.

Are children allowed on this tour?

Children must be accompanied by an adult, but only participants aged 18 or older may consume alcohol.

Can I request a cheese platter instead of the vineyard walk?

Yes, you may opt for a cheese platter when booking instead of the vineyard and winery walk experience.

Are the wineries visited always the same?

Wineries may change depending on season and availability, but all stops are carefully selected for quality.

Is this tour suitable for cruise ship passengers?

No, the tour is not available for cruise ship passengers due to timing constraints.

Will I get a souvenir from the tour?

Yes, each participant receives a souvenir wine glass to take home as a memento.

Hawkes Bay Scenic Tours Ltd

Hawkes Bay Scenic Tours: Napier Wine, Beer & Cider Trip