NELSON WINE FIELD GUIDE
“Tuscany of NZ” Wine Tour: Rolling hills, olive groves and boutique wineries around Upper Moutere
A full-day, 7–8 hour guided shuttle-and-ride circuit through historic Upper Moutere that outlines route options, what’s included and the best cellar stops.
“Tuscany of NZ” Wine Tour: Rolling hills, olive groves and boutique wineries around Upper Moutere.
This full‑day outing delivers you by shuttle into Upper Moutere for 15–40 km of country‑road cycling amid rolling hills, olive groves, fruit orchards and historic settler buildings. Originally settled by German families in the 1850s, the area now supports a scattering of boutique wineries where tastings, platters and panoramic views punctuate a personalised route around the Moutere area.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Rolling hills, olive groves and orchard country
Upper Moutere’s gently folded terrain and pockets of olive groves and fruit orchards give the ride a Mediterranean‑leaning feel, with quiet country roads and expansive vineyard views.
Historic and boutique cellar doors
The tour is built around small, high‑quality cellars: Gravity, Heaphy, Moutere Hills and Neudorf are named favourites and ideal stops for fine wine, tasting platters and vistas.
Settler history, art and a storied local pub
Alongside cellar visits you can browse a historic Settler’s cottage, local art galleries or a Buddhist temple, then finish with a hearty meal or a pint at the Moutere Inn—New Zealand’s oldest pub.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
Your day begins with a shuttle drop into Upper Moutere, then a personalised cycling loop through vineyard lanes and hilltops, punctuated by cellar‑door stops for tastings and platters. Riders can add time to explore settler‑era buildings or galleries, book a fine dining sit‑down at Moutere Hills Restaurant, then catch the shuttle back to sunny Nelson with a few bottles in hand.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this day suits—and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bicycle, helmet, map and a briefing are provided; E‑bikes are recommended because the route includes significant hills.
A helmet and a route briefing are part of the offering; plan for country‑road riding and dress for changing weather and sun exposure.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The tour runs for approximately 7–8 hours.
How far will I cycle?
Typical ride distances are 15–40 km on country roads with rolling hills.
Is equipment provided?
A bicycle, helmet, map and a briefing are provided; E‑bikes are recommended due to the hills.
Where does the tour start and finish?
A shuttle delivers you into Upper Moutere to start the ride and returns you to Nelson at the end of the day.
Which wineries might we visit?
Among the operator’s favourite cellar doors are Gravity, Heaphy, Moutere Hills and Neudorf—these are common stops on the personalised route.
Is the cycling difficult?
Cycling is on hilly, country roads with little traffic; because of the terrain E‑bikes are recommended.