Adventure brief
Great Escape
Cycle along Hawke's Bay’s stunning coast and wetlands with Napier City Bike Hire’s Great Escape. Sip top wines and enjoy local cuisine on this unforgettable 6-hour winery ride.
Hawke's Bay, perched on New Zealand’s eastern coast, offers a cycling adventure that pairs stunning natural scenery with world-class wines. Napier City Bike Hire’s Great Escape is a six-hour e-bike or pedal bike journey through this renowned wine region, taking riders deep into coastal wetlands, along estuary edges, and through the famed Tukituki River vineyards. Starting right from Napier’s Marine Parade, the ride sweeps you through vibrant wetlands around Clive and past the sculptural Atea A Rangi Star Compass, set against the backdrop of Te Mata Peak’s iconic silhouette.
This route reveals wide estuaries alive with birdlife, flax-lined paths, and sweeping ocean views shimmering under the coastal sun. As you cycle onward, the Tukituki River valley unfolds, bringing you to some of Hawke’s Bay’s celebrated wineries, including Black Barn and Village Vineyards. Each stop invites a pause for impeccable wine tastings and locally sourced cuisine, offering a delicious blend of flavors that echo the region's fertile soils and maritime climate.
Electric bikes make this journey accessible to riders of varied fitness levels, ensuring the coastal hills and vineyard routes stay enjoyable rather than taxing. The cycle culminates with a shuttle pick-up at Black Barn Winery, returning you comfortably to Napier. What sets Napier City Bike Hire apart is its seamless integration of outdoor adventure and gourmet indulgence.
The company’s local expertise and support—from well-maintained bikes to route maps and mechanical assistance—make it a standout experience for visitors eager to engage actively with Hawke's Bay’s unique landscape and produce. For visitors to New Zealand looking to combine active travel with fine wine and coastal panoramas, the Great Escape by Napier City Bike Hire offers an authentic, invigorating taste of what Hawke’s Bay has to offer.
Adventure tips
Plan your experience.
Curated tips for an optimal adventure.
- 01Book Winery Tastings in Advanceessential
Reserve your lunch and wine tastings ahead of time, especially on weekends, to ensure availability at popular cellar doors.
- 02Wear Sun Protectioninfo
Coastal sections have limited shade—bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect against strong UV exposure.
- 03Bring a Water Bottleessential
Stay hydrated throughout the 6-hour ride by carrying water, as some stops may have limited refreshment options besides wine.
- 04Check Weather Forecastwarning
Hawke's Bay weather can change quickly; plan your ride on a calm day to get the best experience along coastal and wetland paths.
Recommended gear
What to bring.
Helmet
Safety first—helmets are a must on all rides through varying terrain.
EssentialWater Bottle
Keep hydrated during the 6-hour ride, especially on sunny days.
EssentialSun Protection
Bring sunscreen and a wide-brim hat for sun-exposed coastal sections.
summerEssentialLight Rain Jacket
Prepare for sudden showers or wind along the coast with a compact rain shell.
spring|fall|winterLocal insights
Context for the journey.
Nearby secrets
Atea A Rangi Star Compass sculpture along the coast, Clive Coastal Wetlands rich with native bird species
Local fauna
Variable oystercatchers along the estuary, Kereru (New Zealand pigeon) in vineyard woodlands
Historic heritage
Hawke’s Bay’s wine region has roots dating back to the mid-19th century, blending Maori heritage with European viticulture traditions.
Mindful exploration
Efforts to protect the coastal wetlands around Clive focus on preserving native bird habitats and controlling invasive species, maintaining balance within this unique ecosystem.
Photography tips
Capture the moments
- Viewpoints
- Atea A Rangi Star Compass sculpture overlooking the coast, Te Mata Peak views across Tukituki River vineyards, Wetland edges near Clive during high tide
- Subjects
- coastal wetlands, vineyard rows, wildlife and local sculptures
- Best times
- Golden hour, late morning, early afternoon
Frequently asked questions
Before you go.
Can I choose between electric and regular bikes?
Yes, Napier City Bike Hire offers both electric and regular bikes to suit different fitness levels and preferences.
Are children allowed on the ride?
Riders as young as 140cm tall can join on appropriately sized bikes; those under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian.
What is included in the bike hire package?
Your booking includes the bike, helmet, lock, bag, detailed route maps, and mechanical assistance if needed.
How difficult is the route?
The ride is moderate in difficulty, with electric bikes available to assist riders over hills and longer distances.
Is transportation back to Napier provided?
Yes, a shuttle picks up riders at the final winery to return to Napier by late afternoon.
Do I need to book wineries ahead of time?
Booking wineries, especially for lunch and tastings, is highly recommended to secure spots, particularly on weekends.