Hawke's Bay Wine Country

Cycling

Cellar Door Cycling

Such is the ease of connection, you could argue that connecting as many Hawke's Bay cellar doors as possible was the driving force behind creating the Hawke's Bay Trails in 2012.

While that may not be entirely true, we're not here to argue - just to point you in the direction of some tasty drops!

We recommend that you choose a sub-region, or two adjacent sub-regions, to make the distances between stops more manageable. A good rule of thumb is to aim for no more than 3 or 4 cellar doors - remember to check opening times and whether you need to make an appointment.

Bridge Pa & Gimblett Gravels

These internationally-regarded sub-regions are superbly connected via a section of the Hawke's Bay Trails splendidly known as the Wineries Ride. You really are spoilt for choice, with Bridge Pa home to Abbey Estate, Alpha Domus, Ash Ridge, Oak Estate, Radburnd Cellars and Sileni Estates. Throw in Paritua, a short-but-worth-it ride on the road beyond the end of the trail, and you've got one heck of a line-up.

On the Gimblett Gravels side, Trinity Hill and Unison offer an compelling contrast of experiences that give you a taster of why this sub-region is in such high demand!

Havelock North

The Havelock North experience conveniently commences in the heart of the 'Village' with the urban cellar door of Smith & Sheth. Just a short ride east along Te Mata Road will bring you to the delights of Village Vineyards, Black Barn and Te Mata Estate. At the intersection with Te Mata Mangateretere Road, straight over towards the river stopbank cycle trail which offers a through-the-vineyard connection to Askerne, while a right onto the new Waimārama Road trails section will deliver you to Craggy Range.

Cape Coast

A cruise along the Cape Coast cellar doors can be reached by continuing on from the Havelock North cellar doors cycling along Tukituki Road; by cycling directly there from Havelock North; or transporting yourself to the start of the coastal section in Haumoana. However you choose to get there, you'll go a long way to try and better the collective cellar doors experience at Elephant Hill and Clearview Estate.

Napier

Home to New Zealand's oldest and third oldest wineries, Mission Estate and Church Road, Taradale holds considerable bragging rights - and it's an easy ride from Napier city and Ahuriri along dedicated cycle trails.

Extension to Puketapu

Take the scenic trail north west from Taradale alongside the Tutaekuri River, and with a short on-road section at the end you'll arrive at Shed530 Estate and it's newly-built cellar door and restaurant.

Extension to Awatoto

Between Awatoto and Taradale, also accessible via a short on-road section, is the boutique and sun-drenched courtyard of Brookfields Winery.

Extension to Bayview

The seaside ride to Crab Farm is particularly scenic, with its slightly elevated position providing stunning views across Hawke Bay. On the way back, take the inland route through farmland, and wetlands lush with wildlife.

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