Napier is a fantastic place for drinking tours thanks to its rich variety of wineries, craft breweries, cideries, and even gin distilleries. What makes Napier especially appealing is its concentration of historic wineries like The Mission Estate, the oldest in New Zealand, and the region’s reputation for flavorful wines, craft beers, and artisanal spirits. Whether you’re a wine lover, a beer enthusiast, or a fan of local ciders and gins, Napier offers tours that deliver authentic tastes and stories behind each sip. For example, the Small Group – Napier, Wine and Beer Tour offers a seamless way to sample some of the best wines and craft beers without the hassle of driving, all while enjoying the company of a knowledgeable guide.
Another favorite is the Small Group – Napier, Wine, Beer & Cider Tour, which combines the region’s top wines with local ales and ciders, perfect if you want to explore the broad beverage landscape that Hawke’s Bay is known for. And for those who want a broader tasting experience, the Small Group – Beer, Wine, Cider and Gin Tour includes not just wines and beers but also a gin tasting, adding a spirited twist to your day. If you’re arriving on a cruise, the Napier Shore Excursion: Wine, Beer & Art Deco Tour offers a compact, informative overview that blends the city’s famous architecture with local tastings.
Below, I’ll walk you through each of these top-rated options, so you can decide which fits your taste and schedule best.
1. Small group – Napier, Wine and Beer Tour
At number 1, this Small Group – Napier, Wine and Beer Tour offers a relaxed afternoon exploring three distinct wineries plus a beloved local ale house, all in about 5.5 hours. This tour is ideal for those who want to experience Hawke’s Bay’s historic wineries—such as the Mission Estate, established in 1851, or Church Road, from 1897—along with tasting three glasses of craft beer at a Napier ale house in the Art Deco city center. The tour includes round-trip transportation, so you won’t need to worry about driving.
What makes this tour stand out is the small-group setting—limiting the group size enhances personal interaction and allows your guide to share detailed insights about wine-making and regional history. The wineries range from boutique producers to well-known brands, providing a comprehensive tasting experience. Past reviews rave about the knowledgeable guides like Tere and John, who share their extensive regional knowledge. Guests appreciate the personalized attention, and many note that the wine and beer quality exceeded expectations.
This tour is perfect if you want a relaxed, educational experience that combines tasting with cultural insights. The only potential downside is the limited duration—if you’re a serious enthusiast wanting more wineries, consider a longer day.
Bottom line: A perfect choice for small groups wanting in-depth tasting and local stories, all without the hassle of driving.
2. Small group – Napier, Wine, Beer & Cider Tour
At number 2, the Small Group – Napier, Wine, Beer & Cider Tour is your all-in-one beverage sampler. This 5.5-hour tour takes you to two prominent Hawke’s Bay wineries, including the oldest in New Zealand, where you’ll learn about the region’s wine heritage. But the real highlight is the diverse range of tastings—not just wine, but regional ales and ciders, too. The guide will take you comfortably around in a small-group setting, with hotel pickup and drop-off included, making logistics a breeze.
What makes this tour stand out is its variety—you’re not limited to just wine. Guests often mention the friendly guides and the opportunity to sample three drinks per stop, including craft beers and ciders, which are served in generous glasses. One reviewer called it “a great way to explore Hawke’s Bay’s drinks scene and learn about the region,” highlighting the mix of history and taste. Plus, a small souvenir is included, adding a nice touch.
Great for travelers wanting a comprehensive day of sampling with a focus on local beverages, this tour offers excellent value for its price. A potential downside: if you aren’t keen on ciders or beers, this might be a bit too broad.
Bottom line: Ideal for those who want a well-rounded taste of Hawke’s Bay’s wine, beer, and cider, with personal attention and a relaxed pace.
3. Small group – Beer, Wine, Cider and Gin Tour
Number 3 brings the spirited side of Napier to life with the Beer, Wine, Cider and Gin Tour. This 5.5-hour journey covers a broader spectrum of alcoholic beverages, including not only wines, beers, and ciders but also a local gin. The tour’s small-group format ensures a personalized experience, with comfortable transport around Napier and nearby spots.
One of the tour’s key attractions is the visit to multiple venues, where you can enjoy tasting a variety of drinks in different atmospheres. The guide provides insights into beyond wine and beer, sharing stories about local distilling traditions. Guests have praised the friendly and informative guides, with many mentioning how much they enjoyed sampling wines, beers, and gins in a relaxed setting. Tea and coffee options are available for those who prefer non-alcoholic drinks, making it inclusive for all.
This tour is particularly suitable for visitors who want a more diverse tasting experience and are open to discovering local spirits. The value is high considering the variety and the souvenir included. A potential drawback might be the longer duration if you prefer a quick tasting session.
Bottom line: Best for adventurous drinkers eager to explore the full range of Napier’s beverage offerings, especially spirits like gin.
4. Napier Shore Excursion: Wine, Beer & Art Deco Tour
Finally, the Napier Shore Excursion: Wine, Beer & Art Deco Tour is tailored for cruise passengers eager to combine history with tastings. This 4-hour tour takes you straight into Napier’s famous Art Deco architecture, with narrated insights into the 1931 earthquake that shaped the city. The highlight is visits to one historic winery—such as Mission Estate or Church Road—and a local Ale House for beer tastings.
What makes this tour appealing is its compact format—perfect if you’re short on time but still want to experience the city’s unique character and taste high-quality wines and beers. The guide’s narration offers a good balance of cultural context and beverage sampling, with reviews praising the friendly guides and the beautiful winery locations. You get to sample three glasses of wine or beer at each venue, making the most of your limited time.
This experience is ideal for cruise travelers wanting a taste of Napier’s art deco charm alongside local drink tastings. The main limitation is the shorter duration, which means fewer stops compared to longer tours.
Bottom line: A convenient, well-organized option for cruise visitors or anyone wanting a quick overview of Napier’s architecture and beverage scene.
How to Choose Your Perfect Drinking Tour
When selecting a drinking tour in Napier, consider your priorities: Are you after a deep dive into Hawke’s Bay’s wine heritage? Or do you want to explore craft beers and ciders alongside spirits? Budget and time also matter: the full-day tours like the Wine, Beer & Cider Tour offer more variety, while the shore excursion is perfect for a short visit.
If you’re passionate about history and architecture as well as tasting, the Art Deco Shore Tour provides a neat combo. For serious connoisseurs, the Small Group – Napier, Wine and Beer Tour offers detailed insights into vintage wineries and craft beers. Booking early is advised, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred date.
Final Thoughts
Napier’s drinking tours cover everything from historic wineries to craft breweries and even gin distilleries. The Small Group – Napier, Wine and Beer Tour and the Wine, Beer & Cider Tour stand out for their variety and depth, perfect if you want to learn about the region’s rich beverage culture. Meanwhile, the Beer, Wine, Cider and Gin Tour appeals to those eager to sample a broader range of spirits, and the Shore Excursion offers a quick taste of the city’s architectural and drinking highlights.
For most travelers, planning ahead and choosing a tour aligned with their interests ensures a memorable experience. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, a craft beer lover, or simply curious about the local flavors, Napier’s drinking tours promise enjoyable sips and stories worth sharing. Book your spot early and get ready to toast to New Zealand’s finest beverages.