Napier is often celebrated for its art deco architecture and stunning coastal scenery, but it’s also a real treat for wine lovers. The region’s warm climate, diverse soils, and proximity to renowned wineries make it an ideal spot for tasting some of New Zealand’s finest wines. Whether you prefer small-group experiences that feel personalized, or adventurous bike tours along scenic trails, Napier delivers options for all tastes and budgets. We especially love the Half Day Small-Group Hawkes Bay Wine Tour, which combines expert guidance with the freedom to sample plentiful wines without the worry of driving. Plus, the inclusion of a cheese platter makes for a true tasting treat.
If you’re after a more comprehensive day out, the Premium-Hawke’s Bay, Napier Winery Tour offers a deep dive into four distinct wineries—covering everything from the oldest winery to innovative boutique producers. For those interested in adding spirits to their tasting menu, the Napier Afternoon Winery & Gin Tasting is a top choice, especially if you enjoy discovering the nuances of gin along with wine. With so many options, you’ll find a tour suited to your schedule, interest, and pace.
1. Half Day Small-Group Hawkes Bay Wine Tour
At number 1, this small-group wine tour emphasizes personalized attention and relaxed exploration. Price at around $104 per person, it lasts about 4 to 5 hours and visits four renowned wineries in Hawke’s Bay. Your guide, Prinsy, is known for explaining winemaking in plain English, making complex jargon accessible. You’ll sample a variety of wines, enjoy a complimentary cheeseboard, and learn about different styles and regions with plenty of time for questions. Round-trip transfers from Napier, Hastings, or Havelock North make this tour convenient. Reviewers love the balance of scenery, wine, and friendly guides—”wonderful to meet winemakers and their families” is a common praise. This tour suits travelers who want a manageable, informative, and fun introduction to Hawke’s Bay wines.
Bottom Line: Perfect for small groups, wine novices, or those wanting a relaxed half-day experience with excellent local wines and cheese.
2. Napier Afternoon Winery & Gin Tasting
Number 2 on our list is the Afternoon Winery & Gin Tasting. For about $103, you get roughly 4.5 hours exploring Hawke’s Valley’s vineyards, with visits to the historic Mission Estate (NZ’s oldest winery) and Linden Estate, where you’ll enjoy a tasting at a picturesque setting with cheese and biscuits included. You’ll also visit the National Tobacco Building, now home to a boutique gin distillery, where you can sample 4-5 gins. This tour is limited to 13 people, ensuring a personal touch, and is ideal for those who appreciate both wine and spirits. Reviewers highlight the knowledgeable guide “Ross” and the chance to learn the secrets behind New Zealand wines and gins.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded afternoon tour for wine and gin lovers who want a small, intimate experience with scenic vineyard visits.
3. Premium-Hawke’s Bay, Napier Winery Tour
For around $113, the Premium Winery Tour offers an in-depth exploration of four distinct wineries. It lasts about 5.5 hours and features a mix of historic and innovative producers, including the third oldest winery in NZ and a boutique vineyard focusing on natural wines. Your guide will facilitate tastings and provide insights into wine-making from vineyard to glass. Guests rave about the personal attention and variety—they enjoy walking through Chardonnay vineyards or sampling premium wines in a French-styled cellar. This tour is perfect for serious wine enthusiasts wanting a small-group experience with plenty of questions answered.
Bottom Line: Best suited for passionate wine fans who want to explore a mix of old and new wineries with time for questions and relaxed tasting.
4. Napier: Afternoon Winery & Gin Tasting Tour Thu Fri Sat
At number 4, this Afternoon Winery & Gin Tasting combines visits to two esteemed wineries and a gin distillery, all within about 4.5 hours. It offers the option to pair tastings with cheese and biscuits, ending with a souvenir glass. This tour is ideal for those who want a variety of flavors in one afternoon, plus the chance to explore the historic Mission Estate. The small group size ensures personalized service. Travelers praise the opportunity to enjoy multiple tastings without rushing, making it perfect for casual wine and spirit enthusiasts alike.
Bottom Line: A nicely balanced tour for those wanting a diverse tasting experience in a compact timeframe.
5. Napier Gourmet Luncheon + Winery & Gin Taste
Number 5 offers a more indulgent experience, with a Gourmet Lunch and Tasting Tour priced at about $140. Over 5.5 hours, you’ll enjoy a chef’s platter at Mission Estate, wine tastings at two wineries, and a visit to the gin distillery. The included lunch features local cheeses, seafood bites, and fresh produce, making it ideal for foodies who also want to sample excellent wines. Reviewers love the generous food portions and the combination of wine, gin, and scenic vineyard surroundings. It suits travelers looking for a full sensory experience with a focus on local flavors.
Bottom Line: Best for those who want to combine culinary delights with premium wine and spirit tastings.
6. Wine Tour and Tastings in Hawkes Bay
For around $149, this comprehensive wine tour offers a full day exploring four wineries, with visits to historic and boutique vineyards. A highlight is traveling in a restored 1970s Kombi Van, adding a retro vibe to your experience. The tour includes tastings at each winery plus a scenic drive through the region’s lush landscapes. Reviewers praise the mix of scenery, knowledgeable guide, and the value of visiting a variety of wineries in one day.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers wanting a full-day, fun, and relaxed tour with a nostalgic twist and scenic views.
7. Napier: Winery + Gin Tasting Tour with Lunch
Number 7 combines a historic winery visit with a gin tasting and a gourmet lunch at Mission Estate. For around $134, this 5.5-hour experience is ideal for those who enjoy pairing food with wine and spirits. The tour visits renowned sites including NZ’s oldest winery and the iconic Art Nouveau National Tobacco Building. Reviewers appreciate the relaxed pace and the high-quality lunch, making it a well-rounded day out for lovers of fine wine and gin.
Bottom Line: A premium experience for those wanting a tasteful mix of history, wine, gin, and delicious food.
8. Small group – Napier, Wine and Beer Tour
This tour blends wine, beer, and local culture in a 5.5-hour experience. For $134, you visit three wineries—some of the oldest in NZ—and finish with three glasses of craft beer at a Napier ale house. The small-group setting ensures personalized interaction, and reviewers love the variety and storytelling. It’s perfect if you want to taste both wine and beer, with a cozy, informal atmosphere.
Bottom Line: Great for those who want a broader beverage experience including both wine and craft beers.
9. Small group – Napier, Wine, Beer & Cider Tour
Number 9 covers wine, beer, and cider over 5.5 hours for just over $134. It includes tastings at two wineries plus three glasses at a local brewery or cider house. This tour is particularly suited for those wanting a comprehensive tasting of local alcoholic beverages in a relaxed multi-drink setting, with a maximum of 15 participants ensuring personalized service.
Bottom Line: Ideal for beverage enthusiasts who want to explore Napier’s diverse local drinks in one relaxed tour.
10. Small Group – Half-Day Hawke’s Bay Winery Tour
At number 10, this half-day winery tour offers a taste of four top wineries for about $104. It emphasizes food and wine pairing, with a delicious platter lunch included. Lasting around five hours, it’s well-suited for travelers who want a manageable, intimate experience with plenty of tastings and in-depth explanations from a friendly guide.
Bottom Line: Perfect for visitors staying in Napier wanting a relaxed, gourmet-focused wine experience.
11. Napier: Cape Coast Winery Tour on Pedal or E-Bikes
Number 11 offers a different twist—self-guided cycling along scenic trails to visit up to six wineries. For $67, you can explore at your own pace, following the Tuki Tuki River and Cape Kidnappers coastline. The tour includes bike setup and guidance, making it a fun, active way to see the region’s wineries and landscapes. Reviewers highlight the friendly service and ease of the e-bike ride.
Bottom Line: Best for active travelers wanting a flexible, scenic bike tour with wine tasting along the way.
12. Deco Napier, Te Mata Peak, Garden Walk and Wine Tasting
This short 3-hour Art Deco and scenic tour offers a quick taste of Napier’s highlights, including Te Mata Peak, Art Deco architecture, and local wine and cheese. Priced at around $91, it’s perfect for cruise passengers or those short on time but eager to experience the essentials with a friendly guide.
Bottom Line: Great for a quick, scenic introduction to Napier’s culture and wines.
13. Napier: Art-Deco + Te Mata Peak+ Garden Walk + Wine Tasting
Number 13 offers a 3-hour exploration combining Art Deco architecture, Te Mata Peak views, and wine tasting. At about $87, this tour is ideal for travelers interested in combining cultural sights with wine in a small-group setting. Reviewers love the personal attention and scenic stops.
Bottom Line: Ideal for a quick cultural and scenic overview with excellent wine tasting.
14. Small group – Beer, Wine, Cider and Gin Tour
This 5.5-hour tour for just over $134 offers an all-in-one beverage experience. Visiting multiple wineries, a brewery, and a gin distillery, it’s perfect for those seeking variety. The small group ensures a personal touch, and reviews praise the diversity of tastings and friendly guides.
Bottom Line: Best for adventurous drinkers wanting to sample everything from wine to craft spirits in one day.
15. From Napier: Hawke’s Bay Small Group Wine Tour
Rounding out the list, this small group wine tour costs around $114 and lasts five hours. It features visits to acclaimed wineries with a focus on tasting award-winning wines and enjoying a cheese platter. It’s ideal for travelers wanting a relaxed, guided wine experience with a focus on quality.
Bottom Line: Perfect for lovers of fine wines seeking a relaxed, small-group setting in Hawke’s Bay.
How to Choose the Right Wine Tour for You
When selecting a wine tour in Napier, consider your budget, time constraints, and interests. If you want a quick, scenic overview, tours like the Deco Napier, Te Mata Peak, Garden Walk and Wine Tasting are perfect. For a deep dive into premium wines, the Premium-Hawke’s Bay, Napier Winery Tour delivers detailed tastings and behind-the-scenes insights. If spirits interest you, the Napier Afternoon Winery & Gin Tasting offers a nice mix, especially if you enjoy trying gins alongside wine.
Travelers on a budget or short on time might prefer the Small Group Half-Day Hawke’s Bay Winery Tour, while those seeking a full-day adventure might opt for the Wine Tour and Tastings in Hawkes Bay. Remember, booking early is wise, especially during peak seasons or if you want a specific experience like the bike or private tours.
The Sum Up
Napier offers a wide range of wine tours to suit different interests and schedules. Whether you prefer a small, intimate tasting experience, a full-day exploration of multiple wineries, or an active bike ride through scenic vineyards, you’ll find options that fit your style. For a classic introduction, the Half Day Small-Group Hawkes Bay Wine Tour is hard to beat, while those looking for variety might enjoy the Wine, Beer & Cider Tour.
Whatever your preference, these tours promise a delicious taste of Hawke’s Bay’s world-class wines and scenery. Be sure to book early to secure your spot in the most popular experiences, and enjoy discovering the region’s best bottles alongside its stunning landscapes.