Introduction: Exploring Hawke’s Bay by Bike
Imagine pedaling through sun-dappled vineyards, with the scent of wine grapes in the air, all while enjoying the gentle breeze on a comfortable hybrid bicycle. The Hastings: Bridge Pa/Gimblett Winery Tour on a Regular Bike offers just that—an accessible, laid-back way to explore some of New Zealand’s most renowned wine regions. For $38 per person, you get a self-guided experience lasting about five hours, starting from a scenic olive grove just moments from your first tasting stop.
What makes this tour particularly appealing is how easy it is to enjoy. The flat terrain and dedicated cycle trails make it suitable for most riders, and the flexibility to choose your itinerary means you can tailor your day to your pace. We especially loved the ability to visit three to five top wineries without the pressure of a group schedule, soaking in the countryside and tasting world-class wines along the way. One minor consideration might be that you’ll need to budget separately for tastings and lunches, but the overall value and relaxed vibe make this a standout choice.
This experience suits travelers who enjoy a casual day outdoors, want to sample some of New Zealand’s best wines, and prefer the freedom of a self-guided tour. It’s perfect for those who like cycling at a leisurely pace and want authentic access to the region’s vineyards without the fuss of a large tour group.
You can check availability for your dates here:Key Points
- Self-guided freedom: Create your own schedule and visit wineries at your pace.
- Accessible terrain: Flat cycle trails make for an easy ride, suitable for most.
- Quality wine stops: Visit 3-5 award-winning wineries in the region.
- All-inclusive setup: Bike, helmet, route map, and roadside assistance included.
- Additional costs: Tasting charges and lunches are extra, so plan accordingly.
- Convenient pickup: You can arrange to have your wine purchases collected from the office.
Discovering Hawke’s Bay on Two Wheels
When we first read about this tour, what caught our eye was how it offers a balanced blend of activity and relaxation. The bike hire is from 10 am to 5 pm, giving plenty of time to explore without feeling rushed. Plus, the self-guided nature means you can linger over tastings or snap photos without worrying about a group timetable.
Starting from the picturesque olive grove near Ash Ridge Winery sets a tranquil tone. From there, two routes are available—the Bridge Pa Triangle and the Gimblett Gravels—each with its own flavor. The longer 20 km route takes you through five wineries, ideal if you’re keen on a full-day adventure, while the shorter 12 km route focuses on the Gimblett Gravels and is perfect for a more relaxed experience or if you’re short on time.
The Itinerary in Detail: What to Expect
The Starting Point and Equipment
Your day begins in the charming setting of the Ash Ridge Winery vineyard, where you’ll be fitted with your hybrid bicycle and helmet. The staff provides a route map and a quick briefing on the wineries you’ll encounter. We found this initial setup straightforward, and it’s reassuring to have roadside assistance in case of a flat tire—minor but greatly appreciated.
More Great Tours NearbyThe Bridge Pa Triangle Route
This is the more extensive option, covering about 20 km over a flat, well-maintained trail—mostly on Hawke’s Bay Cycle Trails. The route visits five wineries: Ash Ridge Wines, Sileni Wines, Alpha Domus, Oak Estate, and Paritua Winery. Each has its unique charm:
- Ash Ridge Wines: Perfect to kick off your day, with a tasting to get you into the mood.
- Paritua Winery: The furthest point on the route, offering a good opportunity to pace yourself.
- Sileni Wines and Alpha Domus: Great spots to relax, learn about the wines, and enjoy the scenic surroundings.
- Oak Estate: Ideal for a leisurely lunch or a longer tasting session.
You can expect to spend about 4-6 hours in total, depending on how long you linger at each stop. The route is designed to be flexible, so if you prefer more time at a certain winery, you can.
The Gimblett Gravels Route (Weekends Only)
This shorter 12 km circuit is perfect if you prefer a lighter day or are pressed for time. Starting again with Ash Ridge Wines, you then head to Unison Vineyard, and on the return leg, visit Radburnd Cellars, Trinity Hill, and Oak Estate. This route is mainly on cycle trails, making it suitable for all abilities. Most travelers report completing it comfortably within 3-5 hours, including tastings.
Winery Tastings and Lunch Options
Most wineries charge between $10 and $20 per tasting, which is typical in New Zealand’s wine regions. We suggest budgeting for these if you want to sample the region’s finest varieties—some wineries like Sileni or Oak Estate might offer more extensive tastings or even food pairings.
Lunch options are available at Sileni or Oak Estate, which could be a good chance to relax, refuel, and enjoy the vineyard views. Alternatively, you might bring your own picnic, as the trails are peaceful and scenic.
Collecting Purchases and End of Day
If you buy wine during your visits, the tour provider can organize collection of your purchases, so you don’t need to carry bottles on your bike. You simply return the bikes at the end of the day to the starting point, feeling satisfied with a day well spent.
Authentic Insights from Travelers
One reviewer happily summed up the experience with a “so much fun” comment, highlighting the enjoyable pace and scenic setting. The flexible, self-guided nature was a big plus, giving them the freedom to explore without feeling rushed.
Another noted that the flat terrain made the ride accessible and enjoyable, even for those with limited cycling experience. They appreciated the well-maintained cycle trails and the convenience of the route map, which guided them smoothly from winery to winery.
While the tasting charges are not included in the base price, most find the added expense worthwhile for the quality of wines and the authentic experience.
Practical Tips for Your Day
- Bring comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing—the outdoor activity means you’ll want to be prepared for sun or rain.
- Pack water and sun lotion to stay hydrated and protected.
- Consider bringing cash or cards for tastings and lunches; some wineries might not accept cash only.
- If you’re a wine enthusiast, plan to budget extra for tastings and perhaps purchase a few bottles to take home.
- Remember, this is a cycling activity, so you should be comfortable riding a bike, and children under 18 or those unable to ride may not be suitable.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This bike tour is best suited for travelers who appreciate wine and outdoor activities but prefer a more relaxed, self-paced approach. It’s ideal if you want to see multiple wineries without a guide and enjoy the freedom to spend extra time at your favorite spots. The flat, well-marked trails and scenic countryside make it accessible for most riders, but it’s not meant for those seeking a high-intensity ride or cycling with small children or infants.
If you’re after a laid-back, authentic wine-tasting experience with the added bonus of exercise and fresh air, this tour hits the mark. It’s also a good choice if you want a cost-effective way to explore Hawke’s Bay’s celebrated wine regions without the constraints of a large-group tour.
Final Thoughts
The Hastings: Bridge Pa/Gimblett Winery Tour on a Regular Bike provides a friendly, flexible way to explore Hawke’s Bay’s renowned wine regions. You’ll love the ease of access and the opportunity to visit multiple award-winning wineries on your own schedule, all while cycling through beautiful countryside. The inclusion of quality bicycles, route maps, and roadside assistance makes it a practical and enjoyable choice.
While you’ll need to budget separately for tastings and possibly lunch, the overall experience offers excellent value for those seeking an engaging outdoor activity combined with wine tasting. It’s particularly suited for independent-minded travelers, couples, or small groups who like to combine gentle exercise with discovering local wines in a scenic setting.
If you’re looking for a relaxed, authentic way to taste Hawke’s Bay wines at your own pace, this self-guided bike tour could be just what you need.
FAQ
Do I need my own bike? No, the tour includes a hybrid bike and helmet.
Are the trails suitable for beginners? Yes, the routes are mostly on flat, dedicated cycle trails, making them accessible for most.
How long does the tour take? The full route typically takes between 4 to 6 hours; the shorter option is around 3 to 5 hours.
Are tastings included in the price? No, tasting charges are separate, usually between $10 and $20 per winery.
Can I bring my own food? While you can bring a picnic, some wineries like Sileni and Oak Estate offer on-site lunches.
Is it suitable for children? The activity is best for those who can ride a bike comfortably; children under 18 are not allowed.
What should I wear? Dress in comfortable clothes and shoes, and bring weather-appropriate gear and plenty of water.
What happens if I get a flat tire? The tour provides roadside assistance for issues like flat tires.
Can I pick up my wine purchases later? Yes, arrangements can be made for the collection of your wine from the office.
What’s the best time to do this? The tour operates year-round, but check weather conditions—it’s a rain or shine activity.
This self-guided bike tour offers a great way to combine wine exploration, outdoor activity, and personal flexibility in one of New Zealand’s most celebrated wine regions. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a relaxed wine lover, this experience provides a taste of Hawke’s Bay’s finest in a truly authentic setting.
You can check availability for your dates here: