Experience the Best of Hawke’s Bay with the Cape Coast Winery Tour on Pedal or E-Bikes
If you’re after a relaxed yet active way to explore the beautiful Hawke’s Bay region near Napier, this self-guided bike tour offers a perfect blend of scenery, local flavors, and outdoor fun. For $67 per person, you get six hours of leisurely riding, visits to up to six well-loved wineries, and plenty of opportunities to take in the stunning coastlines and lush farmland that make this area famous. Whether you prefer a regular bike or an electric bike (e-bike), this tour is designed for easy riding, making it accessible to most fitness levels and cycling confidence.
What we love most about this experience is how well it balances independent exploration with thoughtful organization. The route along the Tuki Tuki River trails and Cape Kidnappers coastline provides a mix of coastal breezes and green vineyard views, creating a truly scenic backdrop. Plus, the wineries included—like Clearview Estate, Elephant Hill, Te Mata Estate, Askerne, and Black Barn Winery—are some of the region’s top spots for tasting and enjoying local cuisine. The casual, friendly service from your hosts, who handle bike setup and give you clear instructions, makes all the difference.
One small consideration is that this tour isn’t guided in the traditional sense—you’re self-guided, so you’ll need to follow the provided maps and instructions. If you prefer a guided experience with a guide sharing stories and local insights throughout, this may feel a little less personal. Also, the tour doesn’t include hotel pickup or guide services, so you’ll need to arrange your own transport to the starting shop if you’re staying outside Ahuriri.
This tour suits travelers who enjoy independent days with a touch of adventure. It’s ideal if you appreciate flexibility, want to visit multiple wineries at your own pace, and love cycling in beautiful outdoor settings. If you’re a wine lover eager to sample Hawke’s Bay’s top vintages while enjoying the outdoors, this is a fantastic choice.
You can check availability for your dates here:Key Points
.jpg)
- Self-guided flexibility: You control your pace, making it ideal for a relaxed experience.
- Multiple winery visits: Up to six well-regarded wineries offer tastings and food options.
- Beautiful scenery: Coastline, river trails, vineyards, and orchards provide stunning views.
- All equipment provided: E-bikes or regular bikes, helmets, panniers, and route maps are included.
- Transport included: Shuttle transfers from the shop in Ahuriri to the start and from the last winery back.
- Great reviews: Overall rating of 4.7 out of 5, praised for friendliness, scenery, and wine.
In-Depth Look at the Hawke’s Bay Winery Bike Tour
.jpg)
Starting in the charming suburb of Ahuriri, the tour begins with a friendly meet-up at the shop where your hosts handle bike setup and give you a quick briefing. For those unfamiliar with the area, this is a smart move, ensuring you’re comfortable and ready to hit the trails. We particularly appreciate that shuttle transfers are included, saving hassle and ensuring you’re transported comfortably to the scenic start point at Cape Kidnappers.
The first part of the ride takes you along 4 km of stunning coastline, where the ocean breeze and crashing waves immediately set a laid-back tone. If you’re like us, you’ll love the casual cruise along this quiet stretch, soaking in the views of the rugged Cape Kidnappers cliffs. This coastal start is often highlighted as a favorite part of the ride, and many reviews note how peaceful and beautiful the scenery is. Jessica from New Zealand even mentioned celebrating her birthday with the “good friends” and “beautiful part of the world,” emphasizing how memorable this outdoor adventure can be.
Next, your first winery stops are Clearview Estate and Elephant Hill, both offering tastings and food options. We appreciate the fact that these wineries are well-regarded, with plenty of wine choices and friendly services. If you’re hungry, some wineries offer lunch options—or you can bring your own, as you’ll carry a pannier with essentials. Many travelers mention that these stops make for a relaxed experience, where you can truly savor the wines without feeling rushed.
After the wineries, you’ll pedal back on the coastal track to the Tuki Tuki River, where a 16 km limestone cycle trail awaits. This part of the ride offers a gentle yet visually stunning journey along the river, with views of orchards, vineyards, and farmland. The raised stop-bank trail is described as easy to follow and flat, making it accessible to most riders. Nadine from New Zealand praised how “Roger took great care of us,” noting how the guide’s warmth made the day enjoyable, even if you’re not a seasoned cyclist.
The midway stop at Askerne Winery provides a platter lunch, which many reviewers have enjoyed. Build-your-own platters paired with local wines make for a delightful break amid the vineyards. The flexibility to enjoy tastings and food at your own pace is a key feature appreciated by travelers.
From there, the route continues to Te Mata Estate, which boasts several Gold Medals for their wines, and finally to Black Barn Winery, renowned for its Fig Alley and fine dining bistro. The setting here is picturesque, and many comments highlight the high quality of the wines and the scenic surroundings. The tour concludes at 4 pm, with a shuttle back to Ahuriri, arriving around 4:30 pm, leaving plenty of time for a relaxed evening.
What Sets This Tour Apart?
The combination of scenic cycling routes, quality winery visits, and flexible timing creates a memorable experience. The self-guided aspect means you can spend more or less time at each stop, and the included equipment makes it easy even if you’re not a seasoned cyclist. The friendly and professional service, praised in reviews, helps ensure you feel safe and well looked after, especially if you’re not familiar with the area.
Who Will Love It?
If you enjoy independent exploration combined with some of the region’s best wineries, this tour is perfect. It’s especially suited for wine enthusiasts, outdoor lovers, or anyone wanting a relaxed day in beautiful surroundings. It’s also a good fit for travelers who appreciate easy cycling routes—most of the terrain is flat, and the bikes are suited for relaxed riding.
More Great Tours NearbyPractical Details and Tips
.jpg)
While the tour is designed to be straightforward, a few pointers can help you prepare. Bring sunscreen and water—the outdoor exposure can be substantial, especially on warmer days. Wear comfortable clothes suitable for cycling and possibly a hat. Since the tour doesn’t include hotel pickup, plan how you’ll get to the shop in Ahuriri before 10 am.
The price of $67 includes everything you need — bikes, helmets, panniers, route instructions, and transfers. Remember, if you want an e-bike, you’ll need to select that option beforehand or pay an additional NZD 40 if booking directly at the site.
The duration of six hours makes this a full but manageable day trip, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the scenery, tastings, and leisurely lunches. The most active part is the cycling itself, but it’s easy enough for most people, and the flat terrain keeps it comfortable.
The Sum Up
This Napier: Cape Coast Winery Tour on Pedal or E-Bikes offers a carefully curated taste of Hawke’s Bay’s outdoor beauty and renowned wine culture. The self-guided format allows flexibility, making it ideal for those who prefer to set their own pace. You’ll appreciate the quality wineries, stunning coastal views, and the friendly, well-organized service that many past travelers rave about.
It’s a perfect choice for wine lovers who enjoy outdoor activities, couples seeking a relaxed day out, or groups of friends celebrating a special occasion. With its excellent reviews and well-thought-out route, this tour strikes a fine balance between adventure, relaxation, and authentic regional flavor.
If you’re looking to experience Hawke’s Bay in a way that’s active yet laid-back, this tour will leave you with lasting memories—and perhaps a few new favorite wines. Just be sure to bring your camera, your appetite, and a sense of curiosity.
FAQ
.jpg)
Is this tour guided or self-guided?
It’s a self-guided tour, meaning you’ll follow route instructions and maps provided by your hosts, but there is no guide riding with you.
What type of bikes are included?
You can choose between a standard bike or an electric bike (e-bike). The e-bike option is available at an additional cost, which you should select when booking.
Are the routes suitable for all fitness levels?
Yes, most of the terrain is flat, and the routes are designed to be easy to follow, making them accessible for most riders, including those who aren’t avid cyclists.
What is included in the price?
Your fee covers bike or e-bike rental, helmets, panniers, maps, trail instructions, and transfers from the shop in Ahuriri to the start of the ride and from the last winery back.
Can I bring my own food or wine?
You are free to bring your own snacks or food, but most wineries offer tastings and food options for purchase. The tour is designed around enjoying local wines at each stop.
Is this tour suitable for children?
This tour is geared toward adults; it’s not specifically designed for children, and safety considerations suggest it’s best suited for those old enough to ride comfortably on flat terrain.
This detailed review should help you decide if this Napier winery bike tour fits your travel style—whether you’re a wine enthusiast, outdoor explorer, or simply seeking a memorable day in Hawke’s Bay.
You can check availability for your dates here: