Looking for a tour in wine country while you're in New Zealand. If you are looking for a variety of varietals you will not go wrong visiting Hawkes Bay. Marlborough by contrast has a dominant Sauvignon Blanc landscape and similarly Central Otago is Pinot Noir focussed. Make sure you have enough time to explore - one to two subregions within Hawkes Bay will be plenty for a days touring
With a winemaking history dating back to 1851 and a reputation for producing some of the country’s most acclaimed reds and whites, Hawke’s Bay is a region that rewards both the seasoned collector and the curious explorer. This blog will guide you through the region’s diverse terroirs—from the windswept coast of Te Awanga to the famed Gimblett Gravels and the hidden backcountry gems—while highlighting the essential winery lunches, vertical tastings, and wine clubs that will elevate your visit.
Hawke’s Bay is a tapestry of microclimates and soil types, each imparting a unique character to the wines. The region’s vineyards stretch from the Pacific coast at Te Awanga, across the sun-baked plains of the Ngatarawa Triangle and Gimblett Gravels, to the cooler, elevated reaches Havelock North and out across the plains to Central Hawkes Bay
Te Awanga & Coastal Vineyards: Perched along the Pacific, Te Awanga’s vineyards benefit from sea breezes and a long, temperate growing season. Here, the focus is on crisp, mineral-driven Chardonnays, lively Sauvignon Blancs, and aromatic Pinot Gris. The ocean’s influence lends these wines a vibrant acidity and freshness, making this a must-visit for lovers of elegant whites.
Moving inland, the alluvial soils of the Ngatarawa Triangle and Bridge Pa Triangle—rich in red metal deposits—are the backbone of Hawke’s Bay’s Merlot, Syrah, and Chardonnay. These areas are known for ripe fruit expression and velvety textures, with a cluster of boutique wineries offering intimate tasting experiences.
Gimblett Gravels:
Perhaps the region’s most iconic subregion, Gimblett Gravels is defined by its stony, heat-retaining soils. This terroir is ideal for Bordeaux blends (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot) and Syrah, producing wines with depth, complexity, and aging potential. The distinctiveness of Gimblett Gravels is internationally recognized, and many of Hawke’s Bay’s most collectible reds hail from here.
Further inland and at higher elevations, areas like Crownthorpe, Mangatahi Terraces, Dartmoor Valley, and Central Hawke’s Bay offer a cooler climate and siltier soils. These subregions excel in Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Gris, providing a counterpoint to the richer, more opulent wines of the plains.
Hawke’s Bay boasts over 70 cellar doors, many of which offer immersive tasting experiences, guided vineyard walks, and the chance to meet the passionate winemakers behind the labels. For the discerning visitor, private and custom tours are available, allowing for a tailored journey through the region’s finest estates and hidden gems.
Winery Tours Hawke’s Bay specializes in intimate, off-the-beaten-track tours, connecting guests with boutique producers in Hastings, Havelock North, and Napier. Expect personal service, insider stories, and the opportunity to taste limited-release wines not found elsewhere.
Many wineries offer vertical tastings—a rare chance to sample multiple vintages of the same wine, highlighting the influence of season and cellar on the finished product. These experiences are particularly rewarding in regions like Gimblett Gravels, where age-worthy reds reveal their complexity over time.
No wine tour is complete without indulging in the region’s renowned winery lunches. Hawke’s Bay’s cellar doors take pride in showcasing local produce, with menus designed to complement their wines.
Craggy Range Restaurant (Havelock North): Situated under the dramatic Te Mata Peak, Craggy Range’s restaurant is a destination in itself. Awarded “Winery Restaurant of the Year,” it offers seasonal Hawke’s Bay produce, artfully paired with their acclaimed wines. The setting—amongst the vines with views of the escarpment—makes for an unforgettable dining experience.
Church Road Winery (Taradale): The partnership with Orton’s brings an à la carte menu of locally sourced dishes, from generous platters to refined mains and desserts. Expert wine matches are curated by Chief Winemaker Chris Scott, and the restaurant’s garden setting is perfect for a leisurely lunch.
Other Notables: Black Barn Vineyards, Clearview Estate Winery, Crab Farm Winery, Elephant Hill, Mission Estate.
For those seeking a deeper dive, several wineries offer special vertical tastings and flagship experiences:
Church Road TOM Experience: This intimate, guided tasting explores both current and back vintages of the iconic TOM collection—wines only produced in exceptional years. Held in the atmospheric underground museum, the experience is paired with savoury bites and offers insight into the evolution of Hawke’s Bay’s most celebrated reds.
Legacy Experience at Church Road: Delve into the past, present, and future of Church Road with a tour of the barrel halls, caves, and historical cellars, culminating in an in-depth tasting of pre-release and library wines.
Craggy Range Wine Experiences: Guided estate and cellar tours, private tastings, and the chance to sample limited releases are available—ideal for collectors and serious enthusiasts.
To make the most of your visit—and to secure exclusive access to limited-release wines—consider joining a Hawke’s Bay winery club before you travel. Membership often includes:
Priority access to new releases and library vintages
Invitations to member-only tastings and events
Discounts on wine purchases and dining
Complimentary or discounted tastings at the cellar door
Many top wineries, including Craggy Range and Church Road, offer flexible wine club options that can be tailored to your preferences. Joining in advance allows you to plan your visit around member events or special tastings, and ensures a warm welcome at the cellar door.
While wine is the star, Hawke’s Bay offers much more for the discerning traveler:
Art Deco Napier: The region’s main city is famed for its Art Deco architecture, vibrant café scene, and waterfront promenade—a perfect base for exploring the vineyards.
Cycling the Wineries: Flat terrain and scenic trails make cycling between cellar doors a popular (and eco-friendly) choice.
Farmer’s Markets and Food Festivals: Hawke’s Bay’s temperate climate and fertile soils yield a bounty of fresh produce, celebrated in weekly markets and seasonal festivals.
Luxury Accommodation: From vineyard cottages at Craggy Range to boutique lodges nestled among the vines, the region offers a range of luxurious stays to complement your wine adventure.
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