Hawkes Bay Wine Tour: Explore NZ's Great Wine Capital

Before visiting the wineries, we’ll set the stage by taking you back in time to explore the heart of Napier, celebrated as the Art Deco Capital of the World. As we drive past beautifully preserved 1930s buildings, your guide will share captivating stories about the city’s dramatic rebirth after the 1931 earthquake, an event that reshaped not only the city but also the landscape of Hawke’s Bay’s wine-growing region. You’ll also learn how French missionaries first brought viticulture to the area in the early 1800s, establishing New Zealand’s very first winery right here in Hawkes Bay. Their pioneering efforts laid the foundation for what would become one of the country’s most renowned wine regions, now proudly recognized as a Great Wine Capital of the World.

We’ll visit three to four boutique wineries, each with its own unique story and character. There’s no rush — we take our time at every stop, giving you the chance to meet passionate winemakers, hear the stories behind their vineyards, and taste the wines that have earned Hawkes Bay international acclaim. This region isn’t just home to award-winning vintages — it’s the gateway of New Zealand’s wine industry, where tradition and innovation blend beautifully among the sun-soaked vineyards and stony soils of the Gimblett Gravels.