Napier: Winery + Gin Tasting Tour with Lunch Thu Fri Sat

If you’re heading to New Zealand’s North Island and have a soft spot for good wine and spirits, this Napier Winery + Gin Tasting Tour might just be the perfect way to spend a day. With a reputation that scores a near-perfect 4.9 out of 5 from 75 reviews, this tour offers a delightful blend of history, taste, and picturesque scenery.

We love that it combines an authentic tasting experience at some of the region’s most renowned estates, the opportunity to indulge in a gourmet lunch, and an insight into New Zealand’s long-standing wine traditions. The chance to sample local gin and rum, paired with stunning vineyard views, makes this tour stand out.

A possible consideration is the length and alcohol intake, which might be a lot for very light drinkers or those with certain health concerns. It’s ideally suited for wine and spirits lovers looking for a relaxed, educational, and delicious day out. If you enjoy small-group tours, tasty local food, and a well-paced journey through Hawke’s Bay’s best, this experience will suit you perfectly.

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Key Points

Historic Cellars & Vineyards: Visits to Mission Estate, the oldest winery in New Zealand, and Askerne Estate with a diverse selection of estate-grown wines.
Gourmet Lunch & Tastings: A delicious, generously portioned luncheon with wine, complemented by cheese and biscuits.
Spirit Sampling: Gin tastings at the National Distillery, housed in a beautifully restored Art Nouveau building.
Educational & Entertaining Guides: Knowledgeable hosts sharing deep insights into local wine-making and regional practices.
Value for Money: For $134, you get tastings, a meal, and expert guidance across multiple venues — excellent value considering the quality.
Flexible & Well-Organized: Tours run Thursday through Saturday, with an itinerary that balances structured visits and free time to explore.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

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The Morning Begins at Mission Estate

Your adventure kicks off at the historic Mission Estate Restaurant, established in 1851. The setting is truly special — the Old Mission House offers a grand Colonial atmosphere, perfect for a leisurely start. Expect a gourmet platter that includes cold meats, cheeses, fresh and dried fruits, breads, biscuits, and often hot seafood, paired with a glass of wine of your choice. It’s a hearty way to set the tone, and reviewers like Ann from the UK mention the delicious lunch and the perfectly timed start.

Following the meal, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive wine tasting at Mission Cellars. This is where you get into the nitty-gritty — learning about the history of the Mission House and the Marrist Order, who founded the estate back in 1851. The underground cellar tours are a highlight, with many guests like Jim from NZ noting the spectacular cellar exploration and the informative guides.

The Spirit of Napier: Gin & Rum

From the historic winery, your journey continues to the National Distillery, located in the iconic National Tobacco Building, an Art Nouveau masterpiece. Here, the focus shifts to spirits, with tastings of New Zealand gins and rum. The distillery’s unique setting and the fact that the guide often shares insights about the building’s architecture add a special charm. Reviewers such as Doreen from Germany mention the beautiful location and the distinctive spirit tasting.

It’s wise to note that during low season, gin tastings might not occur on Sundays, but alternative offerings like wine tasting at Church Road Winery are available instead. The distillery guide makes the experience memorable, often sharing little stories about the distillation process, which adds an authentic touch.

The Finale at Askerne Estate

The final stop is at Askerne Estate, a family-owned vineyard renowned for producing a diverse range of aromatic wines — more than a dozen varietals, in fact. The estate’s near-perfect viticultural setting means you’ll likely be enchanted by the lush scenery while sampling estate-grown bottles. Ross, your guide, will often offer a brief “in-vineyard” talk about regional grape-growing practices, a favorite detail among past guests.

Here, the tasting is generous and includes a complementary cheese board, which many reviewers like Sally from Australia describe as tasty and paired perfectly with the wines. The estate’s friendly, small-scale vibe means you get personalized attention, making the experience both relaxed and educational.

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The Return Journey

After savoring the final samples, your guide will transport you back to your starting point, typically between 5:30 pm and 6:00 pm. The overall pacing ensures you’re not rushed, allowing time to appreciate each location without feeling overwhelmed.

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What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Knowledgeable Guides: Ross, the primary guide, receives high praise for his friendly manner and wealth of knowledge. Reviewers like Nick from Australia mention how Ross “was fantastic, very informative and a very nice person.” His insights into the regional wine practices and the history of each estate elevate the experience beyond just tastings.

Authentic, Historic Settings: Visiting the old Mission House and underground cellar offers a tangible connection to the area’s past, making the wines and spirits feel more meaningful.

Quality Tasting Selections: Guests consistently note the excellent wines and spirits — from premium local gins to aromatic estate wines. The cheese and biscuit pairings at Askerne add a delightful, gourmet touch.

Value and Flexibility: For $134 per person, the tour includes all tastings, lunch, and transportation, making it a strong value. The tour runs on specific days, but the itinerary’s balance of guided visits and free exploration ensures a flexible and relaxed experience.

Practical Tips for Your Day Out

Bring comfortable shoes — you’ll spend some time walking around the estates and cellar areas. The tour is planned to be leisurely but smart footwear will make exploring easier.

Expect a fair amount of alcohol — reviewers have noted how the tastings are generous. If you’re not a big drinker or need to pace yourself, consider that the tour might be quite full-bodied.

Weather considerations: Since the tour runs regardless of weather, pack a rain jacket or sun protection depending on the forecast. The outdoor vineyard visits are particularly scenic in good weather, but the inside cellar and buildings offer shelter if needed.

Dietary requirements: With prior notice, special diets can be accommodated — just ask when booking to ensure your needs are met.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you love discovering local wines and spirits with a knowledgeable guide, this tour offers in-depth access and high-quality tastings in a relaxed setting. It’s especially suited for those interested in regional history, gourmet food, and small-group intimacy. The experience is perfect for couples, friends, or solo travelers wanting a well-rounded, educational day with excellent food and drink.

It’s less ideal for wheelchair users, given the nature of estate and cellar visits, but everyone else will find plenty to enjoy. Those seeking a full day of tasting and culture will leave satisfied and with a new appreciation for Hawke’s Bay’s winemaking heritage.

FAQ

Is transportation included? Yes, pickup and drop-off from your hotel lobby are included, with an air-conditioned vehicle provided for the entire journey.

How long does the tour last? The entire experience lasts approximately 5.5 hours, starting in the late morning and returning in the early evening.

Are tastings included in the price? Absolutely — all tasting fees, the gourmet luncheon, and the cheese and biscuit platter at Askerne are covered in the $134 fee.

Can I participate if I don’t drink alcohol? While tastings are a core part of the experience, non-drinkers or those avoiding alcohol can still enjoy the guided tours, the lunch, and the sightseeing.

What should I wear? Comfortable shoes are recommended. Depending on the weather, bring sun protection or rain gear.

Is the tour suitable during the off-season? Yes, the tour is confirmed to go ahead regardless of weather, though some activities like gin tastings may vary during low season.

This Napier wine and gin tour offers a beautifully balanced day of history, taste, and scenery. You’ll appreciate the story behind each estate, the quality of the wines and spirits, and the chance to indulge in a hearty, well-curated lunch.

It’s an ideal choice for those who want a relaxed, educational experience with a friendly guide, especially if tasting top local wines and spirits appeals to your palate. The combination of historic charm, authentic production sites, and delicious food makes it an authentic taste of Hawke’s Bay.

Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a curious beginner, this tour provides value, comfort, and plenty of memorable moments. Just be ready to enjoy a full-bodied day filled with exceptional flavors and engaging stories.