Napier, with its stunning Art Deco architecture and lively waterfront, is more than just a pretty city. It’s a prime spot for drinking tours that let you savor the best of New Zealand’s wine, beer, and cider. What makes Napier stand out? Its rich variety of boutique wineries, historic vineyards, and craft breweries, all within easy reach. Whether you’re after a relaxed wine session or a craft-beer adventure, being able to tour in a small group means plenty of personal attention and expert insights. Plus, many tours include hotel pickup, so no need to worry about driving after tasting a few glasses.
One tour I particularly like is the Small group – Napier Premium Wineries+ Beer tour. It offers the chance to visit three different wineries, including historic ones like the Mission Estate, alongside a local ale house, all while enjoying cheese platters or nibbles. With a perfect 5.0 rating from 48 reviews, it’s a great way to experience Napier’s wine and craft beer scene without the hassle of driving. You get the chance to taste at some of New Zealand’s oldest wineries and even sample local beers, making it ideal for those wanting a comprehensive yet relaxed afternoon.
Here’s a quick overview of the best drinking tours in Napier—each with its own unique focus and charm. For those keen on wine, beer, and cider, the options below are well worth considering.
1. Small group – Napier Premium Wineries+ Beer tour
At number 1, this small group wine and beer tour hits the mark for its personalized approach and mix of historic wineries and craft beer stops. For about $137 per person, you’ll spend roughly 5.5 hours visiting three very different wineries, including the famous Mission Estate, established in 1851, and the Church Road Winery. The tour also includes a brewery or ale house, offering three glasses of beer for each person—so you get four stops in total.
What makes this tour stand out? The small-group format ensures you’ll get plenty of time to ask questions and learn about the region’s winemaking and brewing techniques. The guide’s deep knowledge about the area’s history, art deco architecture, and horticulture adds an educational layer to the experience. Reviewers consistently praise the guide’s friendliness and expertise, with many noting the private tour feel, even for groups of nine.
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Napier, making it convenient. The tasting venues range from boutique to large wineries, providing a nice variety. The inclusion of cheese boards and nibbles adds to the relaxed, tasting-focused atmosphere.
Bottom Line: For anyone wanting a comprehensive, small-group experience that blends history, wine, and beer, this tour offers excellent value and memorable moments.
2. Small group – Napier Premium Winery, Beer & Cider + 5.5h to 6h
At number 2, this wine, beer, and cider tour combines the best of Hawke’s Bay in a roughly 6-hour itinerary, for about $121 per person. It features guided tastings at two top wineries, including the oldest winery in New Zealand, dating back to 1851. This is a treat for those interested in history and traditional winemaking.
The tour also explores the region’s craft beer and cider scene, with a visit to either a brewery or ale house. Here, you can enjoy three full glasses of beer or cider from a selection of regional brews—no tiny tastings here. The experience is rounded out with a lunch option that includes cheese platters or pizzas, making it a proper afternoon out.
Guests consistently praise the tour for its friendly guides, rich regional insights, and the chance to taste a variety of drinks without rushing. The inclusion of hotel pickup and drop-off adds convenience, especially for visitors staying in Napier.
This tour suits those who want to explore multiple beverage types and enjoy a leisurely lunch amidst lush vineyard scenery. It’s ideal for couples, small groups, or anyone eager to learn about Hawke’s Bay’s diverse drink offerings.
Bottom Line: If you want a relaxed, info-packed day sampling wines, beers, and ciders with good food, this tour delivers excellent value and variety.
3. Small group – Beer, Wine, Cider and Gin Tour
Number 3 on our list is the Beer, Wine, Cider and Gin Tour, which offers a wide-ranging tasting experience in around 5½ hours. Priced at $137 per person, this tour is perfect for those who appreciate the diversity of craft beverages, including a visit to a local gin distillery.
The tour’s key appeal lies in its variety—visiting a handful of locations in and around Napier, including a brewery, a wine cellar, a cider house, and a gin distillery. The small-group setting ensures personalized service, and hotel pickup is included for easy logistics. The itinerary allows you to sample a range of drinks—wines, beers, ciders, and gins—making it well-suited to those with eclectic tastes or wanting a broad overview of local alcohol.
While the reviews are fewer (6), the consistently high ratings (5/5) reflect the quality of the experience and the engaging guide. The tour includes snacks and a souvenir, adding extra value.
This tour is best suited for adventurous drinkers eager to try multiple beverage types and learn about the local craft scene. It’s a good pick if you’re into spirits as well as wine and beer.
Bottom Line: For an all-in-one tasting day with a focus on craft spirits and small-group intimacy, this tour hits the right notes.
4. Napier Shore Excursion: Wine & Art Deco Tour
Last but not least, at number 4, the Napier Shore Excursion: Wine & Art Deco Tour is designed for cruise visitors eager to combine cultural discovery with wine tasting. For around $102 per person, you’ll enjoy a 4-hour tour that emphasizes the city’s unique Art Deco architecture along with visits to historic wineries.
This tour stands out for its focus on Napier’s Earthquake of 1931 and how it transformed the city into the Art Deco capital of the world. Your guide narrates this history as you explore landmarks, then visits the Mission Estate or Church Road Winery for tastings. The finale includes a visit to a lively Ale House, where you can sample three different beers.
Reviews highlight the engaging storytelling, the quality of wine and beer, and the opportunity to see Napier’s architecture and history in one trip. It’s perfect for travelers with limited time who want a balanced mix of culture and drinks.
Guests appreciate the ease of the cruise port transfer and the depth of local knowledge offered. The tour’s shorter duration makes it an ideal shore excursion for those wanting a quick yet fulfilling experience.
Bottom Line: For cruise visitors seeking a rich cultural experience combined with wine and beer tastings, this compact tour offers a memorable taste of Napier.
How to Choose the Best Drinking Tour in Napier
When selecting a tour, consider your interests and schedule. If you’re passionate about historic wineries and craft beer, the Premium Wineries + Beer tour offers a full afternoon of tasting and learning. For those who want a dive into all drink types—including gin—the Beer, Wine, Cider, and Gin Tour is perfect. Budget travelers and cruise passengers might prefer the Shore Excursion for its shorter, culturally focused experience.
Think about whether you want to include lunch or nibbles, and if you prefer small-group intimacy or a slightly larger group. For a detailed list of options, check out the small group wine and beer tour or the shore excursion.
Booking early is advisable, especially in peak season, as popular tours fill quickly. Also, consider any dietary restrictions—most tours provide food accompaniments, but it’s worth confirming.
Napier’s diverse drinking tours provide a perfect way to explore New Zealand’s craft beverage culture while enjoying the city’s stunning scenery and architecture. Whether you prefer to focus on wines, beers, or all craft drinks, there’s a tour suited for your style and schedule. For a memorable experience, book ahead and prepare to taste your way through this lively coastal city.