Which Napier Wine Tours To Choose? We Rank The 13 Best

Napier, on New Zealand’s North Island, is renowned for its Art Deco architecture, but it’s also a top destination for wine lovers. The region’s climate and soil produce some of the country’s most respected wines, especially in Hawke’s Bay. Whether you’re interested in a luxurious full-day tour, a small-group tasting, or a bike adventure along scenic trails, Napier offers options that suit every taste and schedule.

One of our favorites is the Top-Rated Hawke’s Bay Wine Tour – Small Group, which combines personalized attention with visits to up to four wineries, complete with cheese and snacks. It’s perfect for those who want a relaxed, insightful experience without the fuss of large crowds. For a more indulgent afternoon with gourmet food and chocolate, the Napier: Afternoon Wine Tasting + visit Silky Oaks Chocolates offers a taste of Hawke’s Bay’s best wines paired with treats. And if you’re seeking something active, the Napier: Cape Coast Winery Tour on Pedal or E-Bikes delivers a scenic bike ride to several wineries along the coast.

Quick Overview

Our list covers a variety of wine experiences in Napier: half-day small-group tours, full-day gourmet excursions with lunches, bike tours, and even combined wine and gin tastings. Prices range from about $67 for a bike tour to over $154 for a gourmet lunch and multiple tastings. All tours are appreciated for their personalized service and focus on local wines, often with included snacks or meals. Explore the detailed options below to find your perfect match.

1. Top-Rated Hawke’s Bay Wine Tour – Small Group

For around $111, this small-group tour offers a relaxed 4- to 5-hour experience with up to four winery visits, all tastings included. What makes this tour stand out is its personalized attention — limited to 11 guests — and the fact that it’s run by a company with over 20 years of experience in Hawke’s Bay. The tour includes snacks and a complimentary cheeseboard to enhance the wine tasting, and the transportation is door-to-door from Napier, Hastings, or Havelock North.

Guests consistently praise the relaxed pace and friendly guides, with reviewers noting the diversity of wineries visited — from small family-run spots to larger producers. One reviewer raved, “The wines were fantastic, and the guide was engaging and knowledgeable.” This tour is ideal for those seeking a personalized, hassle-free day with plenty of tastings and local tips.

Bottom Line: Perfect for small groups wanting an authentic, relaxed wine experience with excellent value.

2. Napier: Afternoon Wine Tasting + visit Silky Oaks Chocolates

At just over five hours, this afternoon tour is ideal if you want to taste Hawke’s Bay wines without a morning rush. Starting with a visit to the historic Mission Estate Winery, the oldest in New Zealand, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive tasting and the chance to explore the Mission House. Next, your guide will take you to four top wineries, with included wine, cheese, and biscuits—so no extra spending on the day.

A highlight is the stop at Silky Oak Chocolate Company, where you can indulge your sweet tooth. Guests appreciate the seamless door-to-door service and the small, intimate group that allows for engaging conversations. Reviewers comment on the generous tastings and the friendly guide, making this a very relaxed yet informative experience.

Bottom Line: A well-rounded, stress-free afternoon tour blending wine, chocolate, and scenic vineyard visits—great for those with limited time.

3. Premium 4 -Best Wineries Napier Hawke’s Bay Tour

At a similar five-and-a-half hours, this premium tour focuses on four top-quality wineries. Your guide takes you to the region’s best, including a boutique winery on Gimblett Gravels and a natural wine producer. The itinerary features optional vineyard walks, cheese platters, or pizza, providing a flexible, immersive experience.

Guests rave about the personalized service and the diversity of wineries—from historic estates to innovative producers. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making for stress-free logistics. Reviewers note the excellent wine quality and informative guides—one said, “It was a wonderful day with superb wines and friendly hosts.”

Bottom Line: Excellent choice for connoisseurs wanting access to premium wineries with expert guidance and comfort.

4. Napier: Afternoon Winery & Gin Tasting Tour Thu Fri Sat

This 4.5-hour tour is perfect if you’re interested in exploring both wine and gin. Starting at Art Nouveau’s National Tobacco Building, you’ll taste at two wineries, including the historic Mission Estate, and at a local gin distillery. The tour includes cheese and biscuits and a souvenir glass to remember your day.

The highlight is the gin tasting—a rare option in winery tours—paired with wine tastings in a relaxed setting. Reviewers appreciate the friendly guide and the variety of flavors you’ll sample. It’s suitable for travelers who want a balanced taste of local spirits and wines without taking a full day.

Bottom Line: An excellent choice for those who enjoy both wine and spirits, with a touch of history and local flavor.

5. Napier Gourmet Winery Luncheon + tastings at 3 Great Wineries

For about $154, this gourmet luncheon combines wine tastings at renowned wineries with a chef’s choice lunch platter. It’s a full-day experience lasting around six hours, offering visits to Mission Estate, Trinity Hill, Pask Winery, and Silky Oak Chocolates.

Guests love the well-curated food and wine pairings, especially the delicious lunch at Mission Estate and the variety of wines sampled. The tour is ideal for foodies who want to combine wine tasting with a gourmet meal, and the small-group setting makes it intimate and engaging.

Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting a leisurely, culinary-focused wine day with excellent food pairings.

6. Wine Tour and Tastings in Hawkes Bay

This 4-hour tour offers a relaxed exploration of Hawke’s Bay’s wine scene in a stylish restored 1970s Kombi Van. Visiting four wineries, including the oldest in New Zealand, the tour is noted for its charming vehicle and informative guide. Tastings are included, and the vibe is casual yet insightful.

Guests repeatedly praise the comfortable ride, the diverse wineries, and being able to sit back and enjoy without the hassle of driving. It’s suited for travelers who want to experience Hawke’s Bay in style while learning about its wine-making traditions.

Bottom Line: Best for lovers of vintage vehicles and a laid-back, scenic tour of Hawke’s Bay wineries.

7. Napier: Winery + Gin Tasting Tour with Lunch

This 5.5-hour tour combines a gourmet lunch at Mission Estate with visits to a local gin distillery and multiple wineries. It’s perfect for those who want a combination of food, spirits, and wine in a single day.

Guests appreciate the historic setting of Mission Estate and the informative gin tastings. The lunch at the restaurant is often highlighted as a memorable part of the experience, with some reviewers calling it “delicious” and “relaxing.” It’s suited for travelers looking to indulge and learn about New Zealand’s spirits and wines.

Bottom Line: An ideal choice for gourmets and spirit enthusiasts looking for a comprehensive experience.

8. Small group – Napier Premium Wineries+ Beer tour

For about $136, this combined wine and beer tour offers a multi-sensory experience. It visits three wineries plus a local brewery or ale house, with tastings of both wines and craft beers. The group is small, and the tour includes nibbles like cheese or platters.

Guests note that it’s perfect for those wanting to sample local craft beers and wines without the need to drive. The guide provides insight into both wine and brewing techniques, making it appealing to curious drinkers. Reviewers often highlight the diverse tasting options and friendly atmosphere.

Bottom Line: Great for travelers who want to explore both wine and craft beer in a small, convivial group.

9. Small group – Napier Premium Winery, Beer & Cider

This tour, costing around $121, focuses on a variety of regional drinks. You’ll visit two wineries, sample regional ales and ciders, and enjoy lunch with cheese platters or pizza. It’s perfect if you want to experience more than just wine.

Guests praise the friendly guide and delicious tastings, often mentioning the balanced itinerary and lunch options. The tour is suitable for those interested in exploring regional beverages and adds a fun twist to typical wine tours.

Bottom Line: Excellent for curious drinkers wanting a mix of wines, beers, and ciders in a small-group setting.

10. Napier: Cape Coast Winery Tour on Pedal or E-Bikes

For just $67, this bike tour combines outdoor activity with wine tasting. Riding along Tuki Tuki River trails and the Cape Kidnappers coastline, you’ll visit up to six wineries.

The tour is perfect for active travelers who want scenic views and a hands-on experience of Hawke’s Bay’s landscape. Reviewers highlight the fun of cycling combined with tasting, with many saying it’s a unique way to explore the region.

Bottom Line: Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a scenic, active way to enjoy Hawke’s Bay wines.

11. Deco Napier, Te Mata Peak, Garden Walk and Wine Tasting Tour

This 3-hour tour offers a quick, art deco-focused sightseeing experience coupled with wine tastings. It visits Te Mata Peak, Askerne Vineyards, and scenic Bluff Hill. It’s designed for cruise ship passengers and those short on time but wanting a taste of Napier’s architecture and scenery with some wine.

Guests praise the informative guide and the variety of highlights packed into a short time. Reviewers find it a good intro to Napier’s best features, especially if combined with other activities.

Bottom Line: Perfect for a short, scenic overview with wine tasting and art deco highlights.

12. Napier: Art-Deco + Te Mata Peak+ Garden Walk + Wine Tasting

This 3.5-hour tour emphasizes Napier’s Art Deco architecture along with Te Mata Peak views and wine tasting at Askerne Estate. The tour includes a garden walk, and the guide personalizes the experience with private gardens and views.

Guests comment on the informative nature of the guide and the well-paced itinerary. It’s suited for travelers who want a shorter, scenic experience that mixes culture, nature, and wine.

Bottom Line: A great introductory tour for visitors eager to see Napier’s architecture and enjoy a glass of local wine.

13. Small Group – Half-Day Hawke’s Bay Winery Tour

At just over five hours, this half-day tour is tailored for those staying in Napier who want a focused, quality experience. It includes visits to four wineries, with guided tastings and cheese. The small group ensures an intimate atmosphere, and hotel transfers are included.

Reviewers call it a “great value” and appreciate the personalized attention. The tour’s flexible itinerary and focus on food and wine pairing make it suitable for culinary travelers or those short on time.

Bottom Line: Best for travelers who want a compact, high-quality wine experience with food pairing and local insights.

How to Choose Your Napier Wine Tour

When selecting a wine tour, consider your budget, time, and interests. If you want a full-day adventure with gourmet food, the Gourmet Winery Luncheon is ideal. For those seeking small-group intimacy and personalized service, the Half-Day Small Group or Premium Wineries fit well.

Active travelers will love the Cape Coast Bike Tour, while short-time visitors might prefer the Art Deco & Wine tour. Budget-conscious travelers can opt for the Affordable Small Group, which offers a lot of value.

Booking early is recommended, especially in peak seasons, to secure your preferred date and tour style.

Final Thoughts

Napier’s wine scene is diverse and accessible, offering everything from luxury tastings to scenic bike rides. For those who prioritize personalized service, tours like the small-group Hawke’s Bay Wine Tour provide intimate experiences. If you love pairing wine with gourmet food, the Gourmet Luncheon is a perfect choice.

If outdoor activity appeals, the Cape Coast Bike Tour offers scenic trails and multiple tastings, making for a memorable day. No matter your preference, Napier’s wine tours promise a taste of New Zealand’s finest in a setting that’s both beautiful and welcoming. Book early to secure your spot — these experiences fill fast.