Hawke's Bay Historic Wineries Tour - Featuring NZ oldest Winery
Overview
Available languages
3 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Step back in time on our Hawke’s Bay Historic Wineries Tour. Visit Mission Estate, NZ’s oldest winery, founded by French missionaries in 1851, and taste elegant wines while exploring the beautifully preserved building and cellar.
Drive through historic Taradale, lined with charming villas and early settler cottages that tell the story of Hawke’s Bay’s wine pioneers.
Next, we will visit Church Road Winery, est in 1897 by Tom McDonald, father of NZ’s fine reds.
To finish, we’ll take you up to Bluff Hill Lookout for sweeping views over Napier Port, the Pacific Ocean, and Napier’s Art Deco skyline.
Experience the heritage in every glass!
- Visit Mission Estate, NZ’s oldest winery
- Explore historic cellars and buildings
- Guided tastings of premium Hawke’s Bay wines
- Learn the region’s winemaking history
- Travel through scenic countryside
- Expert guide offering rich historical context
* To request Alternative start times or tour customisations
- Book on our Mates Travel website.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Service animals allowed
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Mission Estate Winery
Step back in time, this tour visits the remarkable Mission Estate New Zealands oldest vineyard & winery, established in 1851 by French missionaries. Learn the rich history and explore the historical buildings gaining insight into the pioneering spirit that helped shape Hawke’s Bay’s winemaking legacy—all while enjoying a tasting of the Estates expertly crafted wines.
Napier
Along the way, your guide will share stories of the land, the people, and the evolution of Hawke’s Bay as a world-class wine destination. As we journey through historic Taradale, you’ll see charming villas and early cottages that once housed vineyard workers who shaped the region’s winemaking story. Hear about the families and events that built Hawke’s Bay into New Zealand’s premier wine region.
Options
Hawke's Bay Historic Wineries Tour - Featuring NZ oldest Winery
Pickup included
What‘s Included
Private transportation
Bottled water
Alcoholic Beverages
Air-conditioned vehicle
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
6 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Napier and Hawke's Bay wineries tour
D7879LNjaneta,Apr 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide picked us up in Napier and told us about the earthquake that destroyed much of the town in 1931 causing it to be rebuilt in the Art Deco style of the time. He drove us to the Te Mata Estate Winery and the Craggy Range Winery for wine tastings, with a side trip to the top of Te Mata Peak. Although it was too cloudy to see the view, we did see the peak later on in the day when the sun came out. Both wineries had very knowledgeable representatives who explained the type of grapes grown by their vineyards and what kinds of wines were made there. Although we are not wine experts, we enjoyed our tastings and learned a lot!
Dave was informative and...
Martyn K,Mar 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Dave was informative and good value. Knowledgeable Craggy was a fabulous location and set up. Also great at making tea for my wife who doesn’t drink wine and was suffering from a cold. Thanks Dave
Wine tour of Napier
Claire S,Mar 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Fabulous Dave was an excellent guide he gave some excellent information about Napier And answered all our questions a great tour thank you!
Awesome tour
Bruce A,Jan 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Booked as a private tour. Just the 2 of us. We had full control over itinerary and timing. Our guide Dave with Mates Travel was outstanding. Welcoming, knowledgeable, friendly and flexible. Ask for Dave on this tour. He’s great!
😆 Tour
Grace R,Jan 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent guide, great knowledgeable tour of the area. Would recommend to all. Wine tour very good. Some nice wines
Personalised experience.
Inspire13592815000,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic day with Mates Travel. 10/10 would book again. Incredible guide. We had a great day trying multiple wineries.
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