A perfect combination of an active holiday (cycling) with delicious local foodie treats and award winning wines. The flat terrain makes this an ideal outdoor activity for those who dislike cycling hills and valleys.
Idyllic farmland, orchards, quiet country towns with world class cafes nestled among the vineyards. A perfect day cycling the bylanes of the Hawkes Bay wine district is the perfect antidote to city blues.
ROUTE MAP
Napier to Mission Estate, Black Burn (lunch) & Craggy Range Vineyard
35 km, flat (one way)
DURATION: 35km
START: Napier / Hastings / Havelock North
FINISH: Napier / Hastings / Havelock North
BEST TIME TO GO: Summer January to March
Havelock North is a great place to stock up on delicious picnic snacks. Consider an extension to your route with a ride to Clive.
You will pass wineries, passing olive groves, orchards and pretty farmland along the way. Slipping under Black Bridge, the trail heads through the Waitangi Regional Park wetland before arriving into the village of Clive. Hawke’s Bay Trails.
WINE CYCLING TOUR
Savour some of Hawke’s Bay’s internationally renown wines and take in the stunning views along the way. Take a guided wine tour or download the Wine Trail Map and plan. If you don’t feel as though you have enough time that happens to lots of visitors simply extend your stay in Napier and mull over a return visit.
Pack a delicious deli lunch organised by your accommodation, pop out to the local nearby deli or simply wing it with the prospect of tempting treats along the way. Remember to pack reserves of water, sunscreen and clothing layers.
The Hawkes Bay with its temperate climate this is a year round day trip however check with wineries opening hours in the winter season.
Three wineries have been chosen. Mission (1851) is chosen for the experience of a vineyard, similar to Sevenhills in the Clare Valley established by pioneering French Missionaries.
The second choice is Black Barn due to the position of their bistro in the middle of the vineyard evoking a rustic charm coupled with an excellent lunch menu. Forget about the packed lunch. It’s all sorted.
The third winery is the well known Craggy Range Havelock North. A reputable vineyard and worth checking out their extensive cellar door.
MISSION ESTATE WINERY
Mission Estate Winery established in 1851 by pioneering French Missionaries is New Zealand’s oldest winery and the views over Napier city is spectacular. The building, its location and the atmosphere is evocative of the origins of the vineyard.
Eating lunch on the outdoor dining terrace is a highlight, wait staff are good at matching wine tasting to each dish selected. It really is a winery that is hard to leave.
BLACK BARN VINEYARDS
Black Barn Vineyards: Black Barn (Havelock North) is a boutique vineyard and their bistro is in the midst of the vineyard, with an emphasis on freshly grown Hawke’s Bay produce.
Recommended is the small bites menu to keep your energy levels up. Plan your trip around the Saturday growers market. Open from 9 till Noon every Saturday of summer just follow the line of cars down Black Barn Road to the carparks and you’ll see the market under the trees beside the underground cellars.
Of course if you’re staying in one of our properties, just grab your market bag and stroll through the vines.
CRAGGY RANGE
Cellar Door Craggy Range is an iconic brand nestled under the shadow of the spectacular Te Mata Peak in the premium wine growing area of Hawke’s Bay New Zealand. Craggy Range is a family owned winery established in 1998.
There is an excellent fine dining restaurant with views over water features and an established garden. For wintery days cosy up to the huge fireplace. There is also a heated pavilion.
TRANSPORT – BICYCLES
Takaro Trails, Day Tours operate self-guided cycle tours, mountain biking packages and bike hire from their Ahuriri base. Tours range in duration from a few hours to several days. Arrange with Takaro Trails to deposit e-bikes or manual bikes where you require them. For one way journeys arrange in advance a pick up time and place while booking your bikes.
DURATION: ALL DAY
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