Explore New Zealand's best vineyards by bike

Known for its stunning scenery and world-famous wine scene, it makes perfect sense to combine the two when visiting New Zealand. The New Zealand Cycle Trail System stretches over 1,739 miles (2,800 kilometers) across the North and South Islands, with many more trails along the way, making it easier than ever to get around the country on two wheels.

Rather than taking a driving tour, cycling from vineyard to vineyard allows you to soak up the area's natural beauty and gives you more flexibility with your itinerary. And you can experience these world-class wine regions in a more sustainable and environmentally friendly way.

central otago

Central Otago's wine region, particularly the beautiful Gibbston Valley, is also known as New Zealand's Pinot Noir capital. The valley is a stone's throw from the famous mountain town and sustainability hotspot Queenstown, making it easily accessible and perfect for a day trip.

This wine region is home to Valli, which won Best in Show at the 2022 Decanter World Wine Awards. Wild Irishman Alan Brady is known as the father of New Zealand Pinot Noir. Coal Pit's all-female, sustainably-minded team is a must-see for red wine lovers.

The Gibbston River Trail stretches 8.7 km (5.4 miles) along the Valley of Vines from the iconic Kawarau Suspension Bridge, known for its bungee experience. Rent a bike or electric bike at Around the Basin in Queenstown. They will drop you and your bike off at one end, pick you up at the other end, and take you back to town.

To make the most of your bike ride through the vineyards, check out the cellar door (also known as the tasting room) at Kinross. This small vineyard makes its own wines, but its tasting room is also home to Valli, Wild Irishman, Coal Pit, and Hawkshead, making it the only winemaker offering tastings from these winemakers. Cellar door. A pedal next door takes you to Mount Rosa, a family-owned vineyard with lawn games.

marlborough

If there's one region that is synonymous with New Zealand wine, it's Marlborough. Known as the home of Sauvignon Blanc, this popular wine region at the top of the South Island attracts thousands of visitors each year to its 168 wineries.

To explore this amazing wine region on two wheels, check out our aptly named bicycle wine tours. Family-owned and operated since 1999, we offer several tour options with and without a shuttle to help you make the most of your day.

Based in Renwick, with pick-up available from nearby Blenheim, Wine Tours by Motorcycle boasts 14 wineries within a 3-mile radius of the rental shop, including Hans Herzog Estate and Nautilus Estate. From there, it's about a 30-minute bike ride to the legendary Cloudy Bay. One of the best places to enjoy a self-guided wine and bike tour.

Waiheke Island

If you want to explore beautiful vineyards, artistic communities, and stunning beaches without leaving the Auckland area, hop on the ferry to Waiheke Island. The ferry takes just 35 minutes from downtown Auckland, and you can rent electric bikes at eRide Waiheke. Conveniently, eRide Waiheke is based within the Matiatia Ferry Terminal, making it easy to pre-book a tour or rent a bike on arrival.

Although the island is only about 32 square miles (82.9 square kilometers) in area, the island is still home to about 30 vineyards and wineries, including the popular Man O' War Vineyards, Mudbrick, Passage Rock, and Cable Bay Vineyards, which has an on-site restaurant. there is. Offers panoramic views. If you plan to visit Man O' War, on the east end of the island, be sure to allow plenty of time for your bike ride. The round trip distance is approximately 34 miles (55 km) over country and gravel roads.

For a more relaxing ride, choose the 5 Bays Ride through 'Winery Valley' and Waiheke's most beautiful beaches. It takes about 6 hours to experience the tasting, have lunch, soak in the refreshing water, and pedal back and forth.

hawkes bay

New Zealand's oldest wine region, Hawke's Bay is a must-see destination with over 90 vineyards within the area. One of the best things about this region is the variety of grape varieties. You can easily find vineyards growing Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Gris, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Sauvignon Blanc, and Viognier.

Explore the exclusive winery section of the Hawke's Bay Cycle Trail on a self-guided bike tour with local operator On Ya Bike Winery Tours. Choose from two different routes and visit 3 to 6 wineries in one day. Pass through the famous Gimblett Gravels region and the Bridge Pa Triangle, the Hawke's Bay wine region.

If you want to go even further on your bike, take advantage of the Hawke's Bay Trail, which covers 124 miles (200 km) of the entire region. If you're interested in a longer adventure, the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail is a five-day cycling tour through Hawke's Bay and nearby Marlborough.

gisborne

The Gisborne wine region is New Zealand's third largest wine region. Located on the east coast of the North Island, this primarily white wine region is also known for its excellent seafood and surfing scene.

Join Cycle Gisborne's private vineyard bike tour, visiting three vineyards and enjoying a delicious assortment of local cuisine along the way. If you like both grapes and grains, there's also the Great Taste Tour, where you sample local wine, beer, and cider while cycling approximately 10 km (6.2 miles).

Some of the best vineyards to check out include Bushmere Estate, which has a great restaurant, and Wright's Vineyard and Winery, which has some of the oldest vines in the area. This is a more compact wine region compared to some of the wine regions on this list, but it's well worth a visit, especially during the summer months when the East Coast sunshine shines.

(Related: How to plan the ultimate hiking adventure in New Zealand)