About this tour
When Jake from our team ran the Craggy Range Deluxe Wine Tour, we got the full private experience across Hawke's Bay's standout spots. The day starts at Craggy Range itself—a striking winery tucked beneath Te Mata Peak—where you'll taste their wines, dig into a platter, and peek behind the cellar doors. Then it's up to the peak's summit for proper sweeping views across the plains to the coast. You'll finish at a second boutique winery (often Te Mata Estate) for a final tasting. It's four hours of scenery, wine, and a bit of legwork, in your own transport with a guide steering the experience.
Highlights
- Craggy Range's underground cellar and fermentation room access—proper winemaking theatre
- Te Mata Peak summit views: Heretaunga Plains sprawling to the coastline
- Private transport and small-group intimacy—guide knows your name and pace
- Paired platter at Craggy Range, then second boutique winery tasting
- Architecturally striking winery setting nestled under the peak
- Behind-the-scenes winemaking chat without the crowded tour-group feel
- Four hours packed tight—no filler, all highlight
What to expect
You'll kick off at Craggy Range, where the winery itself is worth the visit—modern architecture, proper views, and a guide who walks you through their philosophy before settling into a tasting. The platter appears mid-tasting, so you're not rushing through on an empty stomach. Then comes the cellar tour—it's cool (literally), a bit technical, and feels like actual insider access rather than a roped-off viewing platform.
After Craggy Range, you're heading uphill to Te Mata Peak. It's a drive to the top, not a gruelling hike, but there's a short walk at the summit to soak in the panorama. Jake found the views genuinely worth the shift—you're seeing the width of Hawke's Bay in one sweep. The final leg is a second winery (often Te Mata Estate, though it varies). By this point, you're three tastings in and the pace feels leisurely, not rushed.
What travellers say
- Private setup means no jostling for guide attention or tasting notes
- Cellar and fermentation room access—genuine behind-the-scenes winery angle
- Platter included, so you're tasting wine with actual food, not just air
- Te Mata Peak views capture Hawke's Bay's scale in one sweep
- Four hours is snappy and focused—no padding or long drives
- Second winery tasting keeps momentum without repeating the same venue
- Te Mata Peak walk and cellar stairs rule out some mobility needs
- Second winery can vary by availability—no guarantee which one you'll visit
- Summit weather can change fast; cloud cover may spoil the panorama
- Not a full meal—platter is tasting-sized, not lunch-replacement
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This is a private tour, so you're not herded around with twenty other tourists. The winery staff remembers you, pours more generously, and the guide tailors timing to your interest. You get wine, scenery, and actual food—the platter isn't a tiny snack board. Hawke's Bay is stunning in autumn and spring, and this hits all the main drawcards in four hours. Ideal for couples, small groups, or anyone wanting wine without the big-tour shuffle.
There's a short walk at Te Mata Peak summit—fine for most, but the tour flags it's not suitable for people with spinal issues or poor cardiovascular health. Pregnant travellers are also advised to skip. The summit wind can be sharp, and if the cloud rolls in, views may be patchy. Bring layers and decent footwear. You're in a vehicle for most of it, but that uphill walk happens. Peak season (Christmas, Easter) can mean the second winery is busier than expected. The tour requires reasonable mobility; it's not fully wheelchair accessible due to the peak walk and cellar stairs.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.