About this tour
When Alex from our team took the Scenic Te Mata Peak Tour by Supertrike, we climbed nearly 400 metres up a dramatic peak in a three-wheeled V8 machine — proper adrenaline stuff. This two-hour jaunt departs from Napier's National Aquarium, snakes along the Hawkes Bay coastline and the Tukituki River valley, then tackles the winding ascent past Craggy Range winery and through Havelock North. At the summit, you get 360-degree views across the region, sometimes clear enough to spot Mount Ruapehu. It's quirky, thrilling, and best suited to those who fancy a birthday celebration or just want to feel the wind on the climb.
Highlights
- Nearly 400m ascent in a V8 trike — genuinely exhilarating ride
- 360-degree panoramic views from the Peak across Hawkes Bay
- Tukituki River valley scenery with Havelock North hills backdrop
- Wind past Craggy Range winery en route to the summit
- 20 minutes at the top to soak in the vista
- Descent through orchards and vineyards eases the nerves
- Certified guide steering a machine that turns heads
What to expect
You'll start at the National Aquarium in Napier (note: cruise passengers need to catch the free shuttles from the ship; we meet you at the second stop). The route hugs the coast initially, then swings inland alongside the Tukituki River — it's scenic, but there's no running commentary during the drive itself because, well, you're on a trike and the wind's loud. The real theatre kicks in on the climb: steep, winding, thrilling. Twenty minutes parked at the top lets you breathe and stare across Hawkes Bay; clear days reveal Ruapehu. The descent is gentler, threading through orchards and vineyards. It's not a leisurely sightseeing tour — it's a ride. Fast pace, minimal narration, maximum grip on the handholds.
What travellers say
- Genuine adrenaline from the trike climb — not a tame experience
- Unbeatable 360-degree views across Hawkes Bay and beyond
- Scenic river valley and vineyard landscape en route
- Small-group certified guide keeps it personal and safe
- Quirky, memorable way to celebrate birthdays or occasions
- No running commentary during drive — wind noise and trike logistics
- Not suitable for pregnant travellers or those afraid of heights
- Clear weather essential; fog or rain wipes out summit views
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 genuinely memorable for thrill-seekers and anyone marking a special occasion. The views from Te Mata Peak are proper stunning, and the trike experience itself is uncommon — you won't forget it. Small groups mean a personal guide, and the whole thing fits neatly into a morning or afternoon.
Not for pregnant travellers. The climb is steep and windy — if you're sensitive to heights or motion, consider carefully. No detailed commentary while driving (it's just too loud and impractical on a trike), so if you want deep local history, this isn't it. Cruise passengers must coordinate in advance and catch free Napier shuttles; we can't collect directly from the ship. You'll need decent grip strength for the handholds on the climb. Weather-dependent — rain or fog will flatten the summit views. Bring a light jacket even on warm days; wind chill at altitude is real. Certified guide included; public transport nearby if you're self-driving from elsewhere.
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.