About this tour
When Mia from our BugBitten team booked this Hawkes Bay wine tour, she rolled up in a restored 1970 Kombi Van — the real deal, not a themed prop. Guide Craig steered them through 4 hours hitting three to four local vineyards, each stop uncorking different expressions of what makes this region tick. It's a relaxed afternoon drive through rolling vine country with tastings and cheese in tow, pitched at travellers who want to taste properly without the stuffiness.
Highlights
- Vintage Kombi Van — proper retro transport, not a gimmick
- Three to four vineyard stops in one afternoon
- Gourmet cheese platter paired with tastings
- Guide shows genuine local knowledge of the region
- No fitness demands — suits most travellers
- Small-group setup keeps the vibe intimate
What to expect
You'll spend most of the afternoon seated or strolling short distances between vineyards — no heavy hiking involved. The van does the legwork. Each stop lets you taste a few wines and chat with cellar staff or the winemaker if they're around; Craig fills the gaps with context about Hawkes Bay's soil, climate, and why certain blocks produce what they do. The cheese platter arrives mid-tour, designed to reset your palate between tastings. Pacing is leisurely; you're not rushed through tasting rooms.
The real surprise is how varied the vineyards feel despite being close to each other. Some are casual, others more formal. Mia found the mix kept things interesting and gave a genuine sense of the region's range. Weather in Hawkes Bay can swing, so come prepared — it's mostly sheltered driving, but you'll be outside at each stop.
What travellers say
- Restored Kombi Van is genuine charm, not theatre
- Craig's local knowledge shapes the narrative
- Four vineyards in one half-day beats solo hunting
- Cheese platter complements tastings well
- Relaxed pacing — feels like you're tasting, not rushing
- Four hours includes significant drive time between stops
- Tasting time per vineyard can feel short
- Peak season crowds at popular tasting rooms
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This tour delivers solid value if you want to taste multiple vineyards without driving yourself or guessing which ones are worth the stop. Craig's enthusiasm is genuine, and the Kombi itself is a conversation starter. Perfect for couples, mates after a relaxed afternoon, or anyone curious about NZ wine but not ready to commit to a day-long deep dive.
Four hours sounds short once you factor in travel time between vineyards — actual tasting time at each is modest. Groups can vary in size, which affects the intimacy factor. Peak season (Dec–Feb and harvest time in autumn) draws bigger crowds to tasting rooms themselves. Early booking helps.
Bring layers; Hawkes Bay sun is honest, but vineyards sit in open country. Comfortable shoes (you'll walk short distances). Cheese and tastings are included; food beyond that isn't. Public transport options exist nearby if you're based in town, though the van pickup adds convenience. Service animals welcome. Suits any fitness level — no surprises there.
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.