Cellar Door Cycling
You could make a case that connecting as many of Hawke's Bay's cellar doors as possible was in fact the driving force behind the creation of the Hawke's Bay Trails back in 2012. And while that may not be strictly true, we're not here to argue the point - just point you in the direction of tasty drops!
We recommend picking one sub-region, or two neighbouring sub-regions, to make the distances between each stop more manageable. A good rule of thumb is to aim for no more than 3 or 4 cellar doors - remember to check ahead for opening hours and whether you need to make a booking.
For full trails information, check out hbtrails.nz
Bridge Pa & Gimblett Gravels
These internationally-regarded sub-regions are superbly connected via a section of the Hawke's Bay Trails splendidly known as the Wineries Ride. You really are spoilt for choice, with Bridge Pa home to Abbey Estate, Alpha Domus, Ash Ridge, Oak Estate and Sileni Estates. Throw in Paritua, a short-but-worth-it-ride beyond the end of the trail, and you've got one heck of a line-up.
On the Gimblett Gravels side, Stonecroft, Trinity Hill and Unison offer an equally compelling mix of experiences that give you a taster of why this sub-region is in such high demand!
Havelock North & Cape Coast
The Havelock North experience conveniently commences in the heart of the 'Village' with the urban cellar door of Smith & Sheth. Just a short ride east along Te Mata Road will bring you to the delights of Village Vineyards, Black Barn and Te Mata Estate. At the intersection with Te Mata Mangateretere Road, a left (along the road) will take you to Askerne, straight over towards the river leads to Akarangi, while a right onto the new Waimarama Road trails section will deliver you to Craggy Range.
A cruise along the Cape Coast cellar doors can be reached by continuing on from the Havelock North cellar doors cycling along Tukituki Road; by cycling directly there from Havelock North; or transporting yourself to the start of the coastal section in Haumoana. However you choose to get there, you'll go a long way to try and better the collective cellar doors experience at Elephant Hill, Clearview Estate and Te Awanga.
Taradale & Ahuriri
Home to New Zealand's oldest and third oldest wineries, Mission Estate and Church Road, Taradale holds considerable bragging rights - and it's an easy ride from Napier city and Ahuriri along dedicated cycle trails. Start or end your journey at The Urban Winery, the stylish home to Tony Bish Wines along with an impressive collection of boutique Hawke's Bay drops.
Extension to Bayview
The seaside ride to Crab Farm is particularly scenic, with its slightly elevated position providing stunning views across Hawke Bay. On the way back, take the inland route through farmland, and wetlands lush with wildlife.
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