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Offered languages
- English
Step back in time on our Hawke’s Bay Historic Wineries Tour. Visit Mission Estate, NZ’s oldest winery, founded by French missionaries in 1851, and taste elegant wines while exploring the beautifully preserved building and cellar.
Drive through historic Taradale, lined with charming villas and early settler cottages that tell the story of Hawke’s Bay’s wine pioneers.
Next, we will visit Church Road Winery, est in 1897 by Tom McDonald, father of NZ’s fine reds.
To finish, we’ll take you up to Bluff Hill Lookout for sweeping views over Napier Port, the Pacific Ocean, and Napier’s Art Deco skyline.
Experience the heritage in every glass!
- Visit Mission Estate, NZ’s oldest winery
- Explore historic cellars and buildings
- Guided tastings of premium Hawke’s Bay wines
- Learn the region’s winemaking history
- Travel through scenic countryside
- Expert guide offering rich historical context
* To request Alternative start times or tour customisations
- Book on our Mates Travel website.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
We will meet you at your chosen pick-up location. The driver guide will hold a sign with your name and tour name written on it. We will be at the meeting point no later than 5 minutes before the tour starts.
* To request Alternative start times or tour customisations
- Book on our Mates Travel website.
This tour requires a minimum number of guests to operate. If minimum numbers are not met, the tour may be rescheduled or cancelled. In that case, we’ll contact you with alternative dates, tours or offer a full refund.
Itinerary
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1
Step back in time, this tour visits the remarkable Mission Estate New Zealands oldest vineyard & winery, established in 1851 by French missionaries. Learn the rich history and explore the historical buildings gaining insight into the pioneering spirit that helped shape Hawke’s Bay’s winemaking legacy—all while enjoying a tasting of the Estates expertly crafted wines.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
2Napier
Along the way, your guide will share stories of the land, the people, and the evolution of Hawke’s Bay as a world-class wine destination. As we journey through historic Taradale, you’ll see charming villas and early cottages that once housed vineyard workers who shaped the region’s winemaking story. Hear about the families and events that built Hawke’s Bay into New Zealand’s premier wine region.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3
Our next stop is Church Road Winery, established in 1897 by Tom McDonald, a pioneer of fine New Zealand reds. Depending on availability, you’ll experience their heritage-listed cellar and taste award-winning wines in a setting steeped in history. In a case where church road isn't open we will still take in the beauty of this heritage rich winery before we head to another stunning Hawke's Bay winery for our second tasting. We won't disappoint!
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
4Bluff Hill Lookout
To finish, we’ll take you up to Bluff Hill Lookout for sweeping views over Napier Port, the Pacific Ocean, and Napier’s Art Deco skyline — a breathtaking vantage point to reflect on the region’s landscape, history, and enduring wine legacy.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Service animals allowed
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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