Hawke's Bay Historic Wineries Tour - Featuring NZ oldest Winery

4.8 (6 reviews) 3 h 30 min Free cancellation

out of 5

6 reviews

4.8

Hawke's Bay Historic Wineries Tour - Featuring NZ oldest Winery — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Hawke's Bay Historic Wineries Tour - Featuring NZ oldest Winery, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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.

Wine Tastings Half-day Tours Bus Tours Private and Luxury Historical Tours Ports of Call Tours Wine Tours Car Tours

At a glance

Duration: 3 h 30 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 18 people
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English
Operated by: Mates travel

Ages: Adults (18–100 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Private transportation
Included: Bottled water
Included: Alcoholic Beverages
Included: In-vehicle air conditioning: Air-conditioned vehicle

Itinerary

Mission Estate Winery

one hour

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.
Napier

30 min

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.
Church Road Winery Cellar Door

one hour

Our next stop is Church Road Winery, established in 1897 by Tom McDonald, a pioneer of fine New Zealand reds. You’ll experience their heritage-listed cellar and taste award-winning wines in a setting steeped in history.
Bluff Hill Lookout

30 min

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.

Meeting point and pickup

The operator picks every participant up from their accommodation or the points below.

Pickup points

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.

Using your ticket

Show your ticket to the driver

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.