Cape Kidnappers wine tour: Self-guided e-bike, 6 wineries

Ride your own pace through Hawke's Bay wine country on an e-bike

A full-day self-guided e-bike tour from Napier to Cape Kidnappers and back, cycling a flat 20km route past five award-winning wineries with tastings at each stop. The tour includes e-bike, helmet and pannier hire, route instructions and trail map. A 10am shuttle takes you and your bike from Napier to the start, and a 4pm shuttle returns you from Black Barn Vineyard. Wineries charge separately for tastings (around NZ$15–50 per person, usually rebated against purchases) and some require advance bookings on weekends and public holidays.

Step-by-step itinerary

Self-guided winery cycling tour

• Meet shuttle at 10am
• Get bike and route briefing
• Cycle to Clearview Estate for wine tasting
• Visit Elephant Hill for wine tasting
• Stop at Askerne Estate for picnic and tasting
• Wine tasting at Te Mata Estate
• End at Black Barn winery and meet shuttle

The experience

You start at 10am with a shuttle from Napier that carries you and your bike to Cape Kidnappers, where the route begins. The 20km cycle follows easy, flat pathways through the Hawke's Bay wine region, so the pace is entirely yours: stop as long as you want at each winery, or push through to the next one. You'll pass Clearview Estate, Elephant Hill, Askerne Estate, Te Mata Estate and finish at Black Barn Vineyard in Havelock North, where the 4pm shuttle picks you up for the return to Napier.

The e-bikes make the riding cruisey, and you get a helmet, pannier for carrying bottles, water bottle, route instructions and a trail map. Before you set off, the team briefs you on the route so you know what to expect. Hygge Cafe sits at the start if you want a coffee or snack before you ride. Each winery has its own character and opening hours (some open seven days, others close mid-week), so check ahead, especially if you're going on a weekend or public holiday when bookings are strongly recommended at most stops.

Tastings at the wineries are not included and run around NZ$15–50 per person, though most places credit that fee against any wine you buy. Lunch is available at several stops (Clearview Estate and Black Barn both have food), and Askerne offers gourmet picnic combinations you can pair with their wines. The ride is suitable for all fitness levels, and children from age one are welcome (specialist infant seats are available).

What’s included

• E-bike, helmet and pannier hire.
• route instructions and trail map.
• 10am shuttle from Napier to Cape Kidnappers.
• 4pm return shuttle from Black Barn Vineyard to Napier.
• water bottle.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 10:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (17 and older) · Child (5 to 16 years) · Infant (1 to 4 years)

GroupUp to 15

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availableNot for back problems

Operated by Tākaro Trails Cycle Tours

Is this one for you?The self-guided format means you set the stops and the pace, so you can linger at a winery you love or skip one that doesn't appeal. Something a fixed itinerary can't offer. The flat terrain and e-bike assistance make it accessible for riders of all fitness levels, though you'll be in the saddle for several hours across the day.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 16 years); Infant (1 to 4 years).

How do I get my bike to Cape Kidnappers if I'm staying in Napier?

The 10am shuttle from Napier carries you, your bike and your gear to Cape Kidnappers, where your route starts. The same shuttle picks you up at 4pm from Black Barn Vineyard to bring you back to Napier.

Can I visit all five wineries in one day, or do I have to choose?

You cycle past all five along the route and can stop at as many as you want. The pace is entirely yours. Most riders visit three to four wineries depending on how long they spend at each one and whether they stop for lunch.

Do I need to book ahead at the wineries?

On weekdays, most wineries welcome walk-ins, though lunch bookings are recommended during summer. On Saturdays and public holidays, advance bookings are strongly recommended at most stops. Te Mata and Askerne are the exceptions and accept walk-ins.

What's included in the tour price, and what costs extra?

The tour includes e-bike hire, helmet, pannier, water bottle, route map and both shuttles. Wine tastings (around NZ$15–50 per person) and any food or wine purchases are separate. Tasting fees are usually credited against what you buy.

Is the 20km route flat, and how long does the cycling actually take?

The route is flat and easy, following scenic cycle pathways. The full day runs from 10am to 4pm, but actual riding time depends on how many wineries you visit and how long you stay at each one: most riders spend two to three hours in the saddle.