Wine Tasting Tour Hawkes Bay: 1970 Kombi Van & Vineyard Tastings

Ride through Hawkes Bay vineyards in a restored Kombi Van and taste at four cellar doors

A wine tasting tour in Hawkes Bay where you travel in a fully restored 1970 Kombi Van with guide Craig, visiting three to four vineyards for tastings and a gourmet cheese platter—all fees included. The tour runs four hours; if you're arriving by cruise ship, the itinerary adjusts to fit your ship's schedule, usually covering three vineyards instead.

The Experience

The Kombi Van itself is part of the experience: a fully restored 1970 model that sets the tone for the afternoon. Craig drives and narrates as you move between vineyards, pointing out the landscape and the story behind each stop. You'll taste at three to four cellar doors across Hawkes Bay, with tasting fees already covered, so there's no surprise bill at each vineyard. At one of them, a gourmet cheese platter with local sides arrives—the kind of pairing that turns a tasting into a proper lunch.

The route gives you time to photograph the vineyards and the scenery without rushing between stops. Craig's commentary runs the whole way, so you're learning about the region and the wines as you go, not just sampling. If you're on a cruise ship schedule, the tour adapts: you'll usually visit three vineyards instead of four, timed so you're back before the ship departs. The van holds a small group, which means the tasting rooms don't feel crowded and Craig can answer questions without shouting over a tour bus.

What’s included

• Wine tastings at three to four Hawkes Bay vineyards.
• gourmet cheese platter with local sides at one vineyard.
• all tasting fees.
• guide commentary during the drive.
• pickup included.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Avantogo Tours

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to taste across multiple Hawkes Bay vineyards without driving yourself or arranging the stops—the Kombi Van and Craig's route handle both, leaving you free to focus on the wine and the scenery.

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Top questions

How many vineyards will we visit on the wine tasting tour in Hawkes Bay?

The tour includes tastings at three to four vineyards across Hawkes Bay. If you're arriving by cruise ship, the itinerary adjusts to three vineyards to fit the ship's arrival and departure times.

What's included in the wine tasting tour price?

Wine tastings at all three to four vineyards, a gourmet cheese platter with local sides at one of the vineyards, and all tasting fees are included. You pay nothing extra at the cellar doors.

Who is the guide on this Hawkes Bay wine tour?

Craig is your guide for the tour. He drives the Kombi Van, shares commentary about Hawkes Bay and the vineyards along the route, and leads the tastings at each stop.

How long does the wine tasting tour take?

The tour runs four hours, which covers the drive between vineyards, tastings at each cellar door, and the cheese platter stop.

What kind of vehicle is used for the tour?

A fully restored 1970 Retro Kombi Van. It's the transport for the whole group, and Craig drives it throughout the tour.

Can I book this tour if I'm arriving on a cruise ship?

Yes, the tour is available for cruise ship passengers. The itinerary adjusts based on your ship's arrival and departure times, usually covering three vineyards instead of four to ensure you're back in time.