Great Wine Capital

2026 Best of Wine Tourism Award Winner - Sustainable Wine Tourism

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2026 Best of Wine Tourism Award Winner - Sustainable Wine Tourism |

Take an unforgettable guided tour through one of the world’s 12 Great Wine Capitals - Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand.



Great Wine Capital & Sightseeing Tour

4 hours

1pm - 5pm

Private tour - NZ$390 per person (min 2)

  • Includes tastings at Te Mata Estate and Smith and Sheth,

  • Indulgent cheese platter from Malo Restaurant

  • Concession entries to Ātea a Rangi Māori celestial compass.

  • An expert local guide who provides a full commentary of the culture, history, geography, wine and people that make up the region

  • Luxury Zero-Emissions fully electric vehicle

  • Option to extend the tour with wine tastings or a premium winery lunch (additional charges apply)

Indulge in a premium, four-hour journey that seamlessly blends world-class viticulture, ancient Māori heritage, and the dramatic landscapes of Hawke's Bay. Operating from our base in Havelock North, we invite you to explore the newest "Great Wine Capital” in the quiet luxury of our zero-emissions electric fleet.

A Journey Through Stars and Soil

Your afternoon begins on the coast at Ātea a Rangi, the Celestial Compass. Here, you will gain a profound appreciation for Mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) as you learn how traditional navigators used the stars, sun, and moon to traverse the vast Pacific.

From the coast, we travel toward the iconic hills of the region to visit Te Mata Estate, New Zealand’s oldest family-owned winery. You will enjoy a signature Discovery Tasting in the heart of this historic estate—the home of the famed Coleraine—surrounded by the very vineyards that have defined New Zealand’s wine reputation for over a century.

Village Charm and Urban Elegance

The experience continues in the sophisticated Village Exchange at Smith & Sheth. In the intimate setting of the Heretaunga Wine Studio, you will partake in a curated tasting flight that showcases exceptional wines from across the country’s most distinct growing regions. This is the perfect moment to savour a shared artisanal cheese platter as you discuss the nuances of the "Great Wine Capital" with your expert host.

The Sleeping Giant

We conclude your experience with a breathtaking drive to the summit of Te Mata Peak. Standing 399 metres above sea level, you will take in 360-degree views of the Tukituki Valley and the Pacific Ocean. As you capture the perfect photo, your guide will share the geological and cultural stories of the "Sleeping Giant," providing a final, unforgettable perspective on our region.

Sustainable Luxury

Throughout the day, you will be hosted by local experts dedicated to seamless service. By choosing our fully electric vehicle fleet, you are enjoying a "First Class" experience that prioritises the preservation of the very landscape you have come to admire.

All wineries are subject to availability. If unavailable, a compatible alternative will be arranged and advised.

Group of people toasting with champagne glasses at a table.

Private Tour

Times negotiable

Up to 11 guests from NZ$250 per hour

  • Plan your own personalised tour around our Hawke’s Bay wineries and beyond.

  • Add a visit to local scenic attractions.

  • Allow our guides show you the ‘hidden gems’ of this region.

  • Get the perfect experience your group is looking for!

All wineries and winemaker-led tours are subject to availability. If unavailable, a compatible alternative will be arranged and advised. Tastings and culinary experiences are at the guest’s own expense.

Scenic view of a mountain landscape with rugged, dry terrain. The mountains are covered with sparse vegetation, and a fence runs along the right side of the image. The sky is clear and blue, indicating a sunny, cloudless day.
Vintage cars on a street lined with large trees and a yellow archway structure.
Three people standing between two silver cars, outdoors with green plants and palm trees in the background.

Hawke’s Bay Experiences are the proud recipients of the2026 Best of Wine Tourism - Sustainable Wine Tourism Award and Qualmark Silver Status.

Hawke’s Bay Experiences were commended for “ their commitment to caring for the land through sustainable business practices, and their genuine love for connecting like-minded people in the region with visitors wanting to experience both people and place is infectious.” – Best of Wine Tourism Judge - Anna Nielson.