Bike your way through New Zealand's best wineries

Known for its stunning scenery and world-famous wine scene, it only makes sense to combine the two while visiting New Zealand. With the New Zealand Cycle Trail system spanning more than 1,739 miles (2,800 kilometers) throughout the North Island and South Island — with more trails on the way — it’s never been easier to get around the country on two wheels.

Cycling from vineyard to vineyard rather than joining a driving tour allows you to soak up the region’s natural beauty and be more flexible with your itinerary. And, you get to experience these world-class wine regions in a more sustainable and eco-friendly way.

Central Otago

The Central Otago wine region, specifically stunning Gibbston, is also known as the pinot noir capital of New Zealand. Located just a stone's throw away from the famous mountain town and sustainability hot spot of Queenstown, the valley is easily accessible and perfect for a day trip.

This wine region is home to Valli, the winner of Best in Show at the Decanter World Wine Awards 2022; Alan Brady of Wild Irishman, who is known as the father of pinot noir in New Zealand; and the all-female, sustainably-minded team at Coal Pit — it’s a must-visit for lovers of red wine.

The Gibbston River Trail runs 5.4 miles (8.7 kilometers) along the Valley of Vines from the iconic Kawarau Suspension Bridge, known for its bungee experiences. Rent a bike or e-bike from Around the Basin in Queenstown; they will drop you and your bike off at one end, pick you up at the other, and return you to town.

To make the most out of your cycle through the vines, check out the cellar door — also known as a tasting room — at Kinross. This small vineyard makes its own wine, but its tasting room is also home to Valli, Wild Irishman, Coal Pit, and Hawkshead, and it’s the only cellar door offering tastings from these winemakers. A quick pedal next door brings you to Mt. Rosa, a family-owned vineyard with lawn games.

Marlborough

If there is one region that is synonymous with New Zealand wine, then it’s Marlborough. Known as the home of sauvignon blanc, this popular wine region at the top of the South Island draws thousands of visitors to its 168 wineries each year.

To explore this amazing wine region on two wheels, check out the aptly named Wine Tours by Bike. Family-owned and -operated since 1999, they have a few options for tours with or without shuttles to help you get the most out of your day.

Based out of Renwick, with pickups available from nearby Blenheim, Wine Tours by Bike boasts 14 wineries within a 3-mile radius (5 kilometers) of its rental shop, including Hans Herzog Estate and Nautilus Estate. From there, you can reach the legendary Cloudy Bay in around 30 minutes by bike. It’s one of the best places to enjoy a self-guided wine and bike tour.

Waiheke Island

If you want to explore beautiful vineyards, artistic communities, and amazing beaches without leaving the Auckland region, jump on the ferry to Waiheke Island. The ferry takes just 35 minutes from downtown Auckland, and you can rent e-bikes from eRide Waiheke. Conveniently, eRide Waiheke is based inside the Matiatia Ferry Terminal, so you can easily pre-book a tour, or rent a bike when you arrive.

Despite the island only being about 32 square miles (82.9 square kilometers), there are still around 30 vineyards and wineries on the island, including the popular Man O’ War vineyards, Mudbrick, Passage Rock, and Cable Bay Vineyards, which houses a restaurant with panoramic views. If you plan on visiting Man O’ War at the far eastern end of the island, give yourself plenty of time to bike. The round-trip journey is around 34 miles (55 kilometers) on the rural roads and gravel tracks.

For a more relaxing ride, opt for the 5 Bays Ride that brings you through “Wineries Valley” and along some of Waiheke’s most spectacular beaches. Give yourself around six hours to experience the tastings, lunch, take a dip in the refreshing waters, and pedal there and back.

Hawke's Bay

As the oldest wine-growing region in New Zealand, Hawke’s Bay is a must-visit destination, with more than 90 vineyards in the area. One of the best things about this region is the variety of grapes. You can easily find vineyards growing chardonnay, merlot, pinot gris, syrah, cabernet sauvignon, malbec, sauvignon blanc, and viognier.

Travel along the dedicated wineries section of the Hawke's Bay cycle trail on a self-guided bike tour with local operator, On Yer Bike Winery Tours. Choose from two different routes, visiting between three-and-six wineries in one day; you’ll travel through the famous Gimblett Gravels region and the Bridge Pa Triangle wine-growing subsections of Hawke’s Bay.

If you want to go farther afield with your own bike, the Hawke’s Bay trails cover 124 miles (200 kilometers) all over the region. If you’re interested in a longer adventure, the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail is a five-day cycling tour through Hawke’s Bay and neighboring Marlborough.

Gisborne

The Gisborne wine region is the third-largest wine-producing region in New Zealand. Located on the East Coast of the North Island, this predominantly white wine-producing region is also known for its amazing seafood and surf scene.

Jump on the dedicated vineyard bike tour with Cycle Gisborne, visit three vineyards, and enjoy a delicious platter of local food along the way. If you love both the grapes and the grain, there’s also the Great Taste Tour, where you can sample local wine, beers, and ciders, with around 6.2 miles (10 kilometers) of cycling in between.

Some of the best vineyards to check out include Bushmere Estate, with its wonderful restaurant, and Wrights Vineyard and Winery, which has some of the oldest vines in the region. This is a more compact wine region, compared with some on this list, but it is worth the visit, especially when that East Coast sunshine hits in the summer months.

(Related: How to plan the ultimate hiking adventure in New Zealand.)