Guided or self-catered; take a leisurely spin through a corner of New Zealand’s oldest wine region (it's the YELLOW section of the Hawke's Bay Trails map).
There are currently 10 cellar doors dotted along this smooth trail. They serve not only fine wines but also non-alcoholic drinks and many also have delicious food. Bike hire is available from On Yer Bike Winery Tours near Ash Ridge Winery, and Ali's Cycle DeVine near Sileni Estate.
As this is a loop ride, you can start from a number of places. If you have your own bike, you can start from the Hastings Golf Club (they welcome cyclists and have a cafe, bike racks and toilets) or Roys Hill near Fernhill. Roys Hill is only 20m high but offers great views of the wine region. You can also follow iWay paths from Hastings.
If you don’t do any of the side trips, then this is a 30km loop. It is all flat, except for the option of riding up Roys Hill for the view. From wherever you start, we recommend going in a clockwise direction. Most of the wineries are on the western half of the loop.
For a longer version starting at Clive, you will be rewarded with open river sections all the way to Fernhill, a comprehensive winery loop, and then return via via Stock Rd and short on-road sections along Wilson Road and the historic ‘Oak Avenue’ (Ormond Road) – majestic any time of year.
Be sure to check ahead for any wineries you're planning on visiting to confirm cellar door opening hours. Depending on the time of the year, some may only be open for tastings by appointment.
Approx. 33km of riding (or 60km if riding from Clive)
For the most up to date information and maps, refer to the Hawke's Bay Trails website.