The charming Art Deco city of Napier stands out as New Zealand’s premier wine and craft beer destination. Small-group tours here efficiently combine historic sightseeing with quality tastings at local wineries and breweries.
What works especially well: intimate groups of 6-8 people, expert local guides who know vintners personally, and thoughtful itineraries that mix architecture walks with cellar visits. The half-day wine tours really shine, offering the perfect balance of tastings and cultural insights without feeling rushed.
These tours include reliable transport (no worrying about driving after tastings), engaging commentary about the region’s fascinating earthquake history, and opportunities to meet the actual winemakers. Most include a satisfying lunch at either a winery restaurant or local café.
Check out our favorite Napier drinking tours below.
Good To Know
- Napier offers small group wine, beer, and gin tours ranging from 4 to 6 hours, providing ample time for personalized and highly-rated tasting experiences.
- The tours feature visits to local breweries, wineries, and distilleries, allowing participants to engage with producers and learn about the region’s heritage.
- Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with insights into Napier’s renowned Art Deco architecture and scenic bay area during the tours.
- Tours include hotel pickup and drop-off, tasting fees, and complimentary water, ensuring accessibility and convenience for participants.
- The tours boast positive feedback, with high recommendation rates and excellent overall ratings from past guests, highlighting the quality of the experiences.
Shore Excursion: Small Group Napier Art Deco & Wine & Beer Taste
The Small Group Napier Art Deco & Wine & Beer Taste tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of the city’s renowned Art Deco architecture, coupled with a delightful sampling of local wines and beers.
This highly-rated 4-hour excursion, recommended by 96% of travelers, takes small groups of up to 15 on a journey through Napier’s rich history and vibrant drinking culture. Guests enjoy wine and beer tastings, a scenic drive showcasing Art Deco highlights, and the option to continue exploring the town on foot.
With knowledgeable guides, air-conditioned transport, and ample opportunities for purchases, this tour provides an engaging and personalized experience in the heart of Napier.
Read our full review: Shore Excursion: Small Group Napier Art Deco & Wine & Beer Taste Review
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Napier Half-Day Small Group Wine and Beer Tour
Explore Napier’s vibrant wine and craft beer scene on this half-day small group tour.
Explore the city’s oldest winery and sample locally-produced beers, all with the guidance of a knowledgeable professional.
The 5.5-6 hour experience includes wine tastings at multiple destinations and 3 glasses of beer at a local ale house.
Transport, hotel pickup and drop-off, and all taxes are included.
With a maximum group size of 15, this tour offers a personalized experience for those 18 and older.
Complemented by positive traveler reviews, the Napier Half-Day Small Group Wine and Beer Tour is an excellent choice for discerning wine and beer enthusiasts seeking to discover the region’s flavors.
Read our full review: Napier Half-Day Small Group Wine and Beer Tour Review
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Napier Half-Day Wine Beer and Cider Tour
Travelers can embark on a captivating half-day tour that immerses them in Napier’s vibrant wine, beer, and cider scene.
This small-group tour lasts 5.5 to 6 hours and boasts a 100% recommendation rate from 33 reviews. With a Badge of Excellence, it offers hotel/port pickup, air-conditioned transport, and tastings at a range of local producers.
The tour caters to adults 18 and older, providing a relaxed pace and opportunities to engage with winemakers. Highlighted by stunning Bay area scenery, the tour earns praise for its knowledgeable guides and diverse experiences, from great tastings to learning about the winemaking process.
Read our full review: Napier Half-Day Wine Beer and Cider Tour Review
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Napier Afternoon Wine, & Gin or Beer Tasting Tour
Napier Afternoon Wine, & Gin or Beer Tasting Tour offers a captivating exploration of the Hawkes Bay wine region.
With 123 reviews and a 97% traveler recommendation, this small group tour is a Badge of Excellence from Vines and Views Tours.
The experience includes visits to New Zealand’s oldest winery, Mission Estate, and other local vineyards. Guests enjoy expert-led winery tours, tastings, and a scenic stroll at Linden Estate with complimentary wine, cheese, and biscuits.
The tour provides free pick-up, an air-conditioned vehicle, and bottled water. At $95.42 per person, the tour offers exceptional value, with positive reviews highlighting knowledgeable guides and a relaxed atmosphere.
While the gin tasting may be unavailable on Wednesdays, the tour provides a well-rounded experience for wine and beer enthusiasts.
Read our full review: Napier Afternoon Wine, & Gin or Beer Tasting Tour Review
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Napier Gourmet Luncheon Afternoon Wine & Gin or Beer Tasting Tour
For those seeking a more comprehensive Napier wine and spirits experience, the Napier Gourmet Luncheon Afternoon Wine & Gin or Beer Tasting Tour offers an exceptional opportunity.
This highly-rated 5-6 hour small-group tour takes guests to three premier venues, including the renowned Mission Estate Winery. Travelers savor a gourmet chef’s platter, wine tastings, and an exploration of the underground cellar.
They also enjoy a gin-tasting session in an Art Deco setting and wine paired with cheese and crackers.
With pickup, transportation, and all tasting fees included, this tour provides an indulgent, informative, and unforgettable way to discover Napier’s vibrant drinking culture.
Read our full review: Napier Gourmet Luncheon Afternoon Wine & Gin or Beer Tasting Tour Review
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Beer, Wine, Cider and Gin Tour in New Zealand
Seeking to enjoy Napier’s vibrant drinking culture, visitors can embark on a 5.5 to 6-hour small-group beer, wine, cider, and gin tour.
This personalized experience accommodates a maximum of 20 travelers, ensuring an intimate atmosphere. The tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, as well as tastings at a cider brewery, winery, gin distillery, and ale house.
Participants can sample a flight of ciders, wines, and gins, along with local cheese and snacks. A souvenir is provided, and the tour is conducted in a comfortable air-conditioned minivan.
With a 5.0 overall rating from past guests, this tour offers an exceptional way to explore Napier’s renowned beverage scene.
Read our full review: Beer, Wine, Cider and Gin Tour in New Zealand Review
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Napier Shore Excursion: Wine, Beer & Art Deco Tour
Visitors to Napier have the opportunity to enjoy the city’s vibrant beverage and architectural heritage through the Napier Shore Excursion: Wine, Beer & Art Deco Tour.
Offered by Leisure Tours, this 5-star rated excursion takes guests on a journey to sample local wines, beers, and ciders while exploring Napier’s renowned Art Deco architecture.
Highlights include tastings at the Mission Winery and Speights Brewery, as well as guided sightseeing of the city’s iconic buildings.
With a maximum of 20 travelers, the tour provides a personalized experience led by knowledgeable guides.
Accessible to wheelchair users, the tour is suitable for adults aged 18 and up and includes pickup, drop-off, and all tastings.
Read our full review: Napier Shore Excursion: Wine, Beer & Art Deco Tour Review
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The Sum Up
Napier offers a variety of drinking tours that allow visitors to sample the region’s renowned wines, beers, ciders, and gins. From small-group tours to shore excursions, these experiences provide a chance to explore Napier’s Art Deco architecture and local gourmet offerings. Whether one’s preference is for wine, beer, or a combination, Napier has a drinking tour to suit every palate.