Discover Cape Kidnappers, the largest most accessible mainland gannet colony in the world. Witness the 20,000 gannets at the cape which are members of the Booby family, with distinctive black eye markings and a pale gold crown. Visitors to the colony will see adults and young nesting in serried rows carrying out their daily routine. In the air above your heads, these amazing birds with their 6-foot wingspan (2 m) swoop and dive as they bring back fish. On the ground, just a few feet away, the pairs preen and perform the dance of the gannets’ recognition ritual. The birds can be seen from September to early April. In September they return from their winter escape to build their nests ready for the arrival of the chicks during December and January. The chicks are then fattened up ready for their first and departing flight in late April when they go off on their annual ritual to warmer climates. After being driven to the Cape in an air-conditioned 4 x 4 coach there will be absolutely no walking required. You are taken right to within a few feet of these remarkable birds. Along the way, take in the breathtaking scenery of the geological landscapes and remarkable nature that this part of the country has to offer. Visit a production forest, view a predator-proof reserve and be accompanied by an experienced driver/guide who will provide a knowledgeable and insightful commentary throughout the tour.

Each winery will offer between 4 and 7 wines for a tasting split between reds and whites.  Chardonnay is the dominant white wine variety produced in Hawkes Bay, but lovers of Sauvignon Blanc should not worry, as you'll also be tasting that at Mission Estate. Shiraz and Bordeaux blends are some of the dominant red varieties. The first estate winery you'll visit is Mission Estate, which was established in 1851. The tasting hall and associated restaurant are located in a two-story Victorian mansion that offers magnificent views over the vineyards. The National Gin Distillery, where you'll get to taste five gins. Then, take a 20-minute drive past the orchards and vineyards and arrive at Askerne Estate producing only 100,000 bottles of wine split between 13 different varietals. This will be a seated tasting with a complimentary cheese board of New Zealand cheeses. Afterward, travel back to Napier for drop-off in the early evening.

Embark on a shore excursion of Napier ,viewing the highlights of the Art-Deco downtown and residencial Sanders Ave After meeting with your local guide near the Information Centre, Marine Parade, your guided shore excursion will begin. Throughout your tour, enjoy the comfortable minibus with big windows for better viewing. Stop at Napier's Bluff Hill lookout for spectacular views of your ship berthed directly below. Discover the house and grounds of your guide. View his colorful gardens and panoramic views of the Bay and hear about the 14 square kilometers of land reclaimed as a result of the 1931 earthquake. Travel out through orchards and vineyards to Te Mata Peak, views over the Heretunga Plains are spectacular. On a clear day it is possible to see the snow capped peaks of Mt Ruapahu. Enjoy a generous complimentary wine tasting at the boutique family owned and operated Askerne Estate. Your guide will provide a tasty selection of local cheeses and biscuits ( crackers ) At the end of the tour get dropped off in down town Napier or back at the Information centre from where your shuttle will depart back to the ship.

Make your way to meet your host at the shop in Ahuriri, Napier to pick up the shuttle. The shuttle will take you and your bikes to the start of your cycling adventure at Black Barn winery. Te Mata Estate and Askerne Wineries are very close by, so you can start your wine tasting right from drop off. With your first winery visits under your belt, an option is to take a detour for a further 3 kilometers to reach Craggy vineyard and see for yourself why the winery was voted Best Winery in Australia. From here, get back on track and enjoy a 16-kilometer bike ride on the limestone cycle trail following the Tuki Tuki River, to the coastal communities of Haumoana and Te Awanga. Admire stunning views of the iconic Cape Kidnappers as you cycle the raised stop-bank trail and look out over orchards, vineyards and farmlands. Reaching the coast, be ready to taste some more fine wine at Elephant Hill, Clearview Estate, and Te Awanga Estate. If a local lunch is on your wish-list, your host will also be happy to assist with reservations at Clearview Estate. Te Awanga also offer the best pizzas in Hawke’s Bay and you can sit outside on their green lawn. At the end of the day, you will be collected and transferred back to Ahuriri, Napier.

Your tour activity begins with a Gourmet Platter including a glass of wine of your choosing at the iconic Mission Estate Restaurant. The platter generally includes a selection cold meats, cheeses, fresh and dried friuts, breads, biscuits and generally a tasting of hot seafood. The setting in the Old Mission House best described as Grande Colonial. Luncheon is followed by a very comprehensive wine tasting at Mission Cellars that includes a detailed history of the Mission House and the Marrist Order that arrived in Hawkes Bay as Missionaries during 1851. After the tasting you will be free to roam the Mission House including their underground cellar. Next will be gin tasting at The National Gin Distillery located in Ahuriri the old Port Area of Napier. The distillery operates out of the National Tobacco Building, Napiers best known Art Nouveau Building. Don't be surprised to see the occasional Art Deco Guide showing visitors around ( in an non-intrusive manor) During low season no gin tasting on Sundays but wine tasting at Church Road Winery added Its back on the minibus for a drive towards Havelock North past orchards, vineyards and fields of various agricultural crops and arrive at Askerne Estate. The Estate is a small friendly family owned and operated affair with a near perfect viticultural setting. Askerne makes about 100,000 bottles but remarkably they grow more than a dozen different varietals. The tastings here could be said to be generous and Ross will serve a tasty selection of New Zealands cheese's and biscuits. To conclude for those who are interested Ross will provded a brief " in vineyard " talk about grape growing practices in the region. Guests will be delivered back to their pick up locations between 5.30 and 6.00 pm

Download an exciting MP3 Self-Guided Audio Tour combined with a fully detailed map of the area. This fascinating and raw tour of New Zealand's oldest prison will take you on a historic journey through the undulating corridors which survived the 1931 Napier Earthquake. The corridors are twisted and walls misshapen. You will learn about some of the most terrifying prisoners, including Drug Barons and Mass murderers, and an infamous "Eye Eater". Check out the graffiti on the prisoner's bed bases and hear how toothpaste had multiple uses for incarcerated criminals. This tour shows how they lived behind the huge Kauri doors and how some of them died. You will hear tales about villains, victims and heroes, and wander around the old complex while viewing the Pound (solitary and padded cell area), Mess Hall, Remand Hallway, Cell 6, Key Men and Trustees, Cages, The Dome, Women's Wing, Te Kooti, John Yalash, Ghosts, Garden, Terry Clark, Teresa Cormack, Graveyard, and the Hanging Yard with replica kitset gallows. Hear of the few escapes and view the open Shower Block which was not for the fainthearted. Only closed in 1993, the prison complex has been the site of many TV shows such as a 10 part brat camp, "Redemption Hill", and was featured on "Off the Rails", "Epitaph" and several news and documentary shows. Please note this is a downloadable self-guided audio tour, therefore you will have no physical tour guide leading you through your travels.

Take a self-guided audio walking tour to discover Napier at your own pace. Take a stroll down Marine Parade, discover the Maori and Mayan-influenced architecture, and listen to a curated playlist to accompany your experience. Walk down the quaint streets of this seaside town where you can see unique architecture and impressive statues, and learn about the festivals and events that make Napier one of a kind. Watch the ocean as you walk along Marine Parade and witness the art-deco architecture of the Masonic Hotel. See Maori motifs, buildings with Mayan influences, and the unique architecture that defines this town. See the widespread art deco influence on buildings such as the AMP and Daily Telegraph buildings while listening to a musical experience curated to immerse you fully in this audio tour.

Adapt this diverse, flexible tour to suit how far you want to ride and what you want to see. Grab your family or friends and explore lots of local highlights, including wineries, estuary trails, Art Deco buildings, and coastal pathways. Departing the port village of Ahuriri, cycle around the port to Napier city, a world-renowned Art Deco treasure. Get off your bike and spend some time enjoying the Art Deco buildings before following the coastal pathway with spectacular views across the Pacific to Cape Kidnappers. Turn inland and follow the Tutaekuri River trail, overlooking orchards to the suburb of Taradale. Visit two of the region’s finest wineries, Church Road and the Mission Estate. Then continue onto the Ahuriri Estuary trail with its many native birds. Do all the route or just a part. Cycle 28 kilometers or 45 kilometers over a full day.

Cruise Napier's world-famous Art Deco City as you hear the tragic story of its destruction by earthquake in 1931 and subsequent rebuild of the city, which has become known as the Art Deco capital of the world. Visit the Bluff Hill Lookout and see spectacular views (weather and traffic permitting) and see the Art Deco houses in Napier's Marewa suburb. Cruising through the beautiful open countryside, take in rivers, estuaries, and open farmland. Then, explore the visitor centre at the largest beekeeping business in the Southern Hemisphere and sample New Zealand's unique manuka honey.  Stop at Te Mata Peak for some exceptional scenic views (again, subject to weather and traffic conditions) before exploring Birdwoods Gallery and Sweet Shop, which offers refreshments including local wines and beers, as well as an art gallery, a traditional-style sweet shop, plus a beautiful sculpture garden. Finally, return to Napier. 

Meet us at our store where your bikes will be ready and you will learn all about your day. Enjoy the cycling along the beautiful coast. Stop at magical Atea A Rangi Star Compass and then continue through the coastal wetlands, before arriving to the renowned coastal wineries at Haumona and Te Awanga villages. Reward yourself with wine tasting and lunch at one of the local wineries and restaurants - you can visit Elephant Hill, Clearview Estate, Te Awanga Estate and Hygge Cafe at Clifton. To satisfy your coffee needs along the way visit The Box at Clive, Haumoana Coffee and Brown Dog Espresso. Return shuttle is leaving at 4pm from Elephant Hill winery. We recommend making a booking (essential on weekends) for lunch or wine tasting, as the wineries are very popular. Please get in touch with us if you would like help planning times.