Is prior cycling experience required?

No, this self-guided tour is designed for easy cycling with well-marked routes and gentle terrain.

What happens if it rains?

The tour runs rain or shine; bringing the recommended rain jacket keeps you comfortable.

Can I customize the stops or duration?

You can choose your pace and distance between 10 to 30 km to suit your preferences.

Yes, a light lunch or platter is included and pairs with your tastings at one of the venues.

Is the bike provided?

Yes, a bike and helmet are provided with your booking.

Can I book a guide or shuttle service?

Guides and shuttles are available upon inquiry after booking.

Great Taste Tour: Experience Gisborne's Food & Wine Ride | Self-Guided Tour

Set against the backdrop of New Zealand’s east coast, Experience Gisborne’s Great Taste Tour offers an inviting blend of culinary discovery and gentle cycling in the Tairāwhiti region. Known internationally as the Chardonnay capital of New Zealand, Gisborne boasts an agricultural richness seldom matched: coastal seafood, fertile plains producing fresh fruits and vegetables, and local vineyards that cultivate grapes for some of the country’s finest wines. This self-guided, four-hour adventure invites visitors to pedal through a landscape where nature’s productivity meets crafted flavors.

On this tour, riders cover distances ranging from 10 to 30 kilometers along bike-friendly paths threading through town and countryside. The route connects three carefully selected tasting venues, each showcasing the region’s diversity—from the celebrated boutique wineries to Sunshine Brewery and Harvest Cidery, New Zealand’s oldest microbrewery born from the resilient spirit following Cyclone Bola’s devastation. Cycling between tastings lets visitors immerse in the changing scenery: rolling hills draped with vines, orchard-lined lanes, and glimpses of the Pacific shimmering beyond.

Included in the experience is a light lunch or platter, designed to complement the sampling of wines, ciders, and craft beers. Riders receive a sturdy bike and helmet to ensure comfort and safety, while the self-paced format means you control your day—from lingering over a glass of crisp Chardonnay to soaking in the warm coastal air.

Experience Gisborne stands out as a gateway to the region’s outdoor lifestyle and food heritage, encouraging visitors to move at their own pace and savor local flavors in an authentic setting. Whether cycling solo or with friends, the Great Taste Tour combines active exploration with palate-pleasing stops. It’s a practical, enjoyable way to connect with Gisborne’s scenic, cultural, and culinary heart without rushing—a true highlight for food and wine lovers who appreciate a ride with purpose.