Do I need to bring my own bike?

No, the tour includes a well-maintained bike and helmet from Cycle Gisborne.

Is the route suitable for beginner cyclists?

Yes, the mostly flat terrain and quiet roads make it accessible for riders of all skill levels.

Can I upgrade to a guided tour?

Yes, a guided option is available by inquiry to add a local expert to your experience.

Are the wine tastings included in the price?

Three tastings and a vineyard platter are included, ensuring you sample a variety of local wines.

What COVID-19 precautions are in place?

Experience Gisborne follows local guidelines and recommends pre-booking to manage group sizes.

Is there support if I encounter mechanical issues on the ride?

Basic support is available through Cycle Gisborne to assist with common bike issues.

Self-Guided Vineyard Cycle Tour with Experience Gisborne | Self-Guided Tour

Located in New Zealand’s East Coast region, Gisborne’s fertile Poverty Bay flats offer an inviting setting for a unique outdoor adventure. Experience Gisborne taps into this landscape with its Self-Guided Vineyard Cycle Tour, a hands-on journey through some of the area’s finest wineries, combining active exploration with local flavors over roughly five hours. Starting at the Cycle Gisborne shop, visitors receive a tailored bike fit, safety briefing, and a detailed map highlighting each stop on the route. The tour covers about 30 kilometers on quiet country roads that thread through sprawling vineyards and patches of native bush, providing a refreshing taste of both the region's agriculture and natural scenery.

What sets this tour apart is its balance of freedom and support. While self-guided, the package includes a vineyard platter and tastings at three cellar doors, giving riders time to savor local varietals without the constraints of a rigid schedule. Optional add-ons, like a guide or shuttle service, can tailor the experience further. The ride is accessible to most fitness levels, emphasizing easy terrain that complements the laid-back pace of wine sampling. Along the way, cyclists can appreciate the rich history rooted in the region, including early Maori settlements and gold rush-era landmarks.

This experience highlights Gisborne not just as a wine destination but as a spot for active travel where food, history, and landscape converge. In a region often overshadowed by larger wine hubs, Experience Gisborne’s self-guided cycle tour offers a fresh kind of adventure—one that rewards curiosity, independence, and a palate for bold, aromatic wines under New Zealand’s often bright, coastal sky.