Things To Do

Te Awanga Wine Trail Guide: Coastal Cellar Doors and Cycling

Updated 1 November 2026

Few cycling outings in Hawke’s Bay offer the immediate charm of the coastal strip running through Te Awanga. While inland trails guide riders across wide river plains and gravel soils, the Te Awanga wine trail keeps the broad Pacific Ocean horizon beside you. Flat trails trace the coastline, fresh sea breezes roll over vineyard rows, and cellar doors sit within easy reach of the cycle path. Whether you pedal a substantial section of the regional trail network or spend a gentle afternoon moving between tastings and a long lunch, exploring Te Awanga on two wheels delivers an accessible and picturesque day out.

Putting together an independent day along this coastal corridor is simple, but thoughtful planning makes a genuine difference. Knowing how to access the trails, how the surface suits different bicycles, what each cellar door provides, and how transport logistics work ensures your day runs smoothly. Here is a practical guide to organising your cycling and tasting itinerary along the Te Awanga coast.

The Route: Following the Cape Coast

The cycling trail passing through Te Awanga is part of the Hawke’s Bay Trails network, specifically the coastal section connecting the township of Clive to Clifton. This ride spans roughly 15 kilometres and carries a Grade 1 to 2 grading, placing it among the easiest and most approachable cycling routes in the region. Most cyclists cover the straight ride between Clive and Clifton in one to two hours, though pausing for views, coastal air, coffee, and cellar door visits naturally stretches it into a rewarding day trip.

Departing Clive, the pathway hugs the Pacific shoreline, skirting peaceful seaside settlements, sensitive coastal wetlands teeming with birdlife, and broad gravel beaches. As you pedal south toward Clifton, your line of sight leads directly toward the sweeping sandstone bluffs of Cape Kidnappers (Te Kauwae-a-Māui). In Māori tradition, this headland represents the fishhook used by the demigod Māui to haul the North Island from the ocean depths. The coastal setting feels remarkably open, framed by maritime skies and rolling surf.

The trail offers several scenic spaces to take a break off the saddle. In Te Awanga itself, green open spaces like the Te Awanga Domain provide an easy seaside rest stop before you head to nearby vineyard cellar doors. If you begin your coastal journey further north, the trail links through Waitangi Regional Park, an expansive coastal and wetland reserve featuring the Ātea a Rangi Star Compass, which honours early Polynesian voyaging and celestial navigation.

Terrain, Trail Surface, and Bike Selection

One of the strongest advantages of the Te Awanga route is its ease. You do not need specialized cycling experience or high endurance to navigate it. The regional trails here are designed specifically for casual day riders and family outings. The path is largely flat and wide, finished with a compacted lime-sand surface that rolls comfortably under standard bike tyres. Without steep hills to negotiate, cyclists can maintain a relaxed pace between stops without feeling worn out.

This forgiving profile suits almost any conventional bike, from upright city cruisers and touring bicycles to tandems and children’s bikes. E-bikes are also widely used across Hawke’s Bay. Electric bikes are permitted on the Hawke’s Bay Trails provided their motor power output is under 300 watts. Because the coastal topography is level, a standard battery charge easily covers long distances. However, checking that your battery is fully charged before setting out is always wise, particularly if you need to pedal against an afternoon coastal breeze on your return journey.

While the dedicated cycle track keeps you separated from main roads for most of the trip, you will encounter short road sections and road crossings when pulling into winery entrances or navigating neighborhood streets. Cyclists should remain attentive to traffic at every intersection. In addition, because the pathways are shared with walkers, runners, and families, standard trail courtesy applies: ride on the left, signal with a bell or a friendly greeting before overtaking, and adjust your speed when approaching corners or busier sections.

Cellar Doors and Coastal Tasting Stops

The personality of Te Awanga wine is shaped directly by its coastal geography. Situated right on Hawke Bay, these vineyards benefit from maritime daytime winds that moderate afternoon temperatures. This cooling influence prolongs grape ripening and helps preserve natural acidity, contributing to vibrant fruit character. The cellar doors along this strip highlight this maritime climate, offering diverse experiences that range from leafy garden dining to sleek tasting rooms overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Clearview Estate Winery

Established in 1987, Clearview Estate is an established fixture situated directly on the Cape Coast cycle trail in Te Awanga. Cycling visitors will find dedicated on-site bike racks, making it a simple and convenient stop to pull in, secure your bike, and step into the grounds.

The winery crafts small-lot coastal wines that reflect the stony soils and sunny climate of the Cape Coast. Hospitality here is anchored by the historic ‘Red Shed’ Restaurant, where visitors can dine outdoors under shade umbrellas and vines, or indoors beside a wood fire during cooler seasons. The restaurant features a seasonal menu built around Hawke’s Bay produce alongside estate-grown wines. With its relaxed, Mediterranean-style garden setting, Clearview serves as an ideal midday venue for a leisurely lunch or a structured tasting flight.

Elephant Hill Winery

A short pedal along the coastline brings you to Elephant Hill, recognized for its striking, contemporary architecture and views across the vines toward the Pacific Ocean. The estate offers a polished environment dedicated to coastal wine appreciation.

Elephant Hill provides flexible tasting formats. Visitors who wish to taste at their own pace can choose self-guided flights, priced at $20 for four wines or $30 for six wines across their Le Phant, Estate, and Reserve collections. For those seeking an in-depth look at the portfolio, guided tastings are available at $35 per person, with this fee waived upon purchasing two bottles. Tastings run Friday through Sunday from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. It is important to note that Elephant Hill’s kitchen service is currently paused, so the cellar door focuses strictly on wine tastings and retail sales.

Comparing Te Awanga Cellar Door Experiences

To help balance your schedule between riding and tasting, this summary outlines the practical offerings at the main coastal cellar doors:

Venue	Tastings & Pricing	Dining Offerings	Atmosphere & Setting	Key Planning Advice
Clearview Estate Winery	Tastings of handcrafted small-lot coastal wines at the cellar door.	Seasonal menu at the ‘Red Shed’ Restaurant; vineyard courtyard seating.	Historic, leafy setting with outdoor tables among the vines and bike racks on site.	Reservations recommended for lunch, particularly on busy summer weekends.
Elephant Hill	Self-guided flights ($20 for 4 wines, $30 for 6 wines); Guided tastings ($35 per person, fee waived with 2-bottle purchase).	Kitchen service temporarily paused; open exclusively for wine tastings and bottle sales.	Modern, architectural estate with panoramic views of coastal vineyards and the sea.	Open Friday–Sunday, 11:00 am–5:00 pm. Advance tasting bookings are strongly advised.

Bike Hire and Transport Logistics

Arranging bicycles and transport for exploring Te Awanga is straightforward, thanks to established cycle operators across Hawke’s Bay. Recognized regional hire and tour businesses include Coastal Wine Cycles, Napier City Bike Hire & Tours, On Yer Bike Hawke’s Bay Ltd, and Tākaro Trails Cycle Tours.

If you are staying in Napier, Tākaro Trails operates two hubs—one in Ahuriri and another on Marine Parade. They supply regular bicycles and e-bikes, offer guided and self-guided Cape winery day rides, and provide accommodation pick-up services to transport riders to suitable starting trailheads. For additional trail maps, regional information, and cycling brochures, stopping into the Napier isite Visitor Information Centre on Marine Parade is a practical first move before setting out.

Another helpful option for independent cyclists is provided by Good Fun Bike Rides. Alongside standard and e-bike rentals, they offer a 'Fetch-You-Bike' collection service. For NZ$50.00, they will collect rented bikes directly from Te Awanga wineries at the end of the day. This provides peace of mind if you prefer to conclude your day after tastings and lunch, allowing you to return to your base via vehicle or shuttle without having to ride back.

Sample Self-Guided Day Itinerary

A successful day on the Te Awanga wine trail balances easy riding with unhurried cellar door visits. Rushing through too many stops diminishes the relaxed coastal atmosphere. Here is a practical sequence for spending a day on the trail:

9:30 am – Collect Bicycles: Pick up your hired bike or e-bike from your rental provider in Napier, Clive, or Havelock North. Check helmet fit, tyre condition, and ensure your e-bike battery is charged.
10:15 am – Start Pedalling the Coastline: Join the trail at Clive or a nearby access point and head south toward Clifton. Enjoy the wide vistas across Hawke Bay, the ocean swell, and the sight of coastal birdlife.
11:15 am – Morning Wine Tasting: Stop at Elephant Hill for an initial tasting flight. Take your time sampling wines from their Estate or Reserve collections while looking out over the rows of vines toward the Pacific Ocean.
12:45 pm – Vineyard Lunch: Ride a short distance down the cycleway to Clearview Estate. Park your bike in the racks and settle into the leafy courtyard under the umbrellas for a relaxed lunch showcasing seasonal Hawke’s Bay dishes.
2:30 pm – Foreshore Pause: Mount your bike and cruise gently into Te Awanga village. Pull off at Te Awanga Domain to relax on the grass by the water and take in the coastline.
3:30 pm – Return Leg: Begin your pedal back north along the flat lime-sand path toward Clive, or take advantage of a pre-arranged shuttle or collection service from the winery.

Extending Your Day on the Cape Coast

Gannet Safaris Overland - Gannet Safaris Overland Ltd

If members of your group want to explore beyond wineries, or if you wish to lengthen your coastal trip, Clifton acts as the starting point for Cape Kidnappers. The cape hosts an internationally recognized mainland gannet colony, where seabirds nest each year between October and March. Gannet Safaris Overland operates directly from Clifton Road, taking visitors on guided overland tours across private coastal land to view the gannets at close range. Scheduling an overland tour in the morning followed by an easy afternoon cycling between Te Awanga cellar doors makes for a complete coastal experience.

Practical Planning: Bookings, Weather, and Safety

To keep your day enjoyable and trouble-free, keep several practical factors in mind when planning your route and schedule.

Advance Bookings in Peak Season

Hawke’s Bay attracts substantial numbers of domestic and international visitors between December and March. While casual bicycle hire can often be arranged on short notice during the off-season, guided tours, e-bike bookings, and transfer shuttles should always be reserved well ahead of time during summer. Similarly, seated dining at Clearview Estate and tasting times at Elephant Hill can book out on weekends. Booking your tasting flights and lunch table ahead avoids disappointment.

Trail Navigation and Maps

Although the coastal cycle path is straightforward and well-marked, carrying an offline navigation map helps you track your location and find cellar door turnoffs. Mobile phone reception is dependable along the coastal corridor. You can download the free Great Rides App before heading out; it operates offline and provides detailed maps, trail descriptions, photos, and marked services along the Hawke’s Bay Trails network.

Hydration and Sun Safety

Hawke’s Bay is known for high sunshine hours and warm summer weather. Because coastal breezes can mask heat, cyclists can easily spend hours in direct sun without realizing it. Carry a filled water bottle on your bike, apply sunscreen before setting off, and keep a hat and sunglasses handy for stops. Staying properly hydrated is particularly important when you are pairing physical exercise with wine tastings.

Tasting Moderation and Cycling Safety

Riding a bicycle on shared trails and public road connections requires the same level of safety and judgment as driving. Pace your tastings, drink water throughout the day, and eat a substantial meal during your route. If you find that the sunshine and tastings have left you too tired to pedal back, use a transport service or bike collection option rather than riding fatigued. Taking an unhurried, safety-first approach ensures your day along the Te Awanga wine trail remains a highlight of your Hawke's Bay travels.

Cover photo: Elephant Hill

By Alyssa.

Sources and further information

Sources checked: 2026-11-01.