Wine Tasting Days with a Rental Car: Drivers, Tours and Bikes

Quick summary: A rental car gets you to New Zealand’s wine regions, but on tasting days it’s best left parked or driven by someone who isn’t drinking. The country’s drink-driving limits are strict, and rental insurance excludes driving under the influence. The good news is that every major region offers easy alternatives: guided wine tours, bike trails between cellar doors in Marlborough, Martinborough and Hawke’s Bay, and accommodation within walking distance of the vines.

At a glance
The rule	The driver doesn’t drink
Easiest option	A wine tour with pickup
Active option	Cycling trails between cellar doors
Stay close	Accommodation within walking distance of wineries
At the cellar door	Spitting and tipping are normal
Tours	All wine tours

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What are the options on a tasting day?

Option	How it works
Designated driver	One person drinks nothing and drives
Wine tour	A guide drives, often with lunch included
Cycling	Hire bikes and ride between cellar doors on flat trails
Walkable base	Stay in a village or vineyard with cellar doors nearby
Taxi or shuttle	Available in larger centres

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Where can you cycle between wineries?

Marlborough’s flat valley floor around Renwick, Martinborough’s village vineyards and Hawke’s Bay’s trails are all popular for cycling between cellar doors. Collect bikes nearby and leave the car at your accommodation. See cycling wine trails.

How do you keep bought wine in good condition in a car?

Keep bottles out of direct sun and avoid leaving them in a parked car on hot days, when the interior heats up quickly. Lay them flat in a box, cushioned with clothing, and unload them into your accommodation each evening. Many wineries can also ship cases home or to your next stop. See carrying wine.

Is it acceptable to taste without drinking much?

Completely. Cellar-door staff expect spitting and tipping, and many offer non-alcoholic drinks or smaller pours for drivers. You can also buy a bottle to enjoy later.

How do you plan the driving around tasting?

Drive to the region the day before, taste on a day when the car doesn’t need to move, and drive on the following morning. See wine tasting and driving.

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Frequently Asked Questions