Family Bike Hire
in Hawke's Bay wine country

Most wineries along both routes have relaxed, open gardens and are well used to families arriving by bike. Many have large lawns, outdoor seating, and non-alcoholic drink options for children. Children under 18 are welcome on winery premises but cannot purchase or consume alcohol. Policies vary slightly between cellar doors, so it's worth checking when you book your winery visits.

Yes, for ages 10 and over. The hunts involve a bit of logic, deduction and deciphering, so younger children are welcome to ride along but may find the puzzles tricky.

Yes, and for family groups it's especially important. Child-specific equipment, the trailer, infant seat, children's bikes, and Onderwater Tandem, is limited. Booking ahead ensures we have the right setup ready for your family when you arrive. Weekend bookings fill quickly in summer.

Yes, though child equipment is limited, so booking ahead is essential. We have an infant seat for children from 11 months who can sit up independently (up to 15kg), a child trailer for ages 2–7, a 20" bike for ages 7–9 and a 24" bike for ages 9–12. Children aged 12–14 usually fit our small to medium adult frames, and over-14s ride standard adult bikes. Our Onderwater Tandem carries an adult, a child aged 5–9 and a younger child aged 3–5, all on one bike.

Most families with young children ride the Gimblett Gravels loop, around 8–14 km, visiting 2–3 wineries and taking their time between stops. It makes for a comfortable full day. Families with older kids or teenagers often take on the Bridge Pa Triangle, which is approximately 18–25 km depending on which wineries you include. Both routes are completely flat and you have until 5pm, so there's no need to rush.

The official Wineries Ride is a loop of roughly 30–36 km through the Gimblett Gravels, along the Ngaruroro River, back to Bridge Pa and through the Bridge Pa Triangle area. Roys Hill is one of its recommended starting points, and that’s where we are. Our route covers the section with the cellar doors, so you get the best of the Wineries Ride without the full loop.

We have equipment for families with children from 11 months old right through to teenagers. Here's how it works by age:
- 11 months – ~3 years (up to 15kg): infant seat, mounted on an adult bike. Must be able to sit up independently.
- 2–7 years: child trailer, towed behind an adult bike.
- 5–9 years (with an infant 3–5): our Dutch-designed Onderwater Tandem carries three: a child up front with fixed handlebars, a younger child in a seat between the adult's legs, and the adult steering from the rear. All on one bike.
- 7–9 years: one dedicated 20" children's bike.
- 9–12 years: one dedicated 24" children's bike.
- 12–14 years: typically fit our small to medium adult frames.
- 14 and over: comfortable on standard adult bikes.
The routes are completely flat, so there's no hill to worry about whatever the age mix.