Wine Dogs - Dog Trailer for Bikes in Hawke's Bay
No kennels. No guilt. Just a dog in a trailer and a great day out.
We have a purpose-built dog trailer for hire, towed behind a bicycle, completely enclosed, and sized for small to medium dogs up to 30kg. Your dog comes with you through the Bridge Pa Triangle and Gimblett Gravels wine districts on flat, off-road trails. Most of the wineries along the route welcome dogs on leash. Book the trailer ahead, we only have one.
What size dog fits in a bike dog trailer?
Our dog trailer attaches to the back of any bicycle and sits low to the ground — stable, enclosed, and comfortable for your dog on flat trails. The box measures 69cm long × 50cm wide × 40cm high, which comfortably fits a medium dog up to 30kg. Got three small dogs? They'll fit too.
Trailer hire is on top of your bike hire. We only have one, so if you're bringing the dog, book it when you book your bikes — it won't be available on the day if you haven't reserved it.
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Is a winery bike trail suitable for dogs?
Perfectly suited. The routes through the Bridge Pa Triangle and Gimblett Gravels wine districts are flat, off-road, and quiet — no traffic, no steep sections, and a relaxed pace that suits a dog along for the ride. Most families cover 15–18km on the Gimblett Gravels loop or 21–27km on the Bridge Pa Triangle, with plenty of stops along the way.
The trailer rides smoothly on the lime-chip trails and your dog can see out while you ride. At each winery stop, you can let them out for a stretch while you taste — just keep them on the leash.
Which Hawke's Bay wineries welcome dogs?
Most wineries along both routes are relaxed, outdoor environments and are happy to have dogs on site, many have dogs of their own. As a general rule, keep your dog on a leash at all times and clean up after them.
The wineries that work best for dogs are the ones with open grounds and a relaxed atmosphere. The exceptions are the more restaurant-style cellar doors where dogs aren't practical around dining areas. Worth checking directly with any winery if you're unsure.
Gimblett Gravels Wine District
Stony, free-draining soils that push the vines hard — which is why the reds here have the depth they do. The route is 15–18km and takes in some of the district's best cellar doors.
- Trinity Hill: One of the Gravels' landmark producers. Strong on Syrah, Viognier and Port-style wines.
- Unison Vineyard: Boutique and unhurried. The kind of place where someone will actually talk to you about what's in your glass.
- Swift Wines: A young winery with a young winemaker. The wines are worth finding.
Bridge Pa Triangle Wine District
A broader range of styles than the Gravels — more producers, more variety. The route covers 21–27km with plenty of stops along the way.
- Ash Ridge Winery: Good Syrah and views to match.
- Paritua Winery: Bordeaux-style reds done seriously.
- Alpha Domus: Bold reds and some well-made whites. Worth the stop.
- Abbey Winery & Brewery: If someone in your group isn't a wine drinker, this is their reward. Brewery, live music, good atmosphere.
- Oak Estate: A bistro in the vines. Stop here for lunch if you're timing it right.
You can pull stops from both routes — most riders mix and match depending on the day.
What to bring for your dog
The trailer takes care of the transport — you handle the supplies. Pack these before you leave:
- A leash — essential. All wineries require dogs on leash at all times.
- Water and a bowl — there's not always water available at cellar doors, so bring enough for the day.
- Poop bags — non-negotiable on the trail and at wineries.
- Snacks — not essential, but a long day out warrants a treat or two.
- A muzzle — only if your dog is likely to be reactive around other dogs or children. Several wineries have dogs of their own, and some have farm animals on site.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I bring my dog on the wine trail?
You most certainly can. The reason we invested in a dog trailer was to accommodate people who wish to travel with dogs.
What size dog fits in the trailer?
The trailer box measures 69cm long × 50cm wide × 40cm high and takes dogs up to 30kg. It will also fit three small dogs comfortably.
Do the wineries allow dogs?
Most wineries along both routes welcome dogs, many have dogs of their own. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times. More restaurant-style cellar doors like Oak Estate and Unison Vineyard aren't practical for dogs, so it's worth checking directly if you're unsure.
Is there a fee for the dog trailer?
Yes — $35 for the day, on top of your bike hire. We only have one trailer, so book it ahead.
What do I need to bring for my dog?
A leash, water and a bowl, poop bags, and snacks if needed. Bring a muzzle if your dog is reactive around other animals or children, some wineries have dogs and farm animals on site.