The Winemaker’s Lost Journal – A Winery Treasure Hunt

Find the clues, find the treasure

Step into the story of legendary Hawke’s Bay winemaker, Elias Thorne, whose secret journal went missing among the vineyards.

Your mission? Follow his cryptic clues through the Gimblett Gravels and Bridge Pa Triangle wine districts. Along the way, solve puzzles, uncover local secrets, and taste world-class wines. The Winemaker’s Lost Journal is a self-guided outdoor treasure hunt — part cycling tour, part mystery, and entirely unforgettable.

Perfect For

Groups of friends or couples looking for something different
Hens parties or birthday adventures
Corporate team-building days
Visitors wanting to combine wine tasting with a puzzle adventure
Families can do it, but there must be two adults present and no wine tasting for minors – it is aimed at ages 18+

What to expect

This is an immersive winery treasure hunt. Follow the trail by bike around the vineyards, visiting cellar doors, solving puzzles, and piecing together clues hidden across the Bridge Pa Triangle and Gimblett Gravels wine districts.

No special wine knowledge is needed — just logic, curiosity, and teamwork. You’ll be guided step-by-step via your phone, using QR codes, riddles, and cryptic notes left behind by Elias Thorne, the fabled master winemaker.

What’s included

Bike Hire – depending on the day you visit, ebikes range from $95-100, and for regular bikes $60-70. This includes, bikes, helmets, padlock, a map of region and game access.
Game Access – One game covers up to 6 players, using two devices. Larger groups can split into teams and compete!”
Itinerary and Bookings at local wineries depends on the set route you choose. We will send your itinerary through to the wineries involved when you book. If you would like to check itinerary, go to our bike planner page. Please let us know where you would like lunch.

Extras you may need:

Transport to and from our location – please organise with local taxis or Uber.
Tasting fees. These are paid directly to the winery you visit, so you choose where you wish to taste. Prices range from $15-20 per person/per venue.
Lunches. All food is extra.

ROUTE & DURATION

Around 12–15 km of easy cycling through scenic Hawke’s Bay wine country.
Expect 4 winery stops, each featuring multiple puzzles to solve.
Average completion time: 4–5 hours, including wine tastings and a lunch break.

START TIMES

Choose your start time — 11 AM, or 12 PM — and finish by 5 PM when bikes are due back.

PEOPLE PER GROUP

A game is designed for 2–4 people with mobile access on 2 devices. If you have more people, purchase two or more game tickets and play as teams of 2-4 people per team against each other.

DIFFICULTY

Suitable for beginners and puzzle enthusiasts alike. Work together to crack clues, find hidden details, and reveal the truth behind the lost journal. Keep in mind it is aimed more at adults and has a wine theme.

FAQs

How long does the treasure hunt take?
The actual treasure hunt is probably around 2-3 hours. Most teams complete the route in around 4–5 hours, with tasting stops and lunch.

Do we need to be fit or experienced cyclists?
Not at all. The route is mostly flat and easy to ride. You can choose a regular bike or e-bike, and go at your own pace.

Can we do the treasure hunt if we don’t drink wine?
Absolutely — there are plenty of non-alcoholic options and scenic spots to enjoy along the way.

Do we need to book in advance?
Yes, bookings are required so we can prepare your clues, map, and access codes.

What should we bring?
Comfortable clothing, sunscreen, water, and a sense of adventure! A fully charged phone or two with mobile data – maybe a backup power pack. We also recommend checking the weather for the day and plan accordingly.

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GETTING STARTED

Book your game.
Shortly after, you will receive an email with your game link and Access Code in your email.
On the day, head over to On Yer Bike Winery Tours to collect your bikes and participation map.
Open a web browser on your phone using the link in the email and log in one person with your game Access code when you’re ready to start. Fill in your name, email address and Team name.
You can have up to 2 active devices (phones logged in) per game. Send another Team Member the link from the start screen.
Press start game.

HOW TO PLAY

Read the introduction. The first chapter will send you to your first winery to visit during the day.
At each location you will be encouraged to participate in qizzes, hunt for QR codes, and eliminate wineries from your map.

Game Options

We have six game options that visit different wineries, please choose one at booking:

1st Bridge Pa Edition Available Saturday and Sunday:
Ash Ridge ● Alpha Domus ● Abbey Cellars ● Trinity Hill

2nd Bridge Pa Edition Available Wednesday to Sunday:
Ash Ridge ● Paritua ● Oak Estate ● Trinity Hill

3rd Bridge Pa Edition Available Friday to Sunday:
Ash Ridge ● Alpha Domus ● Paritua ● Trinity Hill

1st Gimblett Edition Available Thursday to Sunday:
Ash Ridge ● Swift Wines ● Oak Estate ● Trinity Hill

2nd Gimblett Edition Available Wednesday to Sunday:
Ash Ridge ● Unison ● Oak Estate ● Trinity Hill

3rd Gimblett Edition Available Thursday to Sunday:
Ash Ridge ● Swift Wines ● Unison ● Trinity Hill