The Winemaker’s Lost Journal – A Winery Treasure Hunt

Cycle, Sip, Explore – 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 deliciously different
Hens parties or birthday adventures with a mysterious twist
Corporate team-building days that go beyond the boardroom
Visitors wanting to combine world-class wine tasting with a puzzle adventure
Anyone who thinks they’ve got what it takes to outsmart a killer

What’s Included

Bike Hire — Choose from regular bikes ($60–70) or e-bikes ($95–100). All bikes come with helmet, padlock, and a map of the region.
Game Access — One game covers up to 6 players across two devices. Larger groups can split into teams and go head-to-head to see who cracks the case first.
Itinerary & Winery Bookings — We’ll send your itinerary through to the wineries and help coordinate your stops so you can focus on the investigation.

Not Included

Transport to and from On Yer Bike — drive or arrange via local taxi or Uber.
Tasting Fees — paid directly to each winery you visit ($15–20 per person, per venue).
Food & Lunch — all meals are extra, but you’ll pass some great spots along the way.

WHAT TO EXPECT

This is an immersive winery treasure hunt set amongst the vineyards of Hawke’s Bay. Follow the trail and uncover the secrets hidden in Elias Thorne’s lost journal.

Cycle 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. And some time to taste the wines along the way.

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.

Our Treasure Hunt unfolds across four stunning local wineries. While these are our host partners, wine tasting is entirely optional. You’re welcome to roll up, find your clues, soak in the views, and head off to the next location whenever you’re ready.

ROUTE AND DURATION

Choose your hunting grounds — the sun-drenched Gimblett Gravels or the rolling Bridge Pa Triangle wine districts. Both routes cover around 12–15 km of easy, mostly flat cycling through some of Hawke’s Bay’s most stunning wine country.

Along the way you’ll make 4 winery stops, each with puzzles to solve and clues to uncover — not to mention some of the region’s finest wines to taste.

Allow 3–5 hours in total, including tastings and a lunch break. It’s not a race — though the treasure might be discovered by another interested party.

Start Times: Choose either 11 AM or 12 PM. All bikes are due back by 5 PM.

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?
It does help to know how to ride a bike, but apart from that its easy going. The route is mostly flat and easy to ride. 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. Plus organise a schedule.

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.

Do I have to buy wine to play?
Nope! The mystery is solved using clues found at each location. Whether you want to indulge in a full tasting flight, grab a coffee, or just hunt for the next clue and head off—it’s entirely up to you.

Is there an entry fee?
There is no entry fee to visit our partner wineries to play the game. You only pay the winery if you choose to purchase food or drinks.

Searching Availability...

GETTING STARTED

Book your bikes — choose e-bike or regular and select your preferred route (Gimblett Gravels or Bridge Pa Triangle) on the booking form.
Check your inbox — shortly after booking you’ll receive everything you need to know about your game day.
On the day, head to On Yer Bike Winery Tours where we’ll get you set up, hand over your access code, and send you on your way.
Share the investigation — up to 2 devices can be active per game. Share the link and PIN with a teammate so everyone stays in the loop.

HOW TO PLAY

Log into the game on your smartphone and read the intro — the story begins here.
Follow the clues to your first winery and let the investigation begin.
Answer the multiple choice puzzles, collect your clues, and piece together the mystery.
Work as a team, trust your logic, and find out who killed Bart Monroe.

Game Options

Day	Available Editions
Wednesday	2nd Bridge Pa • 2nd Gimblett
Thursday	2nd Bridge Pa • 1st Gimblett • 2nd Gimblett • 3rd Gimblett
Friday	2nd Bridge Pa • 3rd Bridge Pa • 1st Gimblett • 2nd Gimblett • 3rd Gimblett
Saturday	All 6 editions available
Sunday	All 6 editions available

Route Details:

Edition	Wineries Visited
1st Bridge Pa	Ash Ridge • Alpha Domus • Abbey Cellars • Trinity Hill
2nd Bridge Pa	Ash Ridge • Paritua • Oak Estate • Trinity Hill
3rd Bridge Pa	Ash Ridge • Alpha Domus • Paritua • Trinity Hill
1st Gimblett	Ash Ridge • Swift Wines • Oak Estate • Trinity Hill
2nd Gimblett	Ash Ridge • Unison • Oak Estate • Trinity Hill
3rd Gimblett	Ash Ridge • Swift Wines • Unison • Trinity Hill