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
WHAT TO EXPECT
This is an immersive winery treasure hunt where you’ll uncover the secrets of the lost winemaker’s journal. 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 missing winemaker.
DIFFICULTY
Suitable for beginners and puzzle enthusiasts alike. Work together to crack clues, find hidden details, and reveal the truth behind the lost journal.
ROUTE & DURATION
Around 12–15 km of easy cycling through scenic Hawke’s Bay wine country.
Expect 5 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
Recommended for 2–6 people. If more people are playing, purchase two or more game tickets and play as teams.
FAQs
How long does the treasure hunt take?
Most teams complete the route in around 4–5 hours, depending on 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 equipment.
What should we bring?
Comfortable clothing, sunscreen, water, and a sense of adventure! Everything else is provided.
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GETTING STARTED
- Book your game, and book your bikes for the day – you have to do them separately.
- Shortly after, you will receive your game link and PIN in your email.
- On the day, head over to On Yer Bike Winery Tours and log in with your game PIN when you’re ready to start.
- You can have upto 2 active devices (phones logged in) per game. Give another Team Member the link and the PIN.
HOW TO PLAY
- Once you are ready to start, log into the game on your smartphone and read the intro.
- The first chapter will send you to your first winery to visit during the day.
- Solve the clues and have a great day.
Please Note:
- This is for one game for 2-6 players.
- Additional players, order more games and team up to play against teams.
- This does not include bike hire, please order your bikes in addition to the game.
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