The highlight of our trip to New Zealand! Amazing experience biking from Lake Hāwea to Roys Bay in Lake Wānaka, followed by an excellent lunch and wine tasting with Scott at three local vineyards.
Scott picked us up in the morning right outside our accommodation in Wānaka, and to our surprise we were the first and only two people on the tour that day! As we drove to our starting point at Lake Hāwea, Scott educated us on the history and recent developments in the area, while also pointing out some of the highlights we would see on our bike ride. He provided very clear directions for our route, and ensured we were safe and comfortable on the bikes before we set off.
The ride was absolutely stunning, taking us from the tracks along Lake Hāwea, connecting us to the Hāwea River Track, Clutha River, and eventually riding from all the way around to Roys Bay. We had about 4 hours to complete the ride and connect with Scott back in Wānaka, which was more than enough time to capture dozens (if not hundreds!) of photos along the way, and even stop for a coffee! The e-bikes themselves were comfortable and easy to use, I have a bad knee and the support provided by the e-bike allowed me to take on the terrain without any pain during or after the ride. If you are new or not too confident in biking off-road, don't be deterred as the e-bike truly does all the hard work for you!
After meeting back up with Scott, the wine tour began with an excellent lunch and wine pairing at the Stoker Room. My fiancé and I know very little about wine, and Scott proved to be a wealth of knowledge, answering every serious and silly question while providing tremendous insight into why the Otaga region was so perfect for wine. Since it was just us three, the afternoon quickly began to feel less like a formal tour, and more like a visit with an old friend who just happened to be a wine connoisseur! Aitkin's Folly was our favorite stop on the tour, as the owners and their two dogs were right with you as you sipped and chatted.
The care and preparation Scott put in to crafting this unique experience made this a day we will never forget. I highly recommend this particular tour for anyone seeking a breathtaking outdoor biking experience, followed by a delicious meal and intimate wine tour with an excellent person and professional.
