With endless hours of sunshine, a relatively dry climate and 25 different varieties of soils, it's little wonder that Hawke's Bay is home to New Zealand's oldest wineries. So whether you're a seasoned wine enthusiast or a complete novice, a winery tour is the ideal way to discover the subtle and complex flavors of the region's impressive wines. From the pier it's a scenic drive through the pastoral Tukituki River Valley with stunning views of the majestic Te Mata Peak and 100-year-old giant redwoods to Hastings. Known for its fruit and vegetable production, Hastings is also one of New Zealand's major wine producers. A pair of boutique wineries will open their doors for you to sample their wines accompanied a cheese platter. Later, enjoy a coach tour through town. Hastings was also damaged in the 1931 earthquake and boasts stunning Art Deco and Spanish Mission buildings.