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Hawke's Bay Information

Hawke's Bay - Gourmet Food & Fine Wine

Say 'Hawke's Bay' to a New Zealander, and they'll immediately reply 'wine'. There are over 70 (and counting...) vineyards in the region, including the famous Esk Valley, Elephant and Clear View Estates. Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon are particular specialities in the area; the Mediterranean-like east coast climate provides perfect growing conditions for the vines, and many wineries also offer gourmet restaurants in which to sample not just the grape, but the garden, too. The prevalence of food and wine markets ensures one thing about a visit to Hawke's Bay – you won't go hungry!

Glorious beaches, distinctive wildlife, a rich, cultural heritage and landscapes straight from an exhibition, mean it's a popular destination for the bohemian set. Museums, art galleries, studios and workshops are plentiful in this part of New Zealand – the ideal place to discover your inner artist.

Area Highlights

Art Deco in Napier

In 1931, an earthquake hit the small city of Napier, killing scores of people and destroying most of the city's grand, Victorian architecture. Instead of rebuilding, however, the defiant residents decided to flatten what was left and start from scratch. Living for the moment, Napier became a living homage to the modern Art Deco movement of the 1930s and, together with Miami, is considered one of the two finest collections of Art Deco buildings in the world.

Once you're done walking, why not pay a visit to the Farmers' Market? Held every Saturday, come rain or shine, you are guaranteed to find the best local produce, including a huge range of weird and wonderful coffees! After you've hunted down a few culinary bargains, take your DIY picnic along to Marine Parade and watch the world go by, before walking off lunch around the park or aquarium.

Other highlights include Cape Kidnappers - a headland 20km southeast of Napier and a Mecca for birdwatchers, who flock to see the huge colony of gannets nesting there. Overland and Wilderness Safaris are available for visitors who want to get up close and personal with these remarkable birds.

Hastings

20km inland from Napier, the larger city of Hastings (also rebuilt after the 1931 earthquake) is the most populous in the Hawke's Bay area. A convenient touring base for all the region has to offer, Hastings is known as the 'Fruit Bowl of New Zealand', because of the fertile plains upon which it sits.

Gourmet Food and Wine Country

Because it's New Zealand's oldest wine region, Hawke's Bay will not let you leave without inviting you to try a few 'soupcons' of its most famous product. Whether it be a grand reserve from Mission Estate's oak-aged barrels, or a cheeky little Merlot from the Black Barn Vineyard, it's guaranteed you'll be driving away with a few crates stashed in the hire car. Various wine trail maps allow visitors the flexibility to roam the wineries at their leisure and, as many also provide gourmet dining as well, you can leave the sandwiches at home!

Outdoor adventure

Hawke's Bay is well-equipped with mountains, coastline and plains to provide you with plenty of opportunities to work off the extra pounds you may have acquired at the wineries. The warm waters of Hawke Bay are perfect for a lazy swim or a dive amongst the many coral reefs found offshore. Spear-fishing is also a popular pastime here.

If you have a head for heights, you can take a wild hot-air balloon ride over the flood plains, and have a look down at where you could be kayaking later on; down the Tukituki or Mohaka Rivers, perhaps. Te Mata Peak is a popular destination for mountain bikers – the views from the top are truly awesome; Ruapehu volcano and Cape Kidnappers can both be seen below. Once at the top, you may want to opt for the quickest way down....and paraglide off the summit with a trained instructor.

Wildlife & Nature

Away from the temptation of the wineries and restaurants, Hawke's Bay rewards the nature lover with bountiful woodland reserves and rocky outcrops, where many of New Zealand's indigenous plants and animals can be found. Exploring the Kaweka and Ruahine Conservation Parks can take a few days, but there are huts available where you can spend the night.

Five Things To Do

1. Admire Napier's stunning Art Deco architecture on a guided tour

2. Take advantage of the free wine-tasting at the numerous vineyards

3. Enjoy the local art galleries, workshops and studios

4. Get back to nature in one of the Conservation Parks

5. Swim with sharks at Napier's National Aquarium

Getting There

Hawke's Bay Airport is a 10-minute drive from Napier city centre, and 20 minutes from Hastings. Flights with Air New Zealand and Sunair operate from Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Hamilton and Tauranga.

By road, the region is easily accessible from anywhere, and there are several inter-city bus routes that service Napier and Hastings.

Napier Port also hosts several cruise ships during summer time.

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