Fantastic natural scenery is easy to find in this region of sunshine and interesting geology. The trail to Cape Kidnappers is one of my favourites. Apart from the gannets, the marram grass and the black reef contribute to a truly remarkable landscape.

Grapes and landscapes

I also love the Mahia Peninsula. It’s remote and wild – a place for surfing, horse riding and long beach walks. Half an hour's drive away from Napier is beautiful Lake Tutira – an idyllic picnicking and camping spot. It was declared a bird sanctuary at the instigation of farmer/author/ornithologist William Herbert Guthrie-Smith who used to organically farm Tutira Station.

Cultivated landscapes

Most New Zealand cities have a botanical garden, and Napier’s is known for its large trees. Situated in a deep gully, there are walkways and steps to lead you around the plantings.

Trelinnoe Park, which is just off the Napier-Taupo highway, has eight hectares of native and exotic plantings to admire. The bulb display is magnificent in the spring, and in autumn the brilliant leaf colouring looks amazing against the bright blue sky.

If you admire the industry of bees, visit the honey farm in Havelock North. You can watch the bees at work and sample native bush honeys – Manuka, Rewarewa, Kamahi and Tawari.

Peak of perfection

Te Mata Peak offers stunning panoramic views of the fertile Hawke’s Bay region.
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Floral festivals

The Iona Garden Festival, which is held in November, is a chance to peek into many of the region’s most beautiful private landscapes. Cold winters and hot summers help to make the gardens truly spectacular.

For a bit of fun, I recommend the Hastings Blossom Festival in September. There’s always lots to do and see. It’s been running since the 1950s to celebrate the blossoming of all the fruit trees in the Hastings region. Pipfruit and stonefruit are big news here – buy them fresh from the orchard gate.