Fine wine and fabulous food
Hawke's Bay is home to New Zealand's oldest operating winery - viticultural pioneers
were quick to recognise the region's huge potential. Today Hawke's Bay produces
many of the country's most acclaimed wines.
- Self-tour the region, guided by Hawke's Bay food and wine trail maps
- Discover over 30 wineries open for wine tasting. Many also offer alfresco and
restaurant dining
- If you prefer not to drive, cycle from one winery to the next on a hired mountain
bike
- Visit the traditional farmers market in Hastings, for the freshest produce and
organic foods
- Enjoy local seafood in restaurants throughout the region
- Try an orchard, farm, honey, cheese or chocolate tour
- Learn more about the olive growing and oil pressing process
- Improve your culinary skills at cooking schools run by renowned chefs
- Time your trip to coincide with the Harvest Hawke's Bay festival in early February
History, architecture and natural disasters
Hawke's Bay has a rich history, interwoven with the dramatic consequences of
natural disasters.
- Learn about the 1931 earthquake at the Hawke's Bay Museum
- Tour the city of Napier with an Art Deco tour guide. Napier has one of the highest
concentrations of Art Deco architecture anywhere in the world
- Explore Hastings, the historic architecture has a Spanish Mission influence
- Browse antique shops and galleries for a unique souvenir
- Self-drive or walk one of the heritage trails in the region
- Follow the art trail and visit galleries, workshops and home studios
- Find serenity in award-winning country gardens, complete with historic homesteads
- Interact with the locals by staying in a homestay, farmstay or B & B
- Explore the region's cities for interesting shopping seven days a week
Discover the Hawke's Bay of Ngati Kahungunu
From the wilds of Te Urewera National Park to majestic Te Mata Peak, Hawke's
Bay is steeped in Maori history and mythology.
- Join an experienced tour guide who will bring to life the traditions and beliefs
of the Maori through words, people and places
- Visit a coastal marae to experience a powhiri (Maori welcome) and learn about
traditional hunting and gathering techniques
- Spend a few hours at the Hawke's Bay Museum, which exhibits treasures from Nga
Tukemata and Ngati Kahungunu
- Get off the beaten track and walk to the longest place name in the world
- Visit Maori artists at galleries and studios
- Paddle a genuine 4 tonne, 18 metre waka on the Clive River
- Enjoy the Matariki (Maori New Year) celebrations in June
Encounter wildlife and wilderness
Forest reserves and huge stretches of coastline invite you to spend some time
with nature.
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Visit Cape Kidnappers, home the largest, most accessible mainland gannet (takapu)
colony in the world
- Learn about the penguin recovery programme at Napier's waterfront marine park
- Dive, snorkel or walk in the Te Angiangi Marine Reserve
- Hike the Kaweka and Ruahine Conservation Parks. There are huts for overnight
stays
- Visit the hot pools in the Kaweka Ranges
- Camp at Lake Tutira and be awed by the mystical morning landscapes
- Enjoy an evening hike to Ball's Clearing to see New Zealand's largest population
of native long tailed bats
Re-energise with outdoor adventures
With mountains, sea coast and everything in between, Hawke's Bay is equipped
to deliver an amazing assortment of outdoor adventures.
- Paddle a kayak down the Mohaka or Tukituki River
- Rise early for a romantic hot air balloon safari over the plains
- Paraglide from Te Mata Peak, in tandem with a qualified instructor
- Go fishing in the ocean or from the banks of a river
- Enjoy a game of golf at Cape Kidnappers, the region's newest golf course
- Swim the beaches and dive the reefs along the coastline
- Horse trek along the beach or across an inland farm
- Explore the gorge in Esk Valley
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| The Rothmans Building is a fine example of Napier's world famous Art Deco architecture. |
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| GOURMET'S GARDEN |
Take a tour with three expert guides and discover the flavours of New Zealand's cuisine, fine wines and stunning scenery. From Auckland's fresh cuisine to Marlborough's vineyards.
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