For travellers, Hawke’s Bay Wine Country presents an eclectic mix of visual and sensual experiences. The region is New Zealand’s leading producer of red wines, has the greatest concentration of Art Deco architecture and hosts the country’s most elaborate celebrations of Matariki - the Maori New Year. As if that weren’t enough, Hawke’s Bay is also known for its artisan gourmet foods and glorious beaches that stretch from Mahia Peninsula in the north to Porangahau in the south.
Hawke’s Bay in spring is a visual feast of orchards in blossom, new buds on the vines and daffodils in bloom. Sample the fresh seasonal produce at local markets and visit the local wineries. Spring also marks the return of the gannets to their colony at Cape Kidnappers and the hatching of new chicks.
For travellers, Hawke’s Bay Wine Country presents an eclectic mix of visual and sensual experiences. The region is New Zealand’s leading producer of red wines, has the greatest concentration of Art Deco architecture and hosts the country’s most elaborate celebrations of Matariki - the Maori New Year. As if that weren’t enough, Hawke’s Bay is also known for its artisan gourmet foods and glorious beaches that stretch from Mahia Peninsula in the north to Porangahau in the south.
Browse our collection of images to see what the region has to offer:
Days of indulgence and Art Deco
The landscapes of Hawke’s Bay begin with the high, forested Ruahine and Kaweka Ranges. From the mountains, the land steps down towards the coast, flattening out to become the Heretaunga Plains. A number of wide rivers run swiftly to meet the blue Pacific Ocean. The twin cities of Napier and Hastings are the main population centres.
Blessed with a sunny, Mediterranean-style climate, Hawke’s Bay is one of New Zealand’s warmest, driest regions.
Key Features
Taste sensations The agricultural heritage of Hawke’s Bay lives on in the region’s wineries, orchards and artisan food producers. At any time of the year, you can follow food and wine trails to discover exceptional taste sensations.
Wildlife by the sea
Cape Kidnappers nature reserve is home to the largest and most accessible mainland gannet colony in the world. Known to Maori as takapu, these birds usually breed on islands.
Unusual places
From elegant Art Deco architecture to a settlement with the world’s longest place name, Hawke’s Bay will capture your interest with amazing stories. Learn about the past, both ancient and recent, with a local guide.
Key Tips
Two domestic airlines service the Hawke’s Bay airport. Regular, daily schedules link the region to three international airports.
Explore Hawke’s Bay using the food, wine and art trails found at visitor information centres around the region.
Three touring routes pass through Hawke’s Bay - the Thermal Explorer Highway, Pacific Coast Highway and the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail.
Historical homesteads and quaint antique shops provide a glimpse of the pioneering spirit of Central Hawke’s Bay.
Related Links
Journals
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Hawke's Bay Wine and Food Join Sarah Hunter as she explores Napier and the award winning wineries and gourmet food producers of the Hawke's Bay.
www.newzealand.com Pages
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New Zealand Food and Wine Take a gourmet journey through the North and South Islands and discover your appetite for New Zealand.
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Hawkes Bay Wine The Hawkes Bay region produces mouthfilling, richly flavoured, and rounded wines.
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Maori Culture The region of Hawkes Bay hosts the country’s most elaborate celebrations of Matariki – the Maori New Year.
Hawke's Bay wine country is a gourmet's paradise. Dine amongst the vines.
Seasonal Tips
DURING YOUR VISIT
The long, hot, languid days of a Hawke's Bay summer are spent dining alfresco, cycling around the many wineries and cooling down in the Pacific surf. Daytime temperatures range from 20 to 35°C.
At Cape Kidnappers, the gannet chicks have hatched – take a beach or overland tour to view the busy bird families.
A summer highlight for food and wine enthusiasts is the annual Harvest Hawke's Bay festival, held in early February.
