Hawke's Bay is one of New Zealand's premier wine regions, renowned for award-winning wineries, vineyard dining, sunny landscapes and some of the country's best food and wine experiences.
Set along the east coast of the North Island, Hawke's Bay combines coastal scenery with fertile plains to create an ideal setting for wine and food experiences. Visitors can explore a mix of historic estates and contemporary cellar doors, enjoy seasonal cuisine paired with local vintages, and take in the relaxed pace that defines this welcoming region.
With more than 70 wineries to explore, Hawke's Bay offers everything from historic estates to boutique family-owned vineyards. Enjoy relaxed cellar-door tastings, vineyard restaurants and immersive wine experiences while discovering the people and places behind this renowned wine region. Well-known wineries such as Mission Estate, Church Road, Craggy Range, Te Mata Estate and Elephant Hill are popular stops, each offering distinctive wines, beautiful settings and memorable visitor experiences.
Cycling is a relaxing way to explore Hawke's Bay wineries and cellar doors.
Hawke’s Bay is part of the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail(opens in new window) which takes you to more than 100 cellar doors and wineries across four New Zealand regions.
Hawke's Bay cycling paths link together to form over 200 kilometres of cycling on Hawke's Bay Trails(opens in new window). Do as much or as little of the trail as you like, there is no shortage of delicious wine and food stops along the way.
During the months of June and November, annual Food and Wine Classic event (better known as F.A.W.C), showcases the very best of Hawke's Bay food, wine, beer and cider.
A plethora of gourmet food and drinks are served by the many restaurants, food trucks and eateries. Breweries, cideries and wineries tease your taste buds with superb liquid creations. Book early, experiences sell out fast!
Getting around
Many wineries are located around Napier, Hastings and Havelock North, making them easy to explore by car, guided wine tour or along Hawke's Bay's extensive cycling trails.
Best time to visit
Hawke's Bay is a year-round destination, with summer and autumn offering warm weather, vineyard dining and harvest season experiences. Visit during F.A.W.C.(opens in new window) to experience one of New Zealand's leading food and wine festivals.
Before you go
Book cellar-door tastings, vineyard restaurants and F.A.W.C. events in advance, especially during weekends, harvest season (February to April) and festival periods. If you plan to enjoy wine tastings throughout the day, consider joining a guided tour or arranging alternative transport.
