Hawke's Bay Attractions

If you are looking for things to do in Hawke's Bay make sure you don't miss these experiences.

Fine wines and tasty food

Hawke's Bay is home to New Zealand's oldest operating winery - viticulture 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. Pick this up from one of the local Visitor Information Centres.
• 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 along one of the three Hawke's Bay Trails on a hired mountain bike.
• Visit the traditional farmers market in Hastings, for the freshest produce and organic foods.
• Try an orchard, farm, honey, cheese or chocolate tour.
• Attend one of the great Food and Wine events held each year including the Hawke's Bay Food and Wine Classic(opens in new window) (F.A.W.C).

History, architecture and natural disasters

Hawke's Bay has a rich history, interwoven with the dramatic consequences of natural disasters.

• 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.
• Join a tour aboard the Hawke’s Bay Express in Napier for a stylish and memorable experience.
• Explore Hastings, the historic architecture has a Spanish Mission influence.
• Visit New Zealand's oldest winery - Mission Estate Winery
• Visit the Wine Museum at Church Road Winery. Over 100 years of wine making is documented here.
• Find serenity in award-winning country gardens, complete with historic homesteads.

Maori culture

From the wilds of Te Urewera and Lake Waikaremoana 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 Maori marae to explore their tribal lands and learn from elders.
• Learn Māori astronomy with Ātea a Rangi(opens in new window).
• Spend a few hours at MTG Hawke’s Bay (Museum Theatre Gallery) in Napier, which exhibits treasures from Nga Tukemata and Ngati Kahungunu.
• Get off the beaten track and walk to the longest place name in the world: Taumata­whakatangihanga­koauau­o­tamatea­turi­pukakapiki­maunga­horo­nuku­pokai­whenua­kitanatahu.
• Visit Maori artists at galleries and studios.
• Enjoy the Matariki (Maori New Year) celebrations in June.

Adventure

With mountains, 360 kilometres of coastline 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.
• Enjoy incredible views and a game of golf at Cape Kidnappers/Te Kauwae-a-Māui.
• Experience awesome scenery, canyons, gorges and plenty of rapids on the Mohaka River(opens in new window).
•  Cycle the flat and easy-riding Hawke's Bay Trails. There’s more than 200km across the network, with themed itineraries to guide your journeys.
• Test yourself on one the region’s mountain bike parks(opens in new window).
• Go on a short walk or multi-day hike(opens in new window) to catch Hawke’s Bay from all the best angles.

Wildlife

Forest reserves and huge stretches of coastline invite you to spend some time with nature.

• Visit Cape Kidnappers/Te Kauwae-a-Māui, home of the largest, most accessible mainland gannet (takapu) colony in the world.
• Dive, snorkel or walk in the Te Angiangi Marine Reserve.
• Hike the Kaweka Conservation Park. There are huts for overnight stays, while the Mangatutu Hot Springs is ideal for a post-excursion soak.
• Camp at Lake Tūtira and be awed by the mystical morning landscapes.
• Visit one of the many wetlands, including the Ahuriri and Tukituki estuaries and Waitangi and Pekapeka Wetlands.
• Enjoy an evening hike to Ball's Clearing to see New Zealand's largest population of native long tailed bats.
• Visit the National Aquarium of New Zealand.