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.
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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