It’s a region where fresh local produce reigns supreme and award-winning wines are easy to find. Where orchards and olive groves stand along side world-famous Art Deco and Spanish Mission architecture, beaches stretch for miles, and Gannet birds come home to nest. Welcome to Hawke’s Bay Wine Country.
Northern Hawke's Bay
Northern Hawke’s Bay is a popular destination for outdoor adventure and wildlife and wilderness. The rivers and coastline offer well-recognized trout fishing and excellent seafood with whitebait spots, deep sea fishing, surfcasting and underwater fishing all available. Wairoa is the main town of Northern Hawke’s Bay and is located on the banks of the expansive Wairoa River, which provides an excellent and sheltered venue for water-skiing, jet boating and rowing.
Mahia Peninsula
Mahia Peninsula is surrounded by the deep blue and crystal clear Pacific Ocean, which breaks onto a mix of black and white sand and rocky beaches. It is a mecca for activities like fishing, diving, kayaking and surfing.
Lake Waikaremoana
Lake Waikaremoana is famous for its fresh water trout fishing and hunting. The lake is set on the southeastern boundary of Te Urewera National Park - the third largest in New Zealand extending over some 225,000ha and the largest untouched native forest in the North Island. Birdlife here includes up to 35 fully protected native species. New Zealand's only two native land mammals, both species of bats, inhabit the park.
Napier
Napier, the city by the sea, is renowned for its 1930s Art Deco architecture, events and festivals, stately Norfolk pines, surrounding wineries, local fresh produce and national tourist attractions. Supported by a mediterranean climate and over 2,200 hours of sunshine a year, this popular year-round destination boasts a vibrant cafe culture amongst the splendour of the Art Deco buildings. Around 30 cafes are within walking distance of the central city area.
Taradale
Taradale, a 10 minute drive south of Napier, is home to several world famous wineries including Mission Estate and Church Road. The Mission Estate Concert is an icon event and has attracted some of the biggest names in entertainment.
Hastings
The long hot summers and mild winters of the Hastings district provide the perfect stimulant for a wide variety of delicious fresh produce. Orchards are abundant and the climate is also perfect for grape growing. Hastings boasts some of the regions 40 or so wineries where wine tasting, as well as restaurant or picnic dining, can be enjoyed.Hastings is a showcase of Spanish Mission-style architecture and enjoys a diverse range of cultural attractions and annual festivals. Hastings’ central city is home to an impressive display of public art works.
Havelock North
Havelock North (five minutes east of Hastings) has grown rapidly over recent years but has retained its ‘village’ feel. The cafe culture is alive and kicking, as is the art scene with several galleries and studios. Te Mata Peak rises 399 majestic metres above sea level and provides panoramic views across to Mahia, the ski slopes of Mt Ruapehu and out towards the Ruahine Ranges.
Central Hawke’s Bay
The towns and villages of Central Hawke’s Bay provide enchanting traces of early settlement to the region. Visits to historic homesteads and their stately gardens, wild east coast beaches, bushwalks in the Kawaka and Ruahine Ranges and trout fishing are all exciting options for visitors.
Whether it is the fresh bud burst of spring, long hot languid days of summer, the golden hues of harvest or crisp air and blue skies of winter, Hawke’s Bay Wine Country is waiting to be discovered.
