There are two words that best describe Hawke's Bay. And they are Wine Country.
Blessed with fertile soils and a warm, temperate climate, Hawke’s Bay is among New Zealand’s leading producers of wine; notably red wines – cabernet sauvignon, merlot and syrah – and stunning chardonnays. Hawke’s Bay is the first stop on the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail, and is a popular place for bicycle wine tours with many of the region’s 30+ cellar doors, and numerous artisan producers, connected by 200km of flat, easy riding cycle trails.
Hawke’s Bay is New Zealand’s Art Deco capital, with the cities of Napier and Hastings rebuilt in the architectural styles of the time following the devastating 1931 earthquake. Year-round guided tours and vintage car rides are super-charged each February as tens of thousands flock to participate in the week-long Art Deco Festival.
Notable landmarks include Cape Kidnappers, home to the world’s largest mainland colony of gannets; Lake Waikaremoana, where the walking track is among New Zealand’s nine Great Walks; and Te Mata Peak, with its 360 degree views of Hawke’s Bay and spectacular walking tracks.
Some of The Many Attractions
Te Urewera
Te Urewera is home to a vast world of stunning lakes, forest and mountains.
Explore the stunning Lake Waikaremoana, the focus for many activities in the park, which was formed 2200 years ago by a colossal landslide that blocked the Waikaretaheke River.
The lake and surrounding areas are popular with hikers, kayakers, hunters and fly-fishing enthusiasts. Near the Lake’s shores, the small settlement of Aniwaniwa offers kayak hire as well as a visitor centre, museum and accommodation. This is the starting point for several short and long walks which provide access to the lake's spectacular scenery and legendary fishing spots. Neighbouring island-dotted Lake Waikareiti offers a haven for native aquatic life.
Hawkes Bay Wineries
Any New Zealand gourmet trail would be incomplete without a visit to Hawke’s Bay, with top vineyards and producers who make the most of the local bounty.
Blessed with long sunshine hours and fertile plains, Hawke’s Bay is one of New Zealand’s most productive growing regions. It is also the second largest when it comes to wine production.
Hawke’s Bay’s wine legacy dates back to 1851 when French missionaries established Mission Estate near the Ngaruroro River between Napier and Hastings. Fine wines have since been a Hawke’s Bay tradition, with Te Mata Estate, Vidal Estate, McDonalds Winery and Glenvale Winery (now Esk Valley Winery) joining Mission Estate as established wineries by the 1920’s. Tiny family-owned boutique producers thrive here alongside the multi-regional entities, all sharing a commitment to great wine making. This passion is evident in the numerous awards Hawke’s Bay wineries have walked away with on the world stage.
Art Deco Architecture
Street after street of stunning and beautifully-restored Art Deco buildings have made Napier famous as one of the most complete collections of Art Deco buildings in the world. In 1931 a massive earthquake rocked Hawke's Bay for more than three minutes, killing nearly 260 and destroying the commercial centre of Napier.
Rebuilding began almost immediately, and new buildings reflected the architectural styles of the times - Stripped Classical, Spanish Mission and Art Deco. Napier is often referred to as a 1930s film set, and one of the best ways to enjoy the streetscape is on a self-guided walk - ask for a map at the information centre or at the Art Deco Trust. Guided walks around the city are also available every day rain or shine (except Christmas Day!). Every February, Napier celebrates its heritage with the Art Deco Festival - a stylish celebration of all things 1930s, including vintage cars, fashion and music.
Check out the Tourism New Zealand website for more information about the amazing things to see and do in New Zealand