11 great ways to experience a Great Wine Capital
Plan your great escape to Hawke's Bay, and you'll find yourself in great company here.
Winery lunches under big blue skies and fresh produce from a farmers' market. Delicious stops on easy-riding cycle trails, vineyard concerts, urban exploring, chardonnay tasting, and long weekends in a Great Wine Capital of the world.
There's an easy elegance to experiencing Hawke's Bay. So, throw some things in a bag, and we'll see you soon.
1. World-class wining and dining
Having officially been inducted into the ranks of the world's Great Wine Capitals, Hawke's Bay's reputation as New Zealand's Food and Wine Country is well-established. With 30+ winery cellar doors to discover, and an incredible array of urban, winery and rural restaurants where you can taste the region's finest produce, we suggest adding an extra day to your holiday to sample a few more.
2. Artisans & Markets
With more than 20 years under its belt, it's no stretch to say the Hawke's Bay Farmers' Market is one of New Zealand's OG markets. Catch it every Sunday at Hastings' picturesque Tomoana Showgrounds, providing a showcase for the region's freshest ingredients and finest artisanal products - or its sister market, the Napier Urban Farmers' Market on a Saturday morning in heart of Art Deco Napier. Perhaps take yourself on a driving tour of the region’s artisans to taste and buy direct from the ‘farm gate’.
3. Cycle Trails
One of New Zealand's official 23 Ngā Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand, the Hawke's Bay Trails covers nearly 200km of mostly offroad, flat limestone cycling (and walking) trails. The trails effortlessly connect with most of the region's cellar doors, so you're never far from your next tasty drop.
4. Events
Hawke's Bay really does pack a punch when it comes to event offerings. Check out our What's On Guide for inspiration, grab your tickets, then get down to the business of figuring out how you're going to fit everything else in around your event experience.
5. Urban exploring
Hawke's Bay's town and city centres are treasure troves of places to eat, drink, shop, learn, admire, relax... the list goes on. No matter if you're in the big smokes of Hastings and Napier, the town centres of Wairoa, Waipawa or Waipukurau, the villages of Ahuriri, Havelock North or Taradale, or the main streets of Bay View, Ongaonga or Otane, you're only a short stroll from the next boutique, cafe, gallery or urban green space.
6. Short walks
Hawke's Bay excels at short walks. Whether you're after a 30-min scenic stroll, or a half-day hike to work up an appetite, you'll find something to your liking. And with options from top to bottom, Wairoa District right down to Central Hawke's Bay District, you really are spoiled for choice.
7. Wildlife & nature experiences
From curated experiences like the Gannet Safaris Overland expedition to the Cape Kidnappers Gannet Colony or the National Aquarium on Napier's iconic Marine Parade, to the region's expansive estuaries and wetlands for a dose of bird-watching, Hawke's Bay's big blue skies, ocean breezes, public gardens and forest parks will fill your nature cup to overflowing.
8. Recreation
Golf? Tick. Beaches and surfing? Tick. Rafting? Tick. We could go on and on. So we will. Hot pools. Horse riding. Heritage Trails. Rivers, lakes and waterfalls. Family attractions and activities. You get the idea.
9. Architecture
From the devastation of a 7.8 magnitude earthquake in 1931 rose the iconic Art Deco cityscapes we see today. Napier City is considered the Art Deco capital with the highest concentration of art deco buildings anywhere in the world, while Hastings is also home to an impressive collection of Art Deco, Spanish Mission and Stripped Classical buildings. Take a tour in a vintage car or join a guided walk to discover the best examples of Art Deco buildings you’ll see anywhere.
10. Arts and Culture
Hawke’s Bay’s arts scene punches above it’s weight. From gorgeous boutique contemporary gallery spaces and artist studios, to museums and Napier’s stunning Seawalls mural experience, there’s no need to head to big cities when you can get your culture fix right here in the Bay. Let the Hawke's Bay Art Guide be your, well... guide!
11. Boutique accommodation
When the exploring is done - or perhaps your goal is just to relax the whole time? - you'll want a comfy bed to rest your head. Hawke's Bay specialises in boutique-style accommodation, from independent hotels and luxury lodges, to glamping among the vines and welcoming B&Bs. Rest easy, knowing you'll get to rest easily in Hawke's Bay.
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