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Hawke's Bay spring-spiration

You don't have to look far to find almost endless spring inspiration, or spring-spiration, to make the most of your upcoming Hawke's Bay visit. To give you a steer, we've rounded up just some of our favourite ways to experience the best of the world's newest Great Wine Capital.

Have a Spring Fling in Central Hawke's Bay

The Spring Fling is a series of standout events throughout September and October capturing the essence of springtime in Central Hawke's Bay. Exquisite lunches and leisurely strolls through historic homesteads, treks across coastal farmland, immersive floral workshops, and enlightening cultural experiences and culinary masterclasses. DO NOT MISS the Taniwha Daffodils experience, running 31 August - 15 September. 20acres of stunning colour, on SH2 just south of Waipukurau.

Marvel at the gannets at Cape Kidnappers

The famous Australasian gannets are returning to Cape Kidnappers, and there's no better way to see them than with the award-winning Gannet Safaris Overland experience. Travel in air-conditioned 4x4 comfort across pristine coastline, a working farm, and native bush to New Zealand’s largest, privately-owned nature reserve, emerging at the top of Cape Kidnappers’ Gannet Colony - home to 20,000 gannets at the peak of the season.

Early evening picnics, courtesy of Daylight Saving

Daylight Saving starts on 29 September, which heralds the unofficial start of BBQ and picnic season. Hawke's Bay abounds with locations to enjoy an early-evening picnic - here's a starter for ten.

Fresh is best at local farmers' market

Hawke's Bay grows perhaps New Zealand's most diverse array of produce, and along with our famed artisan producers, you should be making a beeline for the nearest farmers' or growers' market to get your fill of local supplies - perfect for a picnic!

Escape to Mahia Peninsula

With spring comes the promise of warmer weather. And there are few places more suited to enjoying the sunshine than Mahia Peninsula in Wairoa District. With an array of magic beaches, walks like the Mahia Peninsula Scenic Reserve and Te Aratia Walkway, the local golf course, and hospitality via Sunset Point, spring is a great time to find yourself some accommodation at the local holiday park or rent a bach, and soak up the serenity.

Hastings Blossom Fest

With a history dating back to the very first parade in 1950, the Hastings Blossom Fest is an absolute highlight on the calendar. This year's event takes over the city centre on 21 September, with live music, street performers, free carnival rides, and the iconic Blossom Parade offering attendees plenty of family-friendly entertainment

Spring Racing Carnival

Hawke's Bay's biggest racing festival runs over three key dates in September and October, including the biggest of them all - the Livamol Classic on 12 October. Don your finest, and head to the Hawke's Bay Racing Centre for a flutter and a full day of entertainment. 

Cellar door cycling

Combine two of Hawke's Bay's "greats", and take to the Hawke's Bay Trails - one of the 23 Great Rides of New Zealand - to experience some of the cellar doors that make Hawke's Bay an official Great Wine Capital of the world. The cycling's easy, the wines are delicious - sounds like a 'great' day out in Hawke's Bay!