Hawkes Bay

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Hawkes Bay Region is the artisan’s and wine-lover’s delight.  It is renowned for its white and red wines, its gourmet foods and its Art Deco architecture, when whole towns such as Napier and Hastings were re-built in the style following a devastating earthquake in 1931.  As if that weren’t enough, Hawkes Bay’s glorious beaches stretch from Mahia Peninuslar in the north to beyond Cape Kidnappers in the south – home to a bustling gannet colony.  Inland, the high, forested Ruahine and Kaweka Ranges, dominate and send wide rivers running swiftly across the Heretaunga Plains to meet the blue Pacific Ocean.  And for more local flavour, Matariki – the Maori New Year (late May or early June) is celebrated in style.  Blessed with a sunny, Mediterranean style climate, Hawkes Bay is one of New Zealand’s warmest, driest regions. 

Highlights:

·           A sunny climate with many events and festivals like the Great Long Lunch

·           Stroll through Napier and admire the unique Art Deco architecture

·           Cape Kidnappers, world class golf and New Zealand’s largest gannet colony

·           Drive up Te Mata Peak for amazing views over Hawkes Bay

·           Take a guided tour of the Bays many wineries and restaurants

·           Local markets selling growers and homemade produce every weekend

·           The wide, white-sand patrolled beaches of Waimarama and Ocean Beach