Hawke's Bay - North island
Hawke's Bay – New Zealand's Wine Country & Art Deco Capital
Hawke's Bay is one of New Zealand's oldest and most celebrated wine regions, renowned for its award-winning vineyards, Mediterranean-style climate, golden beaches, rolling countryside, Art Deco architecture, gourmet food, and breathtaking coastal scenery. Located on the eastern coast of the North Island, the region enjoys more than 2,200 hours of sunshine annually, making it one of the country's warmest and driest destinations.
Centered around the cities of Napier and Hastings, Hawke's Bay offers an exceptional combination of world-class wine, rich Māori heritage, outdoor adventure, and luxury experiences.
Overview
Location: East Coast, North Island
Main Cities: Napier and Hastings
Known for: Art Deco architecture, wineries, Cape Kidnappers, Te Mata Peak, cycling trails, and gourmet cuisine
Ideal for: Wine lovers, couples, families, photographers, cyclists, food enthusiasts, and luxury travelers
Why Visit Hawke's Bay?
Hawke's Bay is a destination where visitors can cycle through vineyards in the morning, enjoy gourmet lunches at cellar doors, hike to panoramic viewpoints in the afternoon, and stroll along elegant Art Deco streets at sunset.
Its relaxed atmosphere and sophisticated culinary scene make it one of New Zealand's premier lifestyle destinations.
Napier – The Art Deco City
After a devastating earthquake in 1931, Napier was rebuilt in the fashionable Art Deco style and is now considered one of the world's finest collections of Art Deco architecture.
Highlights
Beautiful pastel-colored buildings
Heritage walking tours
Vintage architecture
Boutique shopping
Oceanfront cafés
Public art installations
Historic theatres
Every February, the city comes alive during the internationally renowned Art Deco Festival.
Marine Parade
Napier's iconic waterfront boulevard stretches along the Pacific Ocean and offers:
Palm-lined promenades
Sculptures and fountains
Gardens
Children's playgrounds
Coastal cycling paths
Cafés and restaurants
Spectacular sunrise views
It is one of the city's most popular places for walking and relaxation.
Hawke's Bay Wine Country
The region is home to more than 200 vineyards and over 70 wineries, making it one of New Zealand's oldest and most prestigious wine-producing areas.
Signature Wines
Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot
Syrah
Chardonnay
Pinot Gris
Sauvignon Blanc
Wine Experiences
Cellar door tastings
Vineyard lunches
Gourmet food pairings
Private wine tours
Cycling between wineries
Harvest experiences (seasonal)
The region is internationally acclaimed for its Bordeaux-style red blends and elegant Syrah.
Te Mata Peak
One of Hawke's Bay's most spectacular natural attractions.
Visitors Can Enjoy
399-metre summit
Panoramic views of vineyards, coastline, rivers, and farmland
Sunrise and sunset photography
Walking tracks
Mountain biking trails
Scenic drives
On clear days, the views extend across much of the eastern North Island.
Cape Kidnappers
A dramatic headland famous for its towering cliffs and unique wildlife.
Highlights
One of the world's largest mainland gannet colonies
Spectacular coastal scenery
Guided nature walks
Tractor tours along the beach
Golf resort
Wildlife photography
Thousands of gannets nest here during the breeding season, creating an extraordinary wildlife spectacle.
Hastings
The agricultural heart of Hawke's Bay is known for its vibrant local markets and food culture.
Visitors can enjoy:
Farmers markets
Boutique cafés
Art galleries
Seasonal fruit orchards
Local craft stores
Gourmet restaurants
The city provides easy access to many of the region's wineries and rural attractions.
Cycling Capital
Hawke's Bay features more than 200 kilometres of dedicated cycling trails.
Popular routes pass through:
Vineyards
Rivers
Coastal landscapes
Historic villages
Wetlands
Orchards
Wine touring by bicycle is one of the region's signature experiences.
Beaches & Coastal Experiences
Visitors can relax at:
Napier Beach
Waimarama Beach
Ocean Beach
Te Awanga Beach
Activities include:
Swimming
Surfing
Paddleboarding
Fishing
Coastal walks
Sunrise photography
The east-facing coastline is especially famous for its spectacular morning light.
Food & Culinary Scene
Hawke's Bay is widely regarded as one of New Zealand's gourmet capitals.
Must-Try Experiences
Vineyard restaurants
Farm-to-table dining
Artisan cheeses
Fresh seafood
Lamb dishes
Olive oil tastings
Local honey
Chocolate makers
Craft breweries
Seasonal produce from nearby orchards ensures menus change throughout the year.
Orchards & Fruit Country
The region produces some of New Zealand's finest:
Apples
Pears
Peaches
Nectarines
Cherries
Apricots
Kiwifruit
Avocados
Roadside fruit stalls and farmers markets offer fresh local produce throughout the harvest season.
Adventure Activities
Visitors seeking outdoor experiences can enjoy:
Scenic helicopter flights
Horse riding
Kayaking
Paddleboarding
Mountain biking
Coastal hiking
Golf
Wildlife tours
The combination of coast, countryside, and vineyards creates a diverse adventure playground.
Māori Heritage
Hawke's Bay has deep Māori cultural roots.
Visitors can explore:
Cultural storytelling
Traditional art
Marae experiences
Historic pā sites
Indigenous guided tours
Local heritage museums
These experiences provide valuable insight into the region's history and traditions.
Best Time to Visit
Season | Highlights |
Summer (Dec–Feb) | Beaches, wine tours, festivals, cycling |
Autumn (Mar–May) | Grape harvest, vineyard colours, food events |
Winter (Jun–Aug) | Cozy wineries, gourmet dining, fewer crowds |
Spring (Sep–Nov) | Blossoming orchards, hiking, outdoor adventures |
The region's warm climate makes it one of New Zealand's best year-round destinations.
Suggested Itinerary
2 Days
Napier Art Deco walk
Marine Parade
Winery visit
3 Days
Te Mata Peak
Cape Kidnappers
Vineyard cycling
4–5 Days
Multiple winery tours
Hastings markets
Coastal beaches
Gourmet dining
Scenic helicopter flight
Travel Tips
Renting a bicycle is one of the best ways to explore the vineyards.
Visit during autumn (March–April) to experience the grape harvest and stunning vineyard colours.
Early mornings provide beautiful light for photography along Marine Parade and Cape Kidnappers.
Book winery lunches and premium tastings in advance during the busy summer and harvest seasons.
Why Visit Hawke's Bay?
Hawke's Bay offers a refined blend of natural beauty, exceptional food and wine, rich history, and outdoor adventure. Whether you're sipping world-class Syrah among sun-drenched vineyards, wandering elegant Art Deco streets, watching thousands of gannets soar above dramatic cliffs, or enjoying panoramic views from Te Mata Peak, every experience reflects the region's relaxed sophistication.
With its sunshine, gourmet culture, award-winning wineries, and stunning coastal landscapes, Hawke's Bay is one of New Zealand's most distinctive and rewarding destinations, perfect for travelers seeking both indulgence and exploration.