some things TO DO IN Hawke’s Bay

When visiting Hawke’s Bay, you’ll be treated to breath-taking views, boutique stores, award-winning restaurants and world-class wineries. Our visitor experiences are among the best you’ll find in New Zealand, with something that appeals to every member of the family.

We’ve pulled together a shortlist of some of our favourites.

TE MATA ESTATE WINERY

New Zealand’s oldest winery is also one of our most heralded, and it’s quite literally on our doorstep! Using fruit exclusively grown throughout Hawke’s Bay – including sites established by the Chambers family in 1895 on foothills surrounding our property – Te Mata Estate produces an array of stunning red and white wines, including the highly collectable Coleraine. A tasting here is a must-do.

FESTIVALS

Hawke’s Bay offers an unrivalled range of arts and cultural experiences throughout the year. Dress your glamorous best as the region celebrates its heritage during the world-renowned Art Deco Festival, spend some time exploring its loveliest homes on the Hospice Holly Trail or see the best local and international talent in the Hawke’s Bay Arts Festival each spring.

NAPIER

Just 25 minutes’ drive north along the glittering Hawke’s Bay coastline, you’ll find Napier. Globally celebrated as a beautifully preserved example of Art Deco architecture, it’s also a small but bustling city boasting shopping, an array of restaurants and bars, and it’s home to the attractions such as the National Aquarium of New Zealand, the MTG and BaySkate.

HAVELOCK NORTH VILLAGE

Amble down Te Mata Road to Havelock North Village - or cycle or drive in minutes. Small but perfectly formed, you’ll find everything you need - from a full supermarket (New World) to a divine specialty food store (Bellatino’s). There are also exceptional cafes, restaurants, butchers, bookshops, galleries, gift stores, fashion and homewares boutiques.

WAIMARAMA & OCEAN BEACH

These two beautiful sandy beaches lie to the south of Te Mata House through the TukiTuki Valley. Isolated and rugged but very popular with locals, each offer opportunities to swim, surf and stroll. Pack a picnic, or if Waimarama is your destination, stop for fish and chips or an ice-cream at the Waimarama Store.

CAPE KIDNAPPERS RESTAURANT & GOLF COURSE

Jaw-dropping views and unparalleled service are the hallmarks of Cape Kidnappers, and playing the Tom Doak-designed golf course is a simply extraordinary experience. After your round, soak up the atmosphere, book a massage or sample the delightful food at The Farm at Cape Kidnappers.

TE MATA FIGS

Organic growers, Te Mata Figs, have planted nearly 30 varieties of figs on a large plot a few minutes’ drive from Te Mata House. When in season, you can sample nearly all of them, and there’s a range of dried and preserved products year-round. A recently added on-site cafe focuses on gluten-free seasonal produce.

BIKE TRAILS

Take advantage of our complimentary townie bikes and explore Hawke’s Bay’s extensive network* of cycle trails. Fill your lungs with fresh Hawke’s Bay air as you cruise the countryside alongside rivers, through blossomed orchards and across local vineyards – which may offer some incentives to pause from the peddling for a moment.

*some trails are currently under repair following Cyclone Gabrielle

GANNET COLONY BY RANGE ROVER

Cape Kidnappers is home to one of the world’s largest and most accessible gannet colonies. Book a private Range Rover tour through Gannet Safaris Overland, which takes you over lush farmland to the exposed headlands where these majestic birds nest. The Sunrise Tour is particularly spectacular, and all tours are perfect for children and seniors alike.

TE MATA PEAK

Without doubt Hawke’s Bay’s defining geographical feature, Te Mata Peak can be accessed by car, bike and on foot. The summit affords 360-degree views that take in the sweep of the Bay, from Mahia to the Cape, and Mt Ruapehu twinkles in the distance on clear days. Later, reward yourself with coffee and cake on the veranda at the iconic Peak House Café.