Hawke’s Bay is a region located on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island, known for its beautiful beaches, fertile lands and award-winning wineries.
Hike the redwood trails of Te Mata or explore the protected forests and tranquil lakes of Te Urewera; take a bite out of some of the country’s best cuisine, stroll around the Art Deco paradise of Napier, then play a spot of golf at Cape Kidnappers.
With its east-facing stretches of sand, Hawke’s Bay is the perfect place to catch an ocean sunrise, with a favourite dawn spot being the aptly-named Ocean Beach.
Waimarama Beach is another popular spot, though you wouldn’t know it for how deserted the place can be, making it ideal for a romantic stroll along the shoreline.
The fairytale cascades of Maraetotara Falls may be a little too chilly for a swim outside of the summer months, but the picturesque spot is both accessible and serene, best visited in the morning when you may just have the invigorating pools to yourself.
If you’re looking for hiking trails, Hawke’s Bay is home to some of the best. The hike up to Te Mata Peak offers breathtaking views and cool shade provided by giant redwood trees, while the Lake Waikaremoana Track offers glittering liquid vistas.
The main city of the region, Napier, is a low-rise town with an English seaside resort vibe. After the destruction of the infamous 1931 earthquake, the city was rebuilt in the Art Deco style of the times and remains a fascinating architectural polaroid of the “Great Gatsby” era.
Of course, Hawke’s Bay is most famous for abundant vineyards, boutique wineries and swilling glasses of Kiwi vino, the delicious notes of which have made New Zealand wines an international favourite.
There are a multitude of wineries and wine tasting sessions to choose from, many of which also feature stunning views and delicious Kiwi cuisine made with fresh, locally-grown ingredients.
Hawke’s Bay offers peaceful countryside escapes which will make the tensions drop from your shoulders, complete with wine glass in hand.
Hawke’s Bay has a consistently sunny Mediterranean-style climate, making this one of the country’s warmest and driest regions. Summers (December, January, February) are hot, but comfortable, whereas winters (June, July, August) feature blue skies, crisp mornings and a little rainfall. Essentially, there’s never a bad time to visit.
In spring, you can expect to see newborn lambs, thousands of gannets at Cape Kidnappers and events such as the Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ Market. Summer brings rising temperatures, as well as rising prices and visitor numbers, but February’s Art Deco festival is something to look forward to. Autumn lights the landscape up in reds and oranges, making for stunning hikes, cycle routes and running trails, particularly for May’s International Marathon. In winter, explore the museums and galleries, then gather around the fire for a hearty meal with a glass of red.
We recommend Greenhill Lodge for stays in the Hawke’s Bay area; a historic homestead with a rich heritage that has previously welcomed royalty through its doors. Climb the three-storey viewing turret, relax by the swimming pool or outside in the charming gardens, then spend the evening chatting with your knowledgeable hosts, John and Christine.
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