Known as the food bowl of New Zealand and now the country’s second largest wine producing region, Hawke’s Bay is a gourmet paradise. You’d be forgiven for spending your entire stay just eating and drinking, but venture out and soak up the atmosphere of the stunning Art Deco architecture. Or treat yourself to a round of golf at the famous Cape Kidnappers course and check out the gannet colony while you’re there – it’s the largest mainland one in the world. Cycling the vineyards is another must and there are plenty of cellar doors to stop by for a taste and bite en route.
Don’t miss:
- Driving or hiking up Te Mata Peak for 360 deg views around the region
- Waimarama Beach – a quintessential kiwi holiday spot with endless white sand and good surf breaks
- An Art Deco tour on foot or in a vintage car – a journey back in time with an appreciation of the devastating earthquakes which reshaped this region
- Sunday Farmer’s market at Hastings Showgrounds – a mind boggling selection of fresh produce and artisan foods - confirms why they call this the food bowl of New Zealand
- Cycling from Black Barn Vineyard in Havelock North to Elephant Hill Winery at Te Awanga – flat, easy, picturesque and with rewards at each end
Getting there:
Hawke’s Bay is well connected by air with regular flights from Auckland (65 mins), Wellington (60 mins) and Christchurch (95 mins).
