The tastes and smells of summer are memories that linger fondly in our minds, evoking recollections of classic Kiwi holidays enjoying delectable seasonal spreads: juicy orchard-picked fruit, long lunches with crisp cool wine, sausage sizzles with generous squirts of tomato sauce, seafood on balmy evenings and market-fresh veggies from local stalls. This Kiwi love affair with fine wine and cuisine is certainly evident in Hawke's Bay, so you can't go wrong following your nose on a holiday through this region.
With an impressive selection of wineries and vineyards to visit, Hawke's Bay undoubtedly has an enviable reputation for producing a good drop, however food tours and farmers' markets have also helped establish the region as a premier destination for indulgent culinary experiences. Roadside signs outside growers' properties tempt travellers to feast on their seasonal yield and farmers' markets add weight to Hawke's Bay's gastronomic distinction with fresh produce, locally produced artisan foods and treats to share in the car.
The art deco-influenced cities of Napier and Hastings are also ideal for fun in the sun with several crowd-pullers to get your attention. These sun-kissed towns are conducive to a raft of family attractions, such as hot pools, mini-golf, tours of Napier Prison, walking and cycle trails and historical guided walks around the art deco buildings.
Hawke's Bay Trails © Hawke's Bay Tourism
Upon entering Napier the sense that this is a truly special place grips you instantly; the captivatingly stylish buildings glisten in every direction, climaxing in a drive up to the charming Marine Parade where art deco meets the turquoise-coloured sea. In the city the vibe is infectious; a buzz resonates in the many cafes and restaurants in the centre of town as a hip crowd wanders by, taking in the plentiful amounts of sunshine.
Napier's city centre is jam-packed with some of its leading attractions, and even on foot they're easy to reach. Napier's thriving artistic community can be explored with the local art guide map, which takes you from city galleries to home studios.
Napier Prison provides tours with a comprehensive look at the region's criminal past told through quirky stories. Home of the country's largest display of aquatic life, the National Aquarium of New Zealand is truly captivating. Here you can ride along the underwater travelator while sharks, stingrays and fish glide in all directions above your head. For an experience that's hard to top, try swimming with the sharks or, if you prefer to watch from a distance, the daily diving displays never fail to delight.
To best appreciate and understand not only the city's architecture but also Napier's history, a tour is the only way to go. Two guided walks leave daily from Napier, both morning and afternoon, while bus and vintage deco car tours are also available.
If you'd prefer to pedal your way around Hawke's Bay then there is no shortage of opportunity. At least 187km of dedicated trails form the Hawke's Bay Trails, linking Napier, Hastings and Havelock North. Much of this is off-road and incorporates three official New Zealand Cycle Trails.
Attractions
- Napier is home to the National Aquarium of New Zealand, the country's largest display of aquatic life and native wildlife.
- Revisit the region's criminal past with a tour through the historic Napier Prison.
- For sweeping views of the city and beyond, make the trek to the top of Bluff Hill - you won't be disappointed.
- Take the Art Deco Tour with a guided walk or grab an art deco self-drive map from the Napier i-SITE Visitor Centre.
- Become an expert before you hit the wineries! The New Zealand Wine Centre features a wine museum and library, aroma awareness room and even a school of wine.
© Hawke's Bay Tourism
