What to see and do in New Zealand

Getting to Hawke's Bay is easy. From the north, the Pacific Coast Highway works its way down from Auckland into Hawke's Bay. From the south, take the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail, taking in the three main wine regions of New Zealand. The Thermal Explorer Highway takes an inland touring route finishing in Esk Valley, which has vineyards and views of the Pacific Ocean. Hawke's Bay is home to world-class art deco architecture, a result of rebuilding after the earthquake in 1931. Tourist activities are many - for families, there are golden beaches, theme parks and rivers to explore, swim with dolphins or view the world's largest mainland gannet colony. Adventure experiences are there too; jet boat rides, hot-air ballooning, surfing, paragliding, hiking 17 heritage trails, hunt in the ranges, fish for trout, or play golf, to name only a few options. Many of the vineyards and wineries offer dining experiences, using delicious locally grown fresh food.