Talk to a Hawke's Bay Local

Rachel Haydon - General Manager of the National Aquarium of New Zealand

My top five must-do’s for visitors would have to be…

• Visit the National Aquarium of New Zealand!

• A cycle tour of any number of amazing Hawke’s Bay wineries

• Visit Te Mata Peak to see the stunning panoramic views of Te-Matau-a-Māui Hawke’s Bay

• Learn about local history (like the 1931 earthquake) at MTG Hawke’s Bay or The Faraday Centre

• Kayak or paddleboard on the Ahuriri Estuary and you might be lucky enough to spot a kingfish or stingray!

You might not have heard of this, but… This is a fun thing to do: explore the local rocky shore at low tide along Hardinge Road followed by a swim at the ‘baby beach’ just along from Napier Port. It’s also a perfect spot for takeaways on the beach that you can grab at nearby Ahuriri.

I’m starting to feel hungry just thinking about… the Korean fried chicken at the Westshore Beach Inn! It’s an awesome family-friendly pub with a great outdoor area, an extensive beer selection and delicious menu.

For a delightful day trip… Te Angi Angi Marine Reserve in central Hawke’s Bay. The beautiful beach is expansive and the snorkelling is amazing! Stop by Paper Mulberry Café for morning or afternoon tea on your way down.

Living in Hawke’s Bay is awesome because… the weather is incredible, the food and wine choices are fantastic and you are spoilt for choice with the range of outdoor activities. We are incredibly lucky to live in such a beautiful place!

Want more? Visit Visit https://aatraveller.co.nz/travel-guides and get planning.

Looking for a place to stay? Book accommodation at aa.travel.co.nz