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ROAD TRIP: A journey through Hawke's Bay
Napier to Pahiatua Classic Wine Trail Part One, via SH 2 - 2hr 10min, 165km
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The most scenic route out of Napier follows the long stretch of coastline and passes vast, flat orchards and vineyards, to reach the pretty village of Havelock North.
As you continue south on SH 2, the landscape changes from fruit and wine growing country to the fertile farming hills of Central Hawke’s Bay. Waipawa and Waipukurau offer excellent trout fishing, art, culture and coffee; Norsewood and Dannevirke, once home to Scandinavian settlers, still proudly show off their Viking heritage. They’re both fascinating towns worth spending time to explore.
Further down the highway, Woodville has a collection of very tempting antique and collectible shops.
Food & Wine Classic, Giants Garden Party
Hawke's Bay Wine
NAPIER
Come for the architecture, stay for the wine. Napier boasts the very best of both. Fans of heritage buildings will be in heaven in this picturesque art deco city. Take a walking tour to discover Napier’s history – rising from the ashes after a devastating earthquake destroyed the city in 1931.
As the starting point for the Classic Wine Trail, Hawke’s Bay is, of course, vineyard country and Napier is at its epicentre,with many excellent bars and restaurants showcasing the superb regionally-grown produce and a wide range of equally delectable local wines. A seaside town, the wide oceanfront walkway is a great place to cycle, with trails extending throughout the mostly-flat periphery, from Ahuriri and further north to Bayview, and as far as Clive if you head south.
Pania of the Reef statue, Napier
AATP
Napier Must-Do's
> Art deco walking tour
> MTG – Napier’s museum, theatre & gallery
> National Aquarium of New Zealand
> Pania of the Reef
> Bluff Hill
CLASSIC WINE TRAIL PART ONE
Vines in the Hawke's Bay
Hawke's Bay Tourism
HAWKE’S BAY VINEYARDS
There’s no denying that Hawke’s Bayis synonymous with fine wine. Famous for full-bodied reds and distinctive chardonnays, the Bay is New Zealand’s oldest wine region, producing since the 1850s. With sea breezes and high sunshine hours creating a Bordeaux-like climate, Hawke’s Bay’s vineyards are a must-do,whether you’re tasting local tipples at a cellar door or enjoying a leisurely lunch.
WHY NOT TRY:
> Church Road, Napier
> Mission Estate, Napier
> Oak Estate, Hastings
> Trinity Hill, Hastings
> Craggy Range, Havelock North
> Te Mata Estate, Havelock North
> Black Barn, Havelock North
> Clearview, Te Awanga
> Te Awanga Estate
Craggy Range Vineyards, Havelock North
Hawke's Bay Tourism
WILDLIFE
Take a guided tour to Cape Kidnappers to see gannets nesting atop spectacular white cliffs. Te Kauwae-a-Māui Gannet Reserve is home to 6500 breeding pairs of birds, which makes it the largest mainland colony in the world. Between September and April is the best time to see them.
TOP WALKS
TE MATA PARK is one of Hawke’s Bay’s premier recreation areas. With extensive mountain biking trails, walking tracks and extravagant views from the mighty peak itself, it’s the ideal spot to stretch your legs.
MARAETŌTARA FALLS - Take a short detour from Havelock North to discover this beautiful waterfall and popular, deep swimming spot in the summer months.
Maraetōtara Falls
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PEKAPEKA WETLANDS - Various walking tracks stretch over 98 hectares alongside SH 2, just south of Hastings.
HIGHLIGHTS
HAVELOCK NORTH - The area surrounding Havelock Northand neighbouring Hastings is the heart of Hawke’s Bay wine country, with more than 70 wineries and cellar doors to discover. You can’t miss one of Havelock North’s most distinctive landmarks – the looming shape of Te Mata Peak, which soars 399 metres above the village. You can drive right to the top to experience stellar views, or take one of the many walking or mountain biking trails if you’re feeling energetic.
WAIPAWA - This small country town was established in 1860,making it Hawke’s Bay’s oldest inland settlement. Waipawa is home to Artmosphere, an eclectic gallery on the outskirts of town, the famous Waipawa Butchery and the excellent Central Hawke’s Bay Settlers Museum where you can learn more about the district’s heritage.
WOODVILLE sits halfway between Napier and Wellington at the junction of SH 2 and SH 3. Famous for its antique, collectible and second-hand shops, it’s a great spot for bargain-hunters or anyone curious about vintage and retro delights.
MANGATAINOKA - The main landmark of Mangatainoka is the Tui Brewery with its historic brick tower made famous by the Tui TV ads. Take a tour of the adjacent state-of-the-art brewery and Tui museum, taste some beers and stay for lunch.
NATIONAL AQUARIUM OF NEW ZEALAND - New Zealand’s National Aquarium is housed in a dramatic wave-shaped building on Marine Parade. Here, you can watch the little blue penguins being fed, admire sharks and stingrays swimming overhead in the glass viewing tunnels, spot sea horses and moray eels, and see kiwi and tuatara, too.
HASTINGS - Beautiful old buildings are a real feature of this town centre but it’s not all about history here. There is an energetic, contemporary feel to Hastings thanks to a vibrant retail centre, street art and many award-winning restaurants and cafés. Hastings is also a great family spot with Splash Planet water-theme park and Hawke’s Bay Farmyard Zoo.
Hastings Clock Tower and sheep statues
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CELEBRATING ART DECO: Each February, Napier City comes alive with vintage glamour as locals and visitors celebrate the annual Art Deco Festival. Dressing in deco garb is de rigueur to celebrate the era of 1930s style and charm at the many themed events around town. It’s a must-do, to truly be immersed in the colourful character of the city.
Dressed up for the Art Deco Festival in Napier
Hawke's Bay Today
