Highlights Hawke’s Bay New Zealand
- Hawke’s Bay New Zealand presents an eclectic mix of visual and sensual experiences.
- Discover Hawke’s Bay New Zealand’s leading producer of red wines.
- Experience the greatest concentration of Art Deco architecture below the equator
- Don’t miss Cape Kidnappers, home to the largest accessible gannet colony in the world, perched on the edge of a rugged coastline.
- Take a break from the world at the Greenhill Lodge
- Walk, hike or bike along the miles of nature trails and if you get a clear day, you can see as far as volcano of Ruapehu in the distance.
Hawke’s Bay Region (Māori: Heretaunga) is to the east on New Zealand’s North Island. It is recognized on the world stage for its award-winning wines. Nearby towns of interest include Napier and Hastings. A bit of trivia: the area was actually named by Captain James Cook in honour of Admiral Edward Hawke who decisively defeated the French at the Battle of Quiberon Bay in 1759.
There are a range of activities to choose from in Hawke’s Bay New Zealand. We offer a few suggestions for you to add to your itinerary.
FULL DAY CYCLING ACTIVITY
The cycling activity begins in the morning. Our guide will pick you up at your hotel to enjoy an Exclusive Guided Winery Tour by Bike. Today’s cycle starts at Clifton near the base of the cliffs of Cape Kidnappers. From here you follow the coast for approximately 7kms passing thro
ugh the quaint settlements of Te Awanga and Haumoana. Wine tasting is available at the wineries of Clearview Estate and Elephant Hill along the way. On reaching Haumoana you turn inland and follow the Tuki Tuki River trail, with scenic views over orchards, vineyards and farmland, to the bustling village of Havelock North.A visit to the Origin Earth Cheese Factory and Tasting Room is a highlight for food lovers before continuing the short distance to Te Mata Estate winery. The trail ends at Black Barn Vineyard where you can browse the ‘We Love Local’ gourmet food store as well as tasting the wines and viewing the amphitheater and market site which make Black Barn unique. End your adventure with lunch at Terroir Restaurant at Craggy Range Winery. This tour is suited for those who like good food, wine, superb scenery, and moderate activity. *Please pay direct for Lunch.
All full day cycling activities conclude with a transfer back to your hotel.
This activity has a medium difficulty rating.
HAWKE’S BAY: AN EXCEPTIONAL FULL-DAY OF GUIDED EXPERIENCES
On the very sands of a glorious Hawke’s Bay wilderness beach resides an extraordinary Maori elder (kuia), Orine, who lives an inspired life in the rhythms and age-old customs of the Maori culture. On her land experience a formal welcome (powhiri).
Delve into Maori life, both past and contemporary. Listen to her fascinating reality – how things are and what is important to their family, their connection to their land, the importance of whakapapa (lineage) and life amongst her people. Spend time with this inspirational woman, carrying the mana (respect), courage and relentlessness to keep the culture alive.
Lunch will be at a coastal winery. At the Clearview Estate you will meet the owner/winemaker Tim Turvey. Tim is an excellent award winning winemaker with character to match! Clearview Estate is a small boutique winery famous for its Chardonnays, big reds and dessert wines.
After lunch visit one of New Zealand’s celebrated Maori artists in her studio – discover views of how her work is a tangible expression of an unbroken chain of uncertainty, linking through to their ancestors and ultimately to the source of all creation. A stirring insight behind the creations that spiritually connect them to the past and the present. The artist will take you on a spiritual journey into her creative and resourceful world.
Hawke’s Bay, being the fruit bowl of New Zealand, offers some wonderful food artisans to visit. Sample the fruit off the trees of a working orchard where you can pick your own with the owner. Taste some of the wonderful local cheeses and wonderful olive products.
Napier is the Art Deco capital of the world. Nowhere else you can see such a variety of buildings in the style of the 20th century in such a concentrated area. With many of the buildings open for the public to view, The Tobacco Company building by far the most famous for its extravagance and beauty.
KIWI DISCOVERY WALK: HALF-DAY EXPLORATION
Kiwi Discovery Walk: Experience a very special activity in Hawke’s Bay New Zealand with Kiwi expert Dr. John McLennan and his team. Enjoy an exclusive, guided evening walk on the property, in search of the New Zealand Kiwi Bird. You will help the guides use their radio tracking and monitoring devices to locate these unique, nocturnal birds. This gives you the chance to get up-close and learn more about one of New Zealand’s most endangered and rare birds.
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