About Hawke's Bay

The Hawkes Bay region is based on the East Coast of the North Island,  about 5½ hours’ drive from Auckland and 4½ hours from Wellington. It is a large area surrounding a bay around 100 km / 60 miles long. About 73,000 people live in the Hastings district, and 57,000 in the ‘twin’ city of Napier about 18 km / 11 miles away.

The Hawkes Bay has consistently hot and dry summers and autumns and for years was known as ‘New Zealand’s fruit bowl’ for its stone and pip fruit production. More recently, land use has diversified and it one of the country’s leading producers of wine; notably red wines – cabernet sauvignon, merlot and syrah. The region is the first stop on the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail, and it's a popular place for bicycle wine tours.

A strong earthquake in 1931 destroyed many buildings in Hastings and particularly Napier. Rebuilt in the Art Deco and Spanish Mission architectural styles in vogue at that time, their unique character now draws enthusiasts from around the world.

Within the Region:

• Eskdale Mountain Bike Park and Te Mata Peak. Over 100 kilometres of trails across the region.
• The Hawkes Bay annual marathon. One of New Zealand's biggest running festivals, a combination of running on-road, bike trails and through vineyards.
• The Redwoods. A large grove of 223 California redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens) stand over 40 metres high.
• Mohaka River. Experience rafting adventures on Grades 2, 3 and 5 whitewater.
• Waimarama Beach.
• Cape Kidnappers golf course. Named among the world’s very best, ranking #17 in the annual Golf Digest (US) Magazine’s World’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses.
• Lake Waikaremoana. Covers an area of 54km2 and lies at the heart of the historical home of Ngai Tuhoe. From Maori, Lake Waikaremoana roughly translates to the 'sea of rippling waters'
• Splash Planet. New Zealand’s only water theme park.
• Marine Parade, Napier. Facilities include: the National Aquarium of New Zealand; a junior bike track; an expansive playground, with separate areas for big kids and little ones; Bay Skate skate park; Sunken Gardens; Par2 Mini Gold; Ocean Spa complex.
• Napier’s Great Long Lunch. An annual event with over 700 guests from all over the world dining at twilight at a table that stretches for almost 250 metres.
• Art Deco Weekend. An annual festival in February with over 200 events, including entertainment experiences, outdoor concerts, vintage car parades, fashions shows, dining experiences, great Gatsby picnics and more. Over 40,000 people flock from all over the world into Napier to see it transform back in time.
• Mission Estate Concert.  An annual event located in Napier at Mission Estate and Winery. Artists over the years have included: Ronan Keating, Billy Ocean, Rod Stewart, Sting, The Temptations and Tom Jones.