Hawkes Bay Wine Region

Hawkes Bay, on New Zealand’s sunny East Coast, is a wine lover’s paradise where art deco architecture meets award-winning wineries. With over 70 cellar doors, this is the country’s oldest wine region, famed for its bold reds (especially Merlot and Syrah) and rich Chardonnay. Beyond the vines, you’ll find farmers’ markets, golden-sand beaches, and the stylish city of Napier, rebuilt in the 1930s after a devastating earthquake. This is a place to sip, explore, and soak up the good life.

Highlights & What to See

• Napier’s Art Deco Heritage: Stroll around the city centre, a living museum of 1930s architecture. Join a guided walk or rent a vintage bike to admire the pastel-coloured buildings and quirky details.
• Wine Tasting in the ‘Gimblett Gravels’: This unique, free-draining gravel area produces some of NZ’s finest reds. Visit names like Craggy Range, Te Mata Estate, and Mission Estate for tastings with stunning vineyard views.
• Te Mata Peak: Drive or hike to the summit for sweeping views over the Heretaunga Plains and Hawkes Bay coast. On clear days, you can see all the way to Mount Ruapehu.
• Cape Kidnappers: A dramatic headland home to the world’s largest mainland gannet colony. Take a guided tour or drive to the gannet viewing platform for an unforgettable wildlife encounter.
• Farmers’ Markets: Hawkes Bay is a food bowl. Visit the Napier Urban Food Market (Saturday) or the Hawkes Bay Farmers’ Market (Sunday) for local cheeses, stone fruit, artisan breads, and olive oils.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan for at least two full days to do the region justice. Spend one day exploring Napier’s architecture and one day on a wine tour, with a half-day for Te Mata Peak or Cape Kidnappers. If you’re self-driving, add an extra day to relax on the coast or visit the smaller villages like Havelock North. Three days is ideal for a leisurely pace.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Havelock North: A charming village at the foot of Te Mata Peak, known for its boutiques, cafés, and the popular Village Press.
• Hastings: A vibrant town with a growing food scene, including the Hastings Farmers’ Market and local craft breweries.
• Napier’s Marine Parade: A scenic waterfront walk with the National Aquarium of New Zealand and the Sunken Gardens.
• Central Hawkes Bay: A quieter, rural area with rolling hills, historic homesteads, and the Waipukurau and Waipawa towns.
• Taupo & Tongariro National Park: About two hours’ drive west, offering geothermal wonders and the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

Please check official sources for current details.