Hawkes Bay Wine Trail

New Zealand’s oldest wine region, Hawkes Bay is a sun-drenched coastal plain where art deco architecture meets world-class vineyards. The Hawkes Bay Wine Trail winds through a patchwork of gravel roads lined with gnarled vines, from the Gimblett Gravels to the Te Awanga coast. Here, the climate is warm and dry, producing bold reds like Syrah and Bordeaux blends, along with elegant Chardonnay. Beyond the cellar doors, you’ll find farmers’ markets, cycle paths, and a relaxed café culture that makes this a perfect stop for a multi-day North Island road trip.

Highlights & What to See

• Gimblett Gravels Wine Growing District – A unique, free-draining gravel terroir that produces some of NZ’s finest reds; visit iconic wineries like Craggy Range and Trinity Hill.
• Te Mata Peak – A short drive from the vineyards, this dramatic limestone peak offers panoramic views of the Heretaunga Plains and Cape Kidnappers.
• Art Deco Architecture in Napier – After the 1931 earthquake, Napier was rebuilt in striking art deco style; join a guided walk or explore the city’s pastel-coloured buildings and quirky museums.
• Farmers’ Markets – The Hawkes Bay Farmers’ Market (Saturdays in Hastings) and Napier’s Sunday market brim with local cheeses, artisan breads, stone fruit, and craft beer.
• Cycle the Wine Trail – Rent a bike in Hastings or Napier and pedal between cellar doors on flat, quiet roads; many wineries offer picnic tables and bike racks.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow at least two full days to explore the wine trail properly – one day for the Gimblett Gravels and Hastings area, another for the coastal wineries around Te Awanga and Napier. If you’re short on time, a single day can cover four to five cellar doors, but you’ll miss the chance to linger over a long lunch or explore Napier’s art deco gems. For a leisurely trip, three days lets you add a hike up Te Mata Peak or a visit to Cape Kidnappers gannet colony.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Cape Kidnappers – A dramatic headland with the world’s largest mainland gannet colony; accessible by 4WD tour or a long coastal walk (check tides).
• Hastings – Hawkes Bay’s second city, with a thriving food scene, the Hawkes Bay Opera House, and the quirky i-SITE visitor centre.
• Napier – The region’s hub, with its famous art deco architecture, the National Aquarium, and the Marine Parade waterfront.
• Taupo – About 1.5 hours north, Lake Taupo offers trout fishing, the Huka Falls, and the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
• Gisborne – Two hours east, this is New Zealand’s Chardonnay capital, with a rugged coastline and the country’s first sunrise.

Please check official sources for current details.