Visit Hawke's Bay

The Hawke's Bay wine region extends along the eastern coast of New Zealand's North Island with a mix of hilly coastal land and wide, fertile valleys further inland.

This topography mixed with long, hot summers and cool winters offer the perfect conditions for growing grapes and produce the region's distinct wines.

Hastings

Hastings is the largest settlement of the Hawke's Bay area. Sheltered by mountains to the west that gently slope towards fertile plains, it is one of the sunniest areas in New Zealand.

There's plenty to do, including extensive wine tours and art trails. Like Napier, Hastings has a number of prominent art deco buildings, again a result of the 1931 earthquake. Westerman's Building and the city's clock tower are two good examples. The latter, built in 1935, has the original bells from the old 1909 clock tower that collapsed in the quake.

Havelock North

Nestled on the slopes of Te Mata Peak, among vineyards, orchards and farmland, Havelock North is a charming township with views of Hastings, Napier and many a mountain peak.

The surrounding wineries are a popular stop-off point, set in beautiful Te Mata Park. A track meanders up towards the summit of Te Mata Peak, which on a clear day provides stunning views of the Hawke's Bay region.

The area is also home to one of the southern hemisphere's largest honey-producing farms, Arataki Honey, which opened nearly eight decades ago. It's certainly worth picking up a bottle or two of restorative local wine and manuka honey before you leave the area.

Cathedral Cove, Coromandel, New Zealand.

Best of New Zealand's North Island

17-day tailor-made self-drive from £4,070 pp incl. flights

Between stunning volcanic landscapes, sub-tropical beaches and world-class wineries, this fly-drive holiday showcases the best of New Zealand's North Island.

Highlights of New Zealand

19-day tailor-made self-drive from £3,705 pp incl. flights

With boutique hotel stays and car hire included throughout, this curated road trip perfectly showcases the unique cultures and natural wonders of New Zealand's North and South islands.

New Zealand by Motorhome

20-day motorhome self-drive from £4,570 pp incl. flights

With its spectacular driving routes linking gorgeous coastlines and vast national parks, and plenty of gorgeous locations to pull up and park, find out why New Zealand is tailor-made for a motorhome holiday.

Mountain picnic, Queenstown, New Zealand

Culinary Highlights of New Zealand

25-day tailor-made self-drive from £8,170 pp

With a focus on food and wine, this luxury fly-drive covers many of New Zealand's highlights, taking in the everything from the rolling vineyards of Hawke's Bay to the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps.

Top places to stay in Hawke's Bay

Coastal views at The Farm at Cape Kidnappers

The Farm at Cape Kidnappers, Hawke's Bay

Small & intimate lodge

The Farm at Cape Kidnappers is set amid 6,000 acres of rolling countryside in New Zealand's picturesque Hawke's Bay, one of the country's most important wine producing regions.

The Manse, Hawke’s Bay

Small & intimate b&b

Set on a gentleman's farm, you’ll enjoy elevated views out over Hawke’s Bay and oh-so locally-sourced cuisine, complemented by pre-dinner drinks, canapés and a veritable cigar and whisky library.