Hawke's Bay

Wine Country

Hawke’s Bay Wine Country is New Zealand’s leading food and wine region. With over 2200 hours of sunshine, Hawke’s Bay is a year-round holiday destination with an eclectic mix of visual and sensory experiences.

Located on the east coast of the North Island, the landscapes of the Hawke’s Bay begin with the high, forested Ruahine and Kawkeka Ranges. From the mountains the land sweeps down towards the coast, flattening out to become the Heretaunga Plains. A number of wide rivers, excellent for fishing, run swiftly to meet the blue Pacific Ocean and glorious beaches which stretch from Mahia in the north to Porangahau in the south.

Hawke’s Bay is the country’s oldest winemaking region and is New Zealand’s leading producer of award winning red wines. Hawke’s Bay is also home to a world-class concentration of Art Deco architecture, fresh local produce and artisan food producers complemented by a vibrant arts scene and a rich Maori culture. The region also hosts a number of ‘must see’ events throughout the year.

Hawke’s Bay is a region of contrasts with a diverse range of things to see and do. For families enjoying the sun, there are golden sand beaches, the Splash Planet water theme park, and crystal clear rivers to explore. Visit the National Aquarium of New Zealand, swim with dolphins or view the largest most accessible mainland Gannet colony in the world.

For the mild to wild adventurer take a jet boat or cycle between wineries. Experience hot air ballooning at sunrise or surfing in Mahia. Paraglide off Te Mata Peak, hike or take a leisurely journey along one of the 17 heritage trails around the region. You can hunt in the ranges, fish for brown and rainbow trout or play golf at one of the 20 local courses.

Whether it is the fresh bud burst of spring, long hot languid days of summer, the golden hues of harvest or crisp air and blue skies of winter, Hawke’s Bay Wine Country is waiting to be discovered.

Food & Wine
‘Hawke’s Bay Wine Country’ is a lifestyle second to none and sets the scene for visitors to explore the region’s produce from award winning wines, fresh produce, gourmet meats and a vast array of epicurean delights. The warm climate is conducive to all things living and has earned Hawke’s Bay the reputation as a leader in food and wine production.

No matter when you visit, some food or wine is ‘in season’. Spring heralds the new asparagus, strawberries, lettuce and herbs. Summer kicks into life with sweetcorn, eggplant, berries, cherries and stone fruit. Autumn harvests apples, pears, avocados and olives while winter is the time for citrus fruit and hearty vegetables.

One thing remains the same – the wine, which can be enjoyed all year round. Although there is nothing better than late summer when the vines are overflowing with grapes ready to be pressed for the next vintage. For food lovers wanting to taste all things fresh follow the popular Wine Country Food Trail which takes in many gourmet delights. Each food trail destination is well marked at the gate or entranceway, with a corresponding number on the food trail map.

For weekend visitors the “not to be missed” events are the weekly Hawke’s Bay Farmers Markets in Napier on Tennyson Street every Saturday morning and at the Hawke’s Bay Showgrounds on Sunday mornings. Locals and visitors a like flock to these markets to see, touch, smell and taste the many ‘local only’ goods. During Summer a Saturday market is held at Black Barn Vineyards in Havelock North.

Sights & Activities
Hawke’s Bay Wine Country is a holiday destination where the sun seems to forever shine. Famed for being one of the three major winemaking regions in New Zealand, Hawke’s Bay is home to internationally acclaimed wines and is the premier New Zealand destination for food, wine and lifestyle.

Supported by a Mediterranean climate and a varied landscape from dramatic sea cliffs, to fertile plains and crystal clear rivers that meander down to the Pacific Ocean, the region has a diverse range of things to see and do and hosts a number of icon events through out the year.

Climate
Summer temperatures
Range from 20 C (68 F) – 35 C (95 F)

Winter average temperature
15 C (59 F)