HAWKES BAY
The Hawke's Bay region encompasses the area around Hawke's Bay on the East Coast of the North Island.
Hawke’s Bay is loved for its sunny climate, fabulous beaches, sheltered coastal plains and long-established vineyards. It is also one of the country's largest pip fruit growing areas. Napier, the main city of the region, has one of the largest concentrations of Art Deco buildings in the world. It was razed by earthquake and fire in 1931, and rebuilt in the art deco style which was fashionable at the time. The Art Deco Walk is a permanent attraction, and each February there is the Brebner Print Art Deco Weekend, a not-too-serious celebration of the art deco style.
The Hawke's Bay vineyards are all within a short distance of Napier and Hastings, the other city in the region. More than 30 vineyards are open to the public for wine tasting. Many also operate cafes and restaurants in both indoor and outdoor settings. The region is especially known for its fine Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon varieties.
Another unique attraction is the gannet colony on the very tip of Cape Kidnappers - believed to be one of only two mainland gannet colonies in the world. Gannets are large sea birds with long, pointed wings and golden-yellow heads. Most spectacular is their method of fishing, when whole flocks suddenly dive straight into the sea from a great height, at speeds of up to 145km/h.
You can also find plenty of adventure in Hawke’s Bay - rafting on the Mohaka River, horse trekking, hunting and trout fishing.
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Activities on offer:
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Art Deco Discovered
PRICE FROM PP
Napier is the worlds finest example of the Art Deco age. Our walking tour takes in the fabulous buildings of the city and then we drive to the Art Deco suburb of Marewa created on former swamp land raised by the 1931 earthquake. Back to historic Ahuriri and the Napier Museum with its excellent display interpreting the construction of this Art Deco city. Marvellous photo opportunities, what ho!
Duration: 10am - 12pm (noon) - 2 hours
- Time for a Round
PRICE FROM PP
Enjoy great golf in beautiful surroundings at Bridge Pa. A challenging but easy walking course with wide fairways and large greens. Play nine or eighteen holes, enjoy the solitude or if you wish, we can team you up with local players. Golf clubs, green fees and golf cart included.
Duration: You decide
- Gannet Beach Adventure
PRICE FROM PP
Cape Kidnappers contains one of the largest most accessible mainland Gannet colonies in the world. Travel by tractor and trailer along the fascinating coastline of Hawke Bay. Watch these amazing birds, wing span of 2 metres and weighing 2 kilograms, swoop and dive as they fish the sea from a great height. A fun and safe mild adventure.
Duration: 4.5 hours (tide dependant)
- On Yer Bike Winery Tour
PRICE FROM PP
Enjoy cycling on a mountain bike or tandem as you leisurely tour the Ngatarawa vineyards. Fun for all ages, the terrain is flat and easy riding. Glide past vineyards, olive groves, ostrich farms and orchards. We include a map, refreshment pack and a cell phone, to call for collection of your wine purchases or a lift back to base.
Duration: 3 to 5 hours
- Beach Picnic
PRICE FROM PP
Relax, unwind, and enjoy each other’s company. Sip a glass of wine, read a good book, have a swim or simply do nothing. We will take you and a delicious picnic hamper to a beautiful white sand beach. Uncrowded, peaceful, a crystal clear ocean - what more could you ask for!
Duration: You decide
- Gardeners Delight
PRICE FROM PP
Enjoy fabulous landscaping, gorgeous vistas and stunning plants and trees all with a South Pacific flavour. The micro climate of the Hawkes Bay allows an enormous range of different plantings. We will visit special private gardens and share garden tips with their proud owners. Morning tea in a leafy glade and then onto a special vineyard for a delicious three course lunch.
Duration: 8:30am - 2pm - 5 1/2 hours
- Hawke's Bay Wine Country
PRICE FROM PP
Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot all are produced in this remarkable wine region. Breathtaking locations, warm hospitality and fabulous tasting opportunities ensure a wonderful afternoon. Sit back and soak up the beautiful countryside as we drive through Hawke’s Bay.
Duration: 1pm - 5pm - 4 hours
- Gourmet Mystery Dinner
PRICE FROM PP
Where shall we go for dinner tonight? How about three courses, each in a different location. Where, when, what and how? All these questions will be answered as the evening progresses. We can tell you that you will enjoy great cuisine and fine wines (included) in special locations. Relax and enjoy the mystery while we do all the driving.
Departs: 7pm
Duration: 3 hours (approx)
- Ballooning
PRICE FROM PP
Rise quietly into the air and drift across farmlands, orchards and vineyards. Take off at dawn to catch the still air and watch the sun rise over the picturesque mountains, a perfect setting. We drift and land according to the wind, then its time for a traditional ballooning breakfast. Up, up and away.
Departs: 6am
Duration: 4 hours
- Trout Fishing
HALF DAY PP
FULL DAY PP
Try your hand on the great trout fishing waters of the Hawkes Bay. The world famous Tukituki River provides some of the most exciting and rewarding fishing experiences. In the wild tumbling rivers to the gentle flowing streams you will find the large Brown and powerful Rainbow trout. Your guide has a wealth of experience and will supply all equipment and lunch.
* Prices based on two person minimum.
For more information on Hastings tourism visit the official Hastings Tourism website.
