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About Hawke's Bay

The Hawke's Bay region lies on the east coast of New Zealand's North Island. The Mediterranean climate of long, hot, summers and sunny winters are ideal for grape growing, and Hawke's Bay is the country's premier wine region. The fertile plains which stretch from the Pacific coast to the Tararua mountains are filled with orchards and vineyards, and the hill country is used for sheep and cattle farming and forestry.


Food & Wine. Bursting with taste sensations, Hawke's Bay is New Zealand's leading food and wine destination, home to fabulous award-winning wines at over 70 wineries, as well as delightful fresh produce, epicurean delights and gourmet experiences. Taste your way through the region and meet the local personalities behind their creations at the Farmers' Markets, at the wineries or on the mouth-watering Food and Wine Trails, as well as at a great variety of restaurants, cafes and bars to suit all tastes.


Architecture & Heritage. Hawke's Bay's unique heritage ranges from fascinating Maori legends and sacred sites to European settlement, when Hawke's Bay's destiny was shaped by a devastating 1931 earthquake with a remarkable result: the birth of the dazzling Art Deco & Spanish Mission architectural styles of Napier and Hastings, which characterize the twin cities today and draw enthusiasts from all corners of the globe.


Art & Culture. The jaw-droppingly beautiful landscape inspires Hawke's Bay's thriving artistic community to create beautiful things. Visit the many boutique galleries & home studios for an inspirational journey around the region.


Outdoor & Adventure. 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.


Family Fun & Friends. 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, or view the largest most accessible mainland gannet colony in the world.


Events. And to top it all, Hawke's Bay has an amazing capacity to celebrate and is brimming with different events to tie in with your visit throughout the year. Food and wine are central themes, and annual open-air concerts and harvest festivals at the wineries draw in the crowds. Art Deco weekend has gained international acclaim and a thriving racing tradition has developed, along with the Horse of the Year Show which has made Hastings its home.