Hawke's Bay Region Travel Guide

New Zealand

Elephant Hill Winery Estate
Elephant Hill Winery Estate
Cape Kidnappers marks the southern most point of Hawke Bay on the east coast of the North Island of New Zealand. It was named by Captain Cook after the one of his cabin boys was kidnapped by the local Maori in 1769. Cape Kidnappers is home to a colony of Australasian Gannets which nest here over summer. Access to this area is by walking (about 2 hours each way) at low tide only (ie starting to walk 3 hours before low tide), by a tractor and trailer ride along the beach, or by a 4wd bus through the farmland above the beach. This photo is taken just after dawn, after a 2 hour walk in the dark along the beach.
Dawn rises over the city of Napier, with St Paul's Cathedral to the left of shot
Every year in September the Mabin family open their front paddocks to the public to let them explore ( and pick from ) their daffodils. They do this for free and all money raised from the sale of the daffodils goes to the Plunket Society

Popular cities in Hawke's Bay Region

Napier showing a sunset and a square or plaza
Napier
Known for Dining, Beaches and Art
Admire the art deco architecture, take in the ocean views and enjoy locally produced wines at this charming little port city.

Reasons to visit

  • Marine Parade
  • Mission Estate Winery
  • Napier Beach
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Te Mata Peak showing tranquil scenes and landscape views
Hastings
Known for Swimming, Wineries and Beaches
Let the heart of Hawke’s Bay entertain you with art and 1930s architecture, locally grown red wine and stone fruit, and a wildlife experience at the world’s largest gannet colony.

Reasons to visit

  • Cornwall Park
  • Frimley Park
  • Te Mata Peak
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Havelock North showing a fountain and a square or plaza
Havelock North
Known for Spas, Small town and Wineries
Right in the heart of wine country, the Havelock North neighbourhood features boutique shopping and areas of sublime natural beauty.

Reasons to visit

  • Te Mata Peak
  • Arataki Honey Visitor Centre
  • Birdwoods Gallery
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A beautiful winters day in Mahia. This isn’t the main beach - you drive further around to this stunning bay.
Mahia
Known for Beaches
Escape to Mahia! Enjoy its beaches.

Reasons to visit

  • Mahia Beach
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Picture tells it all, well except for the silky smooth sand. This photo was taken in the peak of summer holidays (3 Jan 2015). On the coast road between Waipukurau and Masterton. Beautiful sandy beach made for sand castles, fishing, walking, blow carts, etc including annual Easter races and the odd Polo game.
Porangahau
Check out the local area in Porangahau—home to attractions like Porangahau Beach and Whangaehu Beach.
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From the top of the falls.
Waimarama
Venture to sights like Waimarama Beach as you discover the local area in Waimarama.
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