Sights & Activities
Unforgettable Sights
Views of Hawke’s Bay from Te Mata Peak – towering 400 metres above sea level, taken in the stunning panoramic views of the Ruahine, Kaweka and Maungaharuru ranges and Cape Kidnappers.
Art Deco buildings in Napier – transport yourself back to the 1930s as you admire the pale creams and whites of this distinctive architecture set against a blue Hawke’s Bay sky.
Adrenaline Rush
Eskdale Mountain Bike Trail – give your legs a workout at home of one of New Zealand’s largest and very highly regarded mountain bike parks.
Paragliding – swoop through the sky as you take off from Te Mata Peak in tandem with a qualified instructor.
Relax & Indulge
Take a wine tour – choose any number of local operators to explore the region’s vineyards, travelling either by coach, limousine, bicycle or horse and cart.
Enjoy the vast ocean views – sit back and relax in the heated pools at Ocean Spa on Napier’s Marine Parade and gaze out over the Pacific Ocean.
Top picks
Cultural experience
Maori culture – join a Maori tour guide, visit a marae, experience a cultural performance and learn about traditional food-gathering techniques.
Road trip
Travel through a truly unique coastal region, the beautiful Pacific Coast Highway is rated one of the great road touring routes of the world (
www.pacificcoast.co.nz ).
Luxury
Cape Kidnappers Golf Course – play a round of golf at a world-class international golf course in a remarkable cliff-top setting (
www.capekidnappers.com ).
Inexpensive or free
Te Angiangi Marine Reserve, near Waipukurau – perfect for swimming, walking, diving and boating (
www.centralhawkesbay.co.nz ).
Great for groups
Wine tour – arrange a guided tour of local wineries, travelling by coach, limousine or bicycle.
Culinary experiences
Food trail – follow the official map and sample the tastes of locally produced honey, olives, wine and chocolate (
www.savourhawkesbay.co.nz ).
Exclusive dining
Mission Estate Winery, Napier – sample the fare at New Zealand’s oldest surviving winery (
www.missionestate.co.nz ).
Casual dining
La Postina, Havelock North – savour fresh local produce in the relaxed ambience of the town’s old Post Office (
www.havelocknorth.com ).
Café
Soak Café, Napier – relax and have a great coffee after a dip in the pools (
www.soakcaferestaurantnapier.co.nz ).
Swishy bar
Diva Bar & Bistro, Havelock North – innovative food served in generous portions makes for a hedonistic experience (t. +64 6 877 5149).
Cosy Pub
Sunset Point Sports Bar & Bistro, Mahia – enjoy local seafood delicacies such as fresh crayfish in a relaxed atmosphere (t. +64 6 837 5071).
Shop or Gallery
MIA Gallery, Napier – gallery and design store featuring local art, furniture and clothing (
www.madeinaotearoa.co.nz ).
