Fun things to do in Hawkes Bay

Hawkes Bay is one of New Zealand's and, dare I say it, the world's premier wine districts. Unfortunately, on my 2006 trip to the region, I didn't get time to explore the vineyards. I did call in at the Te Mata Estate near Havelock North briefly, as one of my friends was on a mission to buy her mum a particular wine. If you are interested in exploring Hawkes Bay's wine district, pick up a wine trail map from the Napier I-site office on Marine Parade. You can join a tour (a great way to go if you want to enjoy some of the wine and not worry about driving responsibilities).

Napier is the main urban centre in Hawkes Bay Region. The region's port is located here, as are a pleasurable range of tourist sites. The main beach in the town is strictly off limits though. It has very dangerous currents. On my 2006 trip to Hawkes Bay, I was based in Napier. This is probably the best place to stay as the range of restaurants, shops, and attractions surpasses any other town in the region.
Highlights of Napier include: Marine Parade with its pretty sunken gardens, statues, and sound shell; the Art Deco architecture of Napier city centre; the National Aquarium; Bluff Hill; the restaurants; Napier Museum.

Te Mata Peak should be at the top of the list of your things to see in Hawkes Bay. It's certainly the top spot for viewing the region! OK, enough of the puns.
To get to Te Mata Peak, you will need your own wheels and the road is very narrow in places, so you should be a confident driver. There are several parking areas in the park that surrounds the peak. If you're very keen and fit, you may wish to walk to the top-most viewing platform and trig point.
The scenery around Te Mata Peak is stunning. The sheer cliffs to the north sweep up from the pastures of the Tukituki River valley, like giant waves of rock. To the south and south east the crumpled landscape is sublime at sunset. On a clear day you will have views that may stretch as far west as Mt Ruapehu in the central North Island.

The 48 turbines on the landscape constitute one of the largest wind farms in the Southern Hemisphere. Access to the site can be achieved by a number of different transport means. From the highway below you can see the windmills up on the hill-range.
Driving up the Manawatu Gorge to the farm there are spectacular views of the Tararua and Manawatu plains.

If you're interested in architecture than Napier is the place to go. Napier is possibly the most photographed city in New Zealand and is reknown for its beautiful art deco buildings. Its a beautiful coastal town and has a myriad of things to see and do. With access to the beach and the "fruit bowl" and wineries surrounding her, Napier is a great base for checking out the Eastern Coast of the North Island.

In 1851 French Catholic missionaries established New Zealand's oldest winery, Mission Estate
With an average of 2,245 hours of sunshine a year, warm, dry summers and mild winters it is little wonder that Hawke's Bay is one of New Zealand's foremost wine producing regions.
You can drive yourself to vineyards or join one of the professional wine tours. Most vineyards offer tastings and snacks, some have cafes and restaurants amoungst the vines and you can play petanque or boules at others.

Cape Kidnappers contains one of the largest most accessible mainland Gannet colonies in the world. Regular excursions are available and this area presents an ideal educational opportunity to experience the Gannet (takapu) in its natural environment.

Adult Australasian Gannets have a wingspan of up to 2 metres and an average weight of 2kgs. These magnificent birds are known for graceful flying, and diving from great heights to catch fish in the sea. See them nesting, preening and performing the famous recognition ritual, the 'dance of the gannets'