Festival weekend planner
Hawke's Bay F.A.W.C! Food & Wine Classic — a 3-day weekend in Hawke's Bay
5–14 June. Hastings, New Zealand.
The weekend, day by day
- Day 1
Arrive in Hastings
Land at Hawke's Bay Airport (NPE), settle in and walk the old town in the afternoon. Light dinner near your accommodation — save your appetite for the festival day.
- Day 2
Hawke's Bay F.A.W.C! Food & Wine Classic
Festival day — arrive early to avoid the lunchtime crowd. Insider tip: The winter F.A.W.C. is less crowded and often more innovative than the summer edition. Te Mata Estate, Craggy Range, and Trinity Hill host some of the most sought-after events. Book individual events separately — there is no single festival pass.
- Day 3
Wine country day in Hawke's Bay
Use the third day for a single winery visit (booked ahead) and a long lunch at one of the regional addresses below before heading home.
Where to stay
Three angles for the festival window. Festival hotels book out 6+ months in advance — apartments are the contingency when the main shortlist is sold out.
- Hotels in Hastings
Live inventory around the festival window — 2 adults, all star ratings.
- 4–5 star options near Hastings
Higher-end shortlist when you want the milestone weekend treatment.
- Apartments in Hastings
Self-catering option — useful when festival hotels sell out 6+ months ahead.
Booking.com links — we may earn a commission. We never recommend hotels we wouldn't use ourselves.
Practical
- Nearest airport
- Hawke's Bay Airport (NPE)
- Festival site
- Visit official site
Insider tip
The winter F.A.W.C. is less crowded and often more innovative than the summer edition. Te Mata Estate, Craggy Range, and Trinity Hill host some of the most sought-after events. Book individual events separately — there is no single festival pass.
Want a longer trip than the festival weekend?
The milestone-trip planner builds a 3–10 day Hawke's Bay itinerary with accommodation, tours, and pacing options.
Plan a Hawke's Bay trip →