Hawke's Bay Wine Travel Guide (North Island, New Zealand)

Discover Hawke's Bay: New Zealand's Wine Paradise

Nestled on the eastern coast of New Zealand's North Island, Hawke's Bay is a wine lover's dream destination. Known for its world-class wineries and stunning landscapes, this region offers a perfect blend of viticulture and natural beauty.

Towns and Villages

Napier, the Art Deco capital, and Hastings form the urban heart of Hawke's Bay. These charming cities provide excellent bases for exploring the region's wineries.

Napier: Famous for its 1930s architecture and seaside promenade
Hastings: Known for its Spanish Mission-style buildings and orchards
Havelock North: An upscale village with boutique shops and nearby wineries

Wine Producers

Hawke's Bay boasts over 70 wineries, ranging from small family-owned estates to large international brands. Some notable producers include:

Mission Estate: New Zealand's oldest winery, established in 1851
Craggy Range: Renowned for its single-vineyard wines
Te Mata Estate: Produces the iconic "Coleraine" Bordeaux blend
Church Road: Offers excellent winery tours and a unique wine museum

Accommodations

From luxury lodges to cozy B&Bs, Hawke's Bay offers a range of accommodations to suit every taste and budget.

The Farm at Cape Kidnappers: Luxury lodge with stunning coastal views
Craggy Range Vineyards: Stylish cottages overlooking the vines
Art Deco Masonic Hotel: Historic hotel in the heart of Napier
Breckenridge Lodge: Intimate gourmet retreat near Napier

Dining

Hawke's Bay's farm-to-table ethos and fresh seafood make it a food lover's paradise. Many restaurants feature local wines to complement their dishes.

Pacifica: Award-winning seafood restaurant in Napier
Black Barn Bistro: Vineyard restaurant with stunning views
Elephant Hill Restaurant: Fine dining with ocean and vineyard vistas
Mister D: Casual dining spot famous for its injectable doughnuts

Wine Shops & Bars

Hawke's Bay offers numerous spots to sample and purchase local wines. Here are some top recommendations:

Advintage: Extensive wine selection in Havelock North
The Urban Winery: Wine bar in a converted Art Deco building in Napier
Cellar 495: Boutique wine shop with a focus on local producers
Monica Loves: Trendy wine bar in Napier with a curated wine list

Other Shops

Beyond wine, Hawke's Bay boasts a variety of unique shopping experiences:

Napier Antique & Jewellery Centre: For Art Deco treasures
Hohepa Cheese Shop: Artisanal cheeses perfect for wine pairing
Hawke's Bay Farmers' Market: Local produce and artisanal goods
Vetro Mediterranean Foods: Gourmet ingredients and kitchenware

Attractions

While wine is a major draw, Hawke's Bay offers diverse attractions for all interests:

Cape Kidnappers Gannet Colony: Home to the world's largest mainland gannet colony
National Aquarium of New Zealand: Marine life exhibits and penguin encounters
Te Mata Peak: Panoramic views of Hawke's Bay
Napier Art Deco Trust: Guided tours of Napier's architectural gems

Events

Hawke's Bay's event calendar is packed with wine-focused and cultural celebrations:

F.A.W.C! Food and Wine Classic: Biannual culinary festival (June and November)
Hawke's Bay Wine Auction: Annual charity wine auction (November)
Art Deco Weekend: Celebration of 1930s culture and architecture (February)
Bridge Pa Wine Festival: Showcasing wines from the Bridge Pa Triangle (January)

Appellations

Hawke's Bay's diverse wine regions each contribute unique characteristics to its wines:

Gimblett Gravels: Known for full-bodied red wines
Bridge Pa Triangle: Produces both red and white wines
Te Awanga: Coastal area known for Chardonnay and Syrah
Esk Valley: Cool climate region excelling in aromatic whites

Grape Varieties

Hawke's Bay's diverse terroir supports a wide range of grape varieties. Chardonnay and Merlot are the most widely planted.

Other prominent varieties include:

Cabernet Sauvignon
Syrah
Sauvignon Blanc
Pinot Gris
Malbec

Main Wine Styles

Hawke's Bay is renowned for its full-bodied red wines and rich Chardonnays. The region's warm climate produces wines with ripe fruit flavors and soft tannins.

Key wine styles include:

Bordeaux-style blends
Single-varietal Syrah
Barrel-fermented Chardonnay
Aromatic whites like Pinot Gris and Viognier

Food Specialties

Hawke's Bay's cuisine showcases its agricultural bounty. Fresh seafood and locally-raised lamb are regional highlights.

Don't miss:

Green-lipped mussels
Hawke's Bay beef
Artisanal cheeses
Stone fruits and apples

Drives & Walks

Explore Hawke's Bay's scenic beauty through drives and walks. The Hawke's Bay Trails offer over 200km of flat, easy cycling routes.

Recommended drives and walks:

Te Mata Peak for panoramic views
Cape Kidnappers to see gannet colonies
Tuki Tuki Valley scenic drive
Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk

Itineraries

3-Day Wine Lover's Itinerary

Day 1: Visit Gimblett Gravels wineries, dinner in Havelock North

Day 2: Cycle the Wineries Ride, lunch at a vineyard restaurant

Day 3: Explore Napier's Art Deco architecture, evening wine tasting

5-Day Hawke's Bay Explorer

Day 1-2: Wine tasting in Gimblett Gravels and Bridge Pa Triangle

Day 3: Visit Cape Kidnappers, evening in Havelock North

Day 4: Napier Art Deco tour, afternoon at the National Aquarium

Day 5: Scenic drive to Te Mata Peak, farewell dinner at a winery

Getting There & Around

Hawke's Bay Airport (NPE) in Napier serves domestic flights. Rental cars offer the most flexibility for exploring wineries.

InterCity buses connect major towns
Taxi services available in Napier and Hastings
Guided wine tours eliminate drinking and driving concerns

Best Time to Visit

February to April is ideal for wine enthusiasts. This period coincides with harvest season and offers pleasant weather.

Summer (December-February): Warm and dry, perfect for outdoor activities
Autumn (March-May): Harvest festivals and stunning foliage
Winter (June-August): Quieter, with occasional cellar door specials
Spring (September-November): Blossoming orchards and new wine releases

Sustainability Efforts

Hawke's Bay leads in sustainable winegrowing. Many wineries practice organic or biodynamic viticulture.

Mission Estate: New Zealand's first carbon-neutral winery
Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand (SWNZ) certification common
Solar power and water conservation initiatives widespread

Language Tips

English is widely spoken. Some Māori terms are commonly used in wine and tourism contexts.

"Kia ora" - Hello
"Cellar door" - Wine tasting room
"Terroir" - Environmental factors influencing wine character

Further Resources

For more information on Hawke's Bay wines and tourism: