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:
