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Hawke's Bay is Great Wine Capital of the world, sharing the status with destinations like Bordeaux, Napa Valley, Mendoza and South Australia.
Find Out MoreCornwall Park is full of features to explore.
Read more about "Cornwall Park, Playground, and Rose Gardens"...The Hastings Urban Heritage Trail guides visitors through significant historical areas of Hastings.
Read more about "Hastings Urban Heritage Trail"...Located in the sprawling Cornwall Park, the Osmanthus Garden takes its name from the Osmanthus family of plants which have been extensively planted throughout, and includes highly scented shrubs and ground covers along with group plantings of pine trees and bamboo.
Read more about "Osmanthus Garden"...Enjoy a relaxing stay at the ASURE Colonial Lodge Motel.
Read more about "ASURE Colonial Lodge Motel "...Bay Skate is a multi-use, world-class roller sports park on Napier’s Marine Parade.
Read more about "Bay Skate"...Our Hastings Motel is the perfect option for families and clients needing Hawke's Bay Hospital accommodation, we would especially like to welcome them and all corporate travelers and visitors travelling to Hastings and the Hawke's Bay region.
Read more about "Elmore Lodge Motel"...The accommodation complex in Hawke's Bay that has it all!
Read more about "Hastings TOP 10 Holiday Park"...Holidays are for relaxing, having fun and spending time with family and friends.
Read more about "Kennedy Park Resort Napier"...Mission is an iconic Hawke’s Bay landmark and one of the region's premier wedding and conference venues, offering elegant, lovingly restored classic surroundings, magnificent views, world class cuisine and wines and exceptional service and care in the complete service. Nestled into the side of the Taradale Hills, Mission Estate is situated only 10 minutes from the city centre, but surrounded by green hills, farmland and vineyard - it gives the impression that this outstanding facility is far removed from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Read more about "Mission Estate Winery Weddings & Events"...Mohaka Rafting provides full day and multi-day adventures on grade 2, 3, and Grade 5 whitewater.
Read more about "Mohaka Rafting"...Quest Napier serviced apartment-style hotel rooms offer guests a relaxed and comfortable Napier accommodation experience perfect for short or long stays.
Read more about "Quest Napier"...Sawyers Arms Hotel is the gateway to the Ruahine Ranges Forest Park.
Read more about "Sawyers Arms"...Shed Five Thirty Estate has recovered from being ravaged by Cyclone Gabrielle in Feb 2023.
Read more about "Shed 530 Estate Winery"...Splash Planet is New Zealand’s only water theme park and is a beloved Hawke’s Bay destination where generations of families have made lifetime memories.
Read more about "Splash Planet"...While the game embraces a relaxed and informal approach, utilizing natural terrain features like hills, trees, gullies, and even livestock, it’s far from a walk in the park.
Read more about "Te Aratipi Farm Golf "...Park up at the carpark where Nelson Quay meets Hardinge Road in Ahuriri and you'll find a plesant swim-safe little beach that the whole family will love.
Read more about "Ahuriri Beach"...Mangatutu Hot Springs is a popular Department of Conservation camping, picnic and fishing spot, and a starting point for excursions up the Mohaka River and further into the Kaweka Forest Park.
Read more about "Mangatutu Hot Springs"...This long, narrow estuary with its wide range of fresh to salty, shallow to deep, and sandy to muddy habitats supports an extremely diverse range of birds, fish, invertebrates and plant life.
Read more about "Ahuriri Estuary"...Centrally located within one of Napier’s premier suburban parks, Anderson Park playground's accessible and imaginative features create an inclusive environment that encourages all abilities and ages to play alongside each other.
Read more about "Anderson Park & Playground"...The Farndon Heritage Trail takes visitors through areas that have been historically associated with orchard and fruit growing industry in Hawke's Bay, as well as some sites of Māori significance.
Read more about "Farndon Heritage Trail"...The well-recited legend of Te Mata Peak portrays the hill as the prostrate body of the Waimārama chief, Te Mata.
Read more about "The Sleeping Giant | The Legend of Te Mata Peak"...In 2017, Ātea a Rangi was constructed as one of several elements in the Waitangi Estuary enhancement at Waitangi Regional Park.
Read more about "Ātea a Rangi Star Compass"...Te Mata Park is open to walkers, runners, unleashed dogs and riders, so make sure you stick to the signposted mountain biking trails.
Read more about "Te Mata Park Mountain Biking"...Located in the mid-eastern Ruahine Forest Park, Sunrise Hut is situated on the top of the Ruahine Ranges. The original hut was constructed in 1983 by NZFS, and upgraded in 2005.
Read more about "Sunrise Hut"...There are two options to see the waterfalls - if you only have time for one, it's recommended to do the second one.
Read more about "Āniwaniwa Falls"...Aramoana in Central Hawke's Bay is a lovely spot for day-trippers as you can park up with easy access to the beach where you can spend the day diving, swimming, and surfing.
Read more about "Aramoana Beach (Shoal Beach)"...Pekapeka Wetlands are located in the 98 ha Pekapeka Regional Park, managed by Hawke's Bay Regional Council but some portions on private land.
Read more about "Pekapeka Wetlands"...This park was first created as the equivalent of the English village green in 1854, and Napier’s first cricket and football matches were played there. In 1886, the first steps were taken to transform this space into the wonderful garden we see today. The square was enclosed with white picket fencing and gates stood at the corner entrances, trees and shrubs were planted around the boundary and seating was erected to face the large central band rotunda.
Read more about "Clive Square"...From Wairoa, head towards Lake Waikaremoana on SH38.
Read more about "Hell's Hole swimming spot"...Ōtātara Pā spans an upper pā (Hikurangi) and a lower pā (Ōtātara).
Read more about "Ōtātara Pā Historic Reserve"...Originally published on nzherald.co.nz It's 6.05 am on Friday morning when we turn off State Highway 51 in Napier and follow the blink-and-you'll-miss-it sign for Waitangi Regional Park.
Read more about "Piripi Smith on the revival of traditional celestial navigation in New Zealand"...The Pan Pac Mountain Bike Park, just 10 minutes drive north of Napier, is the 'home' of the Hawke’s Bay Mountain Bike club.
Read more about "Pan Pac Mountain Bike Park"...The Junior Bike Track aka Traffic Light Park on Marine Parade has been specifically designed for young children to learn basic road safety, in a safe and fun manner.
Read more about "Napier Junior Bike Track"...There are a number of designated Council sites where overnight camping by Certified Self-Contained vehicles are permitted.
Read more about "Freedom Camping in Hastings District"...Renowned for its horticultural landscaping and formal gardens, visitors are invited to take a seat at the many benches dotted around the garden.
Read more about "Duart House Gardens"...Lake Tūtira, and it's neighbouring Lake Waikopiro, is home to an abundance of wildlife and is a popular fishing spot. Alongside the lake is the 463 ha Tūtira Regional Park, maintained by the Hawke's Bay Regional Council, which has an erosion control, sustainable land management programme in place.
Read more about "Lake Tūtira"...The approximately 3km stretch of iconic seafront connects Napier with the Pacific Ocean, with stunning vistas encompassing Māhia Peninsula in the north to Cape Kidnappers in the south.
Read more about "Marine Parade"...This wide, smooth path affords stunning views across the Pacific Ocean, Tukituki River and countless vineyards (it's the GREEN section on the Hawke's Bay Trails map).
Read more about "Hawke's Bay Trails: Landscapes Ride"...The Wairoa Mountain Bike Park track incorporates 7km of trails, and is loosely based on Rotorua's Whakarewarewa Red Woods Mountain Bike Park.
Read more about "Wairoa Mountain Bike Park"...Dolbel Reserve is a popular walking spot for locals with an established network of tracks and expansive views across Hawke's Bay.
Read more about "Dolbel Reserve"...Napier offers four freedom camping areas.
Read more about "Freedom Camping in Napier"...Frimley Park was given to the people of Hastings by the Williams family in 1951, and was formerly the grounds for the family's homestead which burned down in 1950.
Read more about "Frimley Park, Playground and Rose Garden"...Te Urewera, home of the Tūhoe people, is the largest area of native forest in the North Island and offers a wonderful escape in ancient untouched rainforest. Please refer to the Ngai Tuhoe website for the latest updates regarding Te Urerewa access.
Read more about "Lake Waikareiti"...In 1854, John Chambers built a small cottage for his family on a block of land which he leased from Kurupo Te Moananui.
Read more about "Havelock North Walking Heritage Trail"...This 240 ha of wetland is where Muddy Creek, and the Ngaruroro, Tutaekuri and Te Awa o Mokotūāraro (Clive) Rivers meet the sea.
Read more about "Waitangi Estuary"...Belying it's official name as the Water Ride, this section of the Hawke's Bay Trails takes in a range of rural and urban landscapes, albeit many with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, Ahuriri Lagoon and Tutaekuri River (it's the ORANGE section on the Hawke's Bay Trails map).
Read more about "Hawke's Bay Trails: Water Ride"...Weaving in the shade of the willow trees along the Tukituki Trail in Central Hawke's Bay, this grade 2 track is a great introduction to mountain biking.
Read more about "Tukituki Trail MTB and Gum Tree MTB Park"...Great fun and road-rule practice for the little ones.
Read more about "Hastings Cycle Skills Track "...A picturesque 9 hole golf course, situated amongst the peaceful surroundings of Forest Domain, you would be hard pushed to find a warmer welcome elsewhere.
Read more about "Ongaonga Golf Club"...Eastern views from the summit cover the Napier-Taradale area and much of the Heretaunga Plains, while western views include the Ruahine and Kaweka Ranges.
Read more about "Sugar Loaf"...The gardens are home to Keirunga Homestead and the Keirunga Gardens Arts & Crafts Society, who are settled within the maintained gardens and courtyard and provide community facilities for arts and crafts in the Hastings District.
Read more about "Keirunga Gardens & Railway"...Ranui Farm Park is a working sheep and beef farm owned and operated by the Ennor family, which also has more than 30km of mountain bike trails.
Read more about "Ranui Farm"...Get dirty in Taradale!
Read more about "Taradale Dirt Park and Pump Track"...On the outskirts of Waipukurau township, this excellent example of native remnant forest is a great alternative if you are short on time.
Read more about "Lindsay Bush"...Planted in 1951, the collection now encompasses 5000 individual roses and 500 named varieties of covering bush, standards, weeping, climbing and prostrate rose forms. A prominent feature of the garden is a 90-metre long display of climbing roses and a small fountain in the centre of the garden.
Read more about "Kennedy Park Rose Garden"...The twin Kaweka lakes - Lake Rototuna and Lake Rotoroa - are ecologically and botanically significant because of the large number of plant species and vegetation types in the surrounding area.
Read more about "Kaweka Lakes"...The Tukituki Trail is dual-purpose limestone tracks on the banks of the Tukituki River between the towns of Waipukurau and Waipawa in Central Hawke’s Bay.
Read more about "Tukituki Trail, Central Hawke's Bay"...Yeoman's Track is closed due to damage sustained during Cyclone Gabrielle, with no current date for re-opening. See DOC website for details A walking track along an old logging route at the base of the Ruahine Forest Park is open for mountain bikers as well.
Read more about "Yeoman's Track"...With a distinctly rural feel, Puketapu Park might be a bit off the track but it is worth the trip!
Read more about "Puketapu Park"...First-time cavers can explore Mangaone Caves - enjoy karst-type features, stalactites, stalagmites and calcite wall coverings.
Read more about "Mangaone Caves Track"...Several walking tracks wind through lush plantings up to the top end of the gardens - which are adjacent to the old Napier Cemetery and provide a solemn but fascinating insight into the history of those who once inhabited the township.
Read more about "Napier Botanical Gardens"...Russell Park is an exciting outdoor space with lots of fun activities and big open spaces, the perfect place to enjoy some family fun.
Read more about "Russell Park"...Set alongside the waterfront in Ahuriri, Spriggs Park playground is a large playground which has much to offer children and families of all ages.
Read more about "Spriggs Park Reserve Playground"...From small, deep rockpools perfect for swimming, to spectacular rock formations, that create the pristine fishing conditions for snapper, kahawai and kingfish, this stretch of the coast is a fantastic playground for water lovers.
Read more about "Māhia Rock Pools"...Located just alongside the Village Pools, the Village Green is the undisputed king of playgrounds in Havelock North.
Read more about "Village Green"...A great spring/summer day trip, pack a picnic, walking shoes and swimwear for a splash in the stream.
Read more about "Monckton Scenic Reserve"...From the Hawke's Bay side of Lake Waikaremoana, continue following SH38 around the eastern side of the lake until you reach the old Information Centre where you need to turn to Aniwaniwa Rd and follow it for the next 1.5km.
Read more about "Papakorito Falls"...Opened in 2013, William Nelson Park is a popular inner city park that includes plenty of grass and seating areas, a playground and a skate plaza.
Read more about "William Nelson Park"...The Lions Community Playground at Windsor Park is 6,000 square metres of family fun.
Read more about "Windsor Park Playground"...From Wairoa, head towards Lake Waikaremoana on SH38.
Read more about "Rockslide on Hereheretau Road"...Shine Falls is currently closed - see Department of Conservation website for more information Shine Falls is roughly a 1.5 hours drive away from Napier, and the last 12km is gravel road - but it's worth the trip!The Shine Falls track is a 1.5 hour return walk, and leads to the base of the waterfall.
Read more about "Shine Falls - CLOSED"...The hills and the plateau to the southeast of Hastings are places of great beauty and historical interest.
Read more about "Waimārama Heritage Trail"...Please note Tangoio Falls is currently CLOSED - see Department of Conservation website for more information Tangoio Falls is absolutely gorgeous, and is particularly spectacular after rain.
Read more about "Tangoio Falls - CLOSED"...The Onepoto Caves Track is a 2 km long return trip and is signposted at the road side, at the site of the original lake outlet.
Read more about "Onepoto Caves Track"...This large, recently upgraded playground, offers something for all ages.
Read more about "Taradale Park Playground"...Please note Te Ana Falls is currently CLOSED - see Department of Conservation website for more information Tangoio Falls and Te Ana Falls are both accessed from the Tangoio Falls carpark just off State Highway 2 about 25mk north of Napier.
Read more about "Te Ana Falls - CLOSED"...Pākōwhai Regional Park is a country-style park, and there are 2km of easy-walking paths and a series of bridges crossing over the Raupare Stream.
Read more about "Pākōwhai Regional Park"...Farndon Park Domain is nestled along the Clive River between Hastings and Napier.
Read more about "Farndon Park Domain"...The Highway 50 trail guides visitors through dense native bush that once covered much of the inland bay. The trail area was developed into farmland by the cutting, clearing and milling of the bush.
Read more about "Highway 50 Trail"...The Waipukurau Pavement walk guides visitors through significant historical areas of Waipukurau.
Read more about "Waipukurau Pavement Walk"...The walkway project is led by the Whangawehi Catchment Management Group, a community initiative including Marae, landowners and agencies whose focus is to protect the Whangawehi stream.
Read more about "Te Aratia Walkway"...Gifted in perpetuity to the community in 1927, Te Mata Park is a cultural, historical and recreational treasure. The wider park is home to an array of walking and mountain biking trails, with most trails also dog-friendly.
Read more about "Te Mata Park & The Redwoods"...All of these walks originate from the Waipātiki beach area, aobut 40min drive north of Napier Waipātiki Scenic Reserve This walk is situated just before Waipātiki Beach 32 kms north of Napier.
Read more about "Waipātiki walks"...The Tukituki trail is a network of trails for walkers and bikers in Central Hawke's Bay.
Read more about "The Tukituki Trails"...Park Island is Napier's largest sports reserve so you can guarantee you'll spot some sporting action if you visit.
Read more about "Park Island"...The Ruahine Forest Park consists of beautiful bush-covered ranges with various recreation opportunities.
Read more about "Ruahine Forest park"...Kaweka Forest has a lot to offer!
Read more about "Kaweka Forest Park"...The choirs of Waiapu Cathedral present a Spring concert every year, and this year's event on Sunday 5 October, 2.30pm.
Read more about "Echoes of Peace"...Get ready for the most vibrant morning of your year at the Spring Colour Dash – where the only rule is to have fun!
Read more about "The Spring Colour Dash"...Splash Planet is turning spooky this Halloween with low fear to full scream activities – there is something for all ages!
Read more about "Spooky Planet"...Thabani Gapara presents – Dzindza “A Celebration of African Heritage” After a standout performance at Church Road’s Jazz in the Park, award-nominated saxophonist and composer Thabani Gapara returns to Hawke’s Bay this spring with his DZINDZA NZ Tour.
Read more about "Thabani Gapara presents: DZINDZA"...Prepare for an unforgettable day of heart-pounding excitement at Ranui Farm!
Read more about "Ranui Sunday Funday"...Bring the whānau out to Albert Square for Carnival in the Park, a day of free fun in the sunshine, featuring the bass heavy stylings of Heretaunga Dub Club and Machine Wreckers’ ambient post-psychedelic instrumentals.
Read more about "Carnival in the Park"...If you’re driving down Latham Street and suddenly feel the temperature shoot up, that’s just the heat generated whenever these two teams clash on a cricket field.
Read more about "Plunket Shield Championship - Central Stags v Canterbury"...Te Hokinga Mahara o Waipureku Waitangi.
Read more about "Waipureku Waitangi Commemoration 2026"...The Central Stags are getting down to the business end of the national one-day Ford Trophy campaign.
Read more about "Central Stags Ford Trophy one-dayer v Auckland Aces"...FREE entry to round five of the history-drenched first-class Plunket Shield - celebrating 100 summers of national men’s competition this season.
Read more about "Plunket Shield Championship - Central Stags v Wellington Firebirds"...A big match at McLean as the Central Stags go after defending Plunket Shield champion Northern Districts in this four-day first-class battle.
Read more about "Plunket Shield Championship - Central Stags v Northern Districts"...Whether you're here for one day, one week or perhaps even longer, you need to tick off at least one of these non-negotiable Hawke's Bay experiences.
Here in New Zealand's Food and Wine Country, great recipes are in our DNA. From daytrips to multi-day journeys, these recipes for your Hawke's Bay holiday are sure to rise.
Hawke's Bay is Great Wine Capital of the world, sharing the status with destinations like Bordeaux, Napa Valley, Mendoza and South Australia.
Find Out MoreWe’ll keep you in the loop with upcoming events in Hawke’s Bay, cool stuff to do, the hottest places to eat and drink, and some enticing deals.