With its headwaters in the Kaimanawa and Kaweka ranges in the western reaches of Hawke's Bay, and spilling into the Pacific Ocean in the east near the town of Mohaka, the 172km-long Mohaka River traverses the width of Hawke's Bay. And with a long history as a key transport route for Māori in pre-European settlement, the Mohaka River could even be considered Hawke's Bay's original road trip. Mohaka Rafting lay claim to ‘the best rafting in New Zealand’, and as proud owners of a 5.0 Trip Advisor rating, it’s hard to argue. The Mohaka River offers something for everyone, with Grade 2, 3 and 4/5 trips available throughout the warmer months (along with multi-day expeditions to REALLY immerse yourself in the wilderness). So pack some togs, lunch and water, and prepare for spectacular scenery, lots of laughs, a little bit of hard work now and then, and the satisfaction of a day spent with family or friends. Video by Ezra Curd. Check out more road trips at https://www.hawkesbaynz.com/summer-road-trips/
The Hastings District is a vast area made of several towns and communities
Hastings is the economic heart of Hawke's Bay. Covering a wide area, the CBD is home an eclectic range of things to see and do - including the Hastings City Art Gallery, a bustling Night Market every Thursday during Summer, and a wide range of retail offerings, from big box chains, through to boutique independent operators.
A wine growing district in Hastings, the Gimblett Gravels area covers 800ha and is demarcated solely by its unique soil type. The quality of wine produced in the area is outstanding, with a focus on Bordeaux varieties - principally Merlot, but also Cabernet Sauvignon, and a bit of Malbec and Cabernet Franc.
Haumoana is a quaint coastal settlement just south of the Tukituki River outlet in Hawke's Bay, 10 kilometres east of Hastings. There is plenty to do and see including wetlands, walking and cycle tracks, and the Tukituki river mouth.
Te Awanga is home to a tight community of coastal dwellers loving life close to the sea. Te Awanga is famous for being home to some of New ZEaland's finest wineries including Elephant Hill, Cleaview Estate and Te Awanga Estate. Award-winning wineries Elephant Hill, Clearview Estate and Te Awanga Estate. It is also the gateway to Cape Kidnappers.
The scenic Esk Valley is located on SH2 in the north of the Hastings District. The area is famous for its beauty, fruit orchards, and of course it's wine - with some outstanding wineries such as Esk Valley Estate and Linden Estate calling the Esk Valley home.
The small river-side town of Clive is located between Hastings and Napier, roughly 10km from Hastings city centre.
The town offers an eclectic mix of retail shops and eateries, as well as a wide range of outdoor activities. The Clive River is a popular spot for watersports, and the river-side walkway is well utilised by walkers and cyclists.
Havelock North is a quaint township offering boutique shopping, a thriving café culture, and accommodation options ranging from cottages, B&B’s and motels, to secluded luxury lodges.
Located at the foot of Te Mata Peak, Havelock North is the perfect base from which to explore the Tukituki River Valley and beyond to the coastal settlements of Ocean Beach and Waimarama.
Use the Finder below to discover more things to see and do while you're in Hastings
back
