Travelling to Hawke's Bay

Hawke’s Bay is open for visitors, and we can’t wait to welcome you to the newest Great Wine Capital of the World.

The region, which was impacted by February’s Cyclone Gabrielle, is ready and waiting for visitors to assist in the rebuild of the region’s economy.

And with events such the New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty Hawke’s Bay Marathon, New Zealand Cider Festival and Robbie Williams Concert at the Mission Estate already under our belts, Hawke’s Bay is well and truly putting on a show.

Visitors to Hawke’s Bay can experience everything Food and Wine Country is renowned for.

Whether sampling the region’s award-winning wine or dining at the celebrated bistros, strolling through the famed Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ Market or cycling on the region’s undulating limestone bike trails, admiring the stunning Art Deco architecture or simply enjoying the hazy afternoon sun, the reasons to travel to Hawke’s Bay remain the same.

Access to Hawke’s Bay has been restored, with State Highway 2, from the north and south, and State Highway 5, between Napier and Taupō, open without any limitations. Hawke’s Bay Airport is also fully operational.

The visitor economy is the third largest contributor to Hawke’s Bay’s GDP and employs one in 10 the region, so your visit to Hawke’s Bay will also support the region’s recovery.

For further information please read the following Q&As:

 

Updated 03 August 2023

 

Q. Can I travel to the Hawke’s Bay region?

Yes. Hawke’s Bay is open for visitors. We encourage all travellers to book ahead and contact accommodation providers and experience operators to confirm current operating hours.

State Highway 2 from the south and north to Wairoa, as well as State Highway 5 between Napier and Taupo are open without any limitations, and Hawke’s Bay Airport is fully operational.

As always drivers are advised to adhere to speed limits and take their time and to check Waka Kotahi for most up-to-date information on the roading network.

Hawke’s Bay’s Visitor Economy is the third largest contributor to regional GDP, and is estimated to represent 9-10% of the total employment in the region. It will, therefore, play an important role in the recovery, bringing money into the economy, and supporting jobs and businesses, including both Hastings and Napier CBDs.

 

Q. Is it safe to visit the Hawke’s Bay region?

Yes. Hawke’s Bay is safe and open for business.

You are likely to see recovery works in some of the badly affected, rural areas that were impacted by flooding, however evidence of the cyclone’s impact is limited throughout the majority of the region.

 

Q. How can I get to Hawke’s Bay?

State Highway 2 from the north and south is open, as is State Highway 5 between Napier and Taupo, however reduced speed limits apply in some areas.

Hawke’s Bay Airport is also fully operational with daily flights from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch through Air New Zealand.

 

Q. What is the value of tourism to the Hawke’s Bay economy?

Hawke’s Bay’s Visitor Economy is the third largest contributor to regional GDP (after processing/manufacturing and agriculture) and is estimated to represent 9-10% of the total employment in the region. It will, therefore, play an important role in the recovery, bringing money into the economy, and supporting jobs and businesses, including both Hastings and Napier CBDs.

Analysis undertaken by specialist economic impact modelling agency Hughes Economics, Auckland (January '23) indicates that the total direct visitor spending in Hawkes Bay over the year ended October 2022, of $696 million, has a total direct plus flow-on or multiplied GDP or economic activity impact within the region of $666.31 million and a total flow-on employment impact in the area of 9,468 full/part-time employees.

Total visitor industry GDP in the region grew at an estimated annual average rate of 5-6% over the 2012-2022 interval, compared to the ‘all industries’ growth figure of 4.7%.

 

Q. When should I plan to visit Hawke’s Bay?

Now! Hawke’s Bay open for business and visitors, so if you have a reservation or have plans to visit, operators will value your support.

Looking forward for holiday plans, spring is beautiful time to visit, and the regional event calendar is packed from October onwards.

 

Q. How many tourism operators have been impacted by the flooding?

Less than 10 per cent of operators were impacted by the flooding, with the majority of businesses now back functioning as normal. 

 

Q. What is happening with cruise?

The first cruise ship returned to Napier Port on March 6 in an effort to support the region’s cyclone recovery efforts.

The Hawke’s Bay cruise season restarts in November 2023 and we look forward to welcoming further cruise visitors at that time.

 

Q. Can I visit beaches, rivers and waterways while in Hawke's Bay?

Yes. Beaches, rivers and waterways in Hawke’s Bay are open.

As always, it is advised to check Land Air Water Aotearoa and Safeswim for up to the minute information on water quality and swimming conditions.

 

Q. Are the Hawke's Bay Trails and cycling paths open?

More than 70 percent of the Hawke’s Bay Trails network is open, with expectations that the full network, with the exceptions of a handful of bridges, will be reopened by summer.

A map showcasing this is available at https://www.hbtrails.nz/ride-our-trails/trail-map/.  Caution is advised on other cycle trails throughout the region. Pan Pac Mountain Bike Park is closed.

 

Q. Can I visit Bell Rock or Shine Falls?

Access to Bell Rock is currently available from Pohokura Road. Shine Falls is not accessible. Please see Department of Conservation for further information.

 

Q. Are iSITE Visitor Informational Centres open?

Napier iSITE is open from 9am-5pm, seven days.  

Hastings iSITE is open from 9am-5pm, Mon-Fri, & 10am-4pm, Sat-Sun.

Havelock North iSITE is open from 9am-5pm, Mon-Fri, & 10am-4pm, Sat-Sun.

Wairoa iSITE is open from 10am-4pm, seven days.