Hawke's Bay
Hawke's Bay is New Zealand's oldest wine-growing region with a pleasant warm climate. Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon are the bay's most famous.
Napier
The largest city at the bay was flattened by a big earthquake and a following fire in 1931. It was rebuilt almost completely in art deco style and today you can enjoy a walk along many beautiful buildings.
There are 17 heritage trails in the region, so the best way to get started is to have a visit at the local i-Site.
www.hawkesbay.com
www.artdeconapier.com
Wine Trails
If you exploring Hawke's Bay during February you might be able to visit the two days Wine and Food Extravaganza. It's a lively festival with food and wine tastings, art exhibitions and live music. Check out their website for details.
All others don't have to worry because there are plenty of producers where you can sample a huge range of wine. Some of the wineries have also attached restaurants where you can find a variety of meals.
A guide to Hawke's Bay Wineries is available at the local i-Sites.
Marine Parade
Seals, penguins, sea lions and dolphins if you not already spotted them around the countries real nature.
National Aquarium of New Zealand
It's not only giant aquarium, there's also a nocturnal house with Kiwi, Rimu, Ruakiwi and you will even find Tuatara.
Tuatara is a lizard like creature which probably lived already some 100 million years ago. If you plan to drive all the way down to Invercargill at the Southern Island, there's the well known Southland Museum and Art Gallery with more of these amazing animals.
Opossumworld
157 Marine Parade
Not many New Zealanders like them because they are dangerous to a lot of New Zealand's animals. Here you can see them an learn about their live.
Hawke's Bay Museum
Marine Parade
There is a well presented exhibition about the treasures of Ngati Kahungunu people who dominated much of the region. Another part of the museum presents more about art deco, 20th century interior design and dinosaurs!
Otatara Pa Historic Reserve
Springfield Road - around 10km out of Napier
The Pa site is well worth a visit as a conservation project tried to rebuilt the palisades and many ancestral figures which protected the site.
1 hour - easy
The loop leads around two pa sites with explanations along the way.
Cape Kidnappers
The name was given by Captain Cook after Maori tried to kidnap a boy from the Endeavour.
Cape Kidnappers is home of a large gannet colony. Best time to visit is November till February but it's closed between July and October. Check at a Visitor Centre because the walk is only possible at low tide. There are several Tours operating mainly from Hastings.
Hastings
The city wasn't completely destroyed during the 1931s earthquake. An leaflet from the information centre guides you along interesting buildings around the historic centre.
Splash PlanetIf your kids are tired of all the walks and museums it's probably a good thing for compensation.
Around the city
Te Mata Peak
11km from the city via Havelock North
Another great viewing point is the 399m high summit of Te Mata Peak. Most convenient to reach because you can drive all the way up to the top. The view around the plains, mountains and along Hawke's Bay are fantastic.
