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Hawke's Bay
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Explore Hawke's Bay for Art Deco Napier, acclaimed wine country, orchards, coastal cliffs, cycling trails and Māori heritage.

On New Zealand’s eastern North Island, Hawke’s Bay curves around a broad, fertile sweep of coast between the Pacific Ocean and the inland ranges. The region is centred on Napier and Hastings, with smaller communities extending north towards Wairoa and south through Central Hawke’s Bay. Its landscape combines sunlit plains, river valleys, orchards, vineyards, limestone hills and dramatic coastal cliffs, creating a destination with a distinctly spacious, agricultural character.
Read more about Hawke's Bay
Napier is Hawke’s Bay’s most recognisable urban centre. Much of the city was rebuilt after the devastating 1931 earthquake, and its low-rise streets preserve an unusually coherent collection of Art Deco, Spanish Mission and Stripped Classical architecture. Hastings offers a different atmosphere, with a strong connection to horticulture, seasonal produce and the surrounding wine country. Together, the two cities provide the region’s principal museums, galleries, cafés, markets and cultural venues.
Wine is central to Hawke’s Bay’s contemporary identity, particularly around Gimblett Gravels, Bridge Pa Triangle and the broader Heretaunga Plains. The region is known for red varieties including syrah and cabernet-based blends, while chardonnay and other white wines also feature. Tours and tastings are available at cellar doors spread across the countryside, but the agricultural landscape is not merely a backdrop: orchards, vineyards, market gardens and sheep farms remain important parts of the local economy and visual character.
Beyond the cities and wineries, Hawke’s Bay rewards slower exploration. Te Mata Peak provides expansive views over the Heretaunga Plains, while the coast around Clifton and Cape Kidnappers is marked by cliffs, beaches and important gannet habitat. The Hawke’s Bay Trails connect sections of the coast, riverside country and wine districts for walking and cycling. Further north, Wairoa and the surrounding landscapes offer a quieter introduction to the region, with stronger links to rural and Māori communities.
The region’s cultural foundations are closely associated with Ngāti Kahungunu, whose history and continuing presence are essential to understanding Hawke’s Bay. Māori place names, marae, historic sites and food traditions sit alongside later agricultural, commercial and architectural legacies. Visitors will find a destination shaped by earthquakes and rebuilding, by fertile land and coastal weather, and by a modern regional culture that places food, wine, design and outdoor activity in close conversation.

When is the best time to visit Hawke's Bay?

Best: December–February · 23–24°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January (best)2450
February (best)2440
March2250
April1860
May1560
June1270
July1270
August1460
September1660
October1860
November2150
December (best)2350

Getting to and around Hawke's Bay

How to get there

Hawke’s Bay Airport is in Napier and provides the region’s principal air gateway, with domestic connections subject to current schedules. By road, State Highway 2 links the region with the Wairarapa and Gisborne, while State Highway 5 connects towards Taupō and the central North Island. Long-distance coaches and private vehicles provide further access. Palmerston North is outside Hawke’s Bay but can serve as an alternative transport gateway for some itineraries.

Transportation

A car is useful for reaching wineries, beaches, rural settlements and attractions beyond Napier and Hastings, although the two cities themselves are manageable by local bus, taxi, cycling and walking. The Hawke’s Bay Trails provide linked routes through parts of the coast, plains and wine districts, but not every attraction is connected directly to public transport. Taxis, guided tours and pre-arranged transfers are practical for cellar-door visits. Check road, weather and coastal access conditions before longer rural journeys.

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Best attractions in Hawke's Bay

Hawke’s Bay’s attractions range from urban heritage and museums to vineyards, orchards, beaches and open-country recreation. Napier’s Art Deco centre is the region’s best-known cultural draw, while nearby Ahuriri combines waterfront scenery with the history of the former lagoon and port area. Hastings provides access to gardens, markets and the principal wine-growing districts, including the cellar doors around Gimblett Gravels and Bridge Pa Triangle. Te Mata Peak, near Havelock North, is a major viewpoint and a starting point for walking routes across hill country. Along the coast, Clifton and Cape Kidnappers offer beaches, cliffs and important gannet habitat, with access shaped by tides, weather and local arrangements. The Hawke’s Bay Trails link sections of the coast, rivers and plains and are suitable for exploring by bicycle or on foot. Further north, Wairoa and its surrounding rural landscapes offer a quieter base for understanding the region’s Māori and agricultural character. Families may enjoy beaches, farm-based experiences and city museums, while food and wine travellers can build itineraries around tastings, orchards and seasonal produce. The attraction landscape is defined by its combination of accessible cities, productive countryside and exposed Pacific coastline.

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Best landmarks in Hawke's Bay

Napier’s central Art Deco streets form Hawke’s Bay’s most distinctive architectural landmark, preserving the visual outcome of the city’s reconstruction after the 1931 earthquake. The National Tobacco Company Building in Ahuriri is another notable example of period architecture, while the former port and lagoon landscape helps explain Napier’s commercial development. On the Heretaunga Plains, Hastings’s clock tower and civic centre contribute to the city’s historic identity, though the region’s landmarks are not confined to urban buildings. Te Mata Peak is a defining natural landmark, rising above Havelock North and providing broad views over vineyards, orchards, plains and the coast. Cape Kidnappers is recognised for its high marine cliffs and headland profile, as well as its gannet colony, whose viewing arrangements depend on access conditions. The Tutaekuri, Ngaruroro and Tukituki river systems have also shaped the region’s settlement and agriculture, even where they are experienced more as landscapes than as single monuments. Together these places express Hawke’s Bay’s central themes: earthquake reconstruction, productive plains, Pacific-facing coast and expansive hill country.

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Explore Hawke's Bay on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Hawke's Bay

Hawke’s Bay’s dining identity is closely tied to its vineyards, orchards, market gardens and pastoral farms. Winery restaurants and cellar-door kitchens commonly build menus around seasonal local produce, while cafés and bakeries in Napier, Hastings and Havelock North provide relaxed settings for breakfast, lunch and coffee. Apples, pears, stone fruit and vegetables are prominent in season, alongside lamb, beef, artisan cheeses and products from the wider New Zealand food supply. Fish and seafood feature in coastal dining, although the region’s culinary character is broader than a simple seafood tradition. Farmers’ markets and roadside produce stalls can be good places to encounter fruit, preserves, honey and baking, with availability varying through the year. The region’s wines are a natural accompaniment to dining, particularly syrah, cabernet-based reds and chardonnay. Traditional pubs, contemporary bistros, Asian-influenced kitchens and more formal restaurants create a varied scene, while Māori food traditions and local cultural knowledge add important depth beyond the commercial wine-tourism offer.

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Best bars in Hawke's Bay

Evenings in Hawke’s Bay are centred more on wine bars, restaurants, breweries, traditional pubs and live music than on a large nightclub circuit. Napier has the broadest concentration of cocktail bars, waterfront drinking spots, pubs and performance venues, with many evenings arranged around dining and the city’s heritage streets. Hastings and Havelock North offer smaller but active selections of bars, eateries and cellar-door events, while rural districts generally become quiet after dinner apart from local pubs and occasional community performances. Wine tourism gives the region a distinctive evening culture, although cellar-door hours and special events vary and should be checked in advance. Seasonal festivals, concerts and arts programming can add energy to the calendar without being a permanent feature. Visitors should arrange transport before drinking in the wine districts, as rural taxis and public transport are limited and distances between venues can be considerable.

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Best nightclubs in Hawke's Bay

Evenings in Hawke’s Bay are centred more on wine bars, restaurants, breweries, traditional pubs and live music than on a large nightclub circuit. Napier has the broadest concentration of cocktail bars, waterfront drinking spots, pubs and performance venues, with many evenings arranged around dining and the city’s heritage streets. Hastings and Havelock North offer smaller but active selections of bars, eateries and cellar-door events, while rural districts generally become quiet after dinner apart from local pubs and occasional community performances. Wine tourism gives the region a distinctive evening culture, although cellar-door hours and special events vary and should be checked in advance. Seasonal festivals, concerts and arts programming can add energy to the calendar without being a permanent feature. Visitors should arrange transport before drinking in the wine districts, as rural taxis and public transport are limited and distances between venues can be considerable.

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Best shops in Hawke's Bay

Shopping in Hawke’s Bay is strongest in the town centres of Napier, Hastings and Havelock North, where independent retailers, galleries, cafés, bookshops and practical high-street businesses sit alongside national chains. Napier’s Art Deco setting gives its central shopping streets a distinctive architectural backdrop, while Hastings is closely connected to the surrounding horticultural economy and seasonal produce. Farmers’ markets, farm shops and roadside stalls offer fruit, preserves, honey, wine and other regional products, with stock changing through the year. Wine is one of the most straightforward gifts to take home, subject to airline and customs rules, and visitors can also look for local food products, ceramics, artwork, textiles and design goods. Small galleries and craft outlets are more common around the wine country and village centres than in remote rural areas. Shopping is generally independent and regionally focused rather than dominated by luxury malls, so opening days and payment arrangements are worth checking when visiting smaller settlements or market events.

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Hawke's Bay essentials

Currency and Payment
Hawke’s Bay uses the New Zealand dollar (NZD), like the rest of New Zealand. Debit and credit cards, including contactless payments, are widely accepted in Napier, Hastings and established visitor businesses, though a small amount of cash remains useful for some markets, rural purchases and informal services. Foreign cards may attract fees, and visitors should tell their bank about overseas use. Payment facilities can be more limited in small settlements and remote coastal areas.
Safety
Use ordinary personal-security precautions in towns and busy visitor areas, and take outdoor conditions seriously. Summer sun can be intense, so carry water, use sun protection and plan cycling or walking routes realistically. Coastal cliffs, beaches and tidal areas require care, while rural roads may be narrow, winding or shared with agricultural vehicles. Drivers should allow extra time, avoid fatigue and remember that New Zealand traffic drives on the left. Check weather forecasts before exposed walks and coastal excursions.
Emergency Situations
Dial 111 anywhere in Hawke’s Bay for police, fire or ambulance emergencies. State the service required and give a clear location, particularly when calling from a rural road, trail or coastal area. For incidents near the sea, emergency services can coordinate maritime assistance, while outdoor rescues are arranged through New Zealand’s national emergency and rescue system. Keep offline maps or written location details when travelling beyond towns, as mobile coverage can be variable in rural and coastal areas.
Do's and Don'ts
Respect private land, signs, gates and biosecurity instructions when walking or cycling through rural landscapes. Follow marked routes and do not approach livestock, wildlife or cliff edges. Ask before photographing people, marae or cultural activities, and observe any restrictions at sacred or historic places. In restaurants and cafés, tipping is not generally obligatory in New Zealand, though a discretionary gratuity may be offered for notably good service. Drink-driving is illegal, and alcohol should be consumed responsibly.
Local Tips
Pair Napier’s architectural heritage with time in Hastings and the surrounding wine districts rather than treating the region as a single city break. Early mornings are often best for cycling and walking in summer, before heat builds on exposed trails. Farmers’ markets and seasonal produce outlets vary by day and season, so check arrangements locally. Allow extra time for the coast and the rural roads south and north of the main urban centres, where distances can look shorter on a map than they feel in practice.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloKia ora[kee-ah ora]
GoodbyeHaere rā[high-reh rah]
YesĀe[ah-eh]
NoKāo[kaw]
Please/You're welcomeTēnā koa[teh-nah koh-ah]
Thank youNgā mihi[ngah mee-hee]
Excuse me/SorryAroha mai[ah-roh-ha my]
How are you?Kei te pēhea koe?[kay teh peh-heh-ah koy]
Fine. And you?Ka pai. Ā koe?[kah pie. ah koy?]
Do you speak English?Ka korero koe i te reo Ingarihi?[kah kor-eh-roh koy ee teh reh-oh in-gah-ree-hee?]
I don't understandKāore au e mārama[kah-oh-reh ow eh mah-rah-mah]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseKa hiahia au ki te tirotiro i te rārangi kai, tēnā koa[kah hee-ah-hee-ah ow kee teh tee-roh-tee-roh ee teh rah-rah-ngi kai, teh-nah koh-ah]
I don't eat meatKāore au e kai i te mutton[kah-oh-reh ow eh kye ee teh mut-ton]
Cheers!Kia ora![kee-ah ora!]
I would like to pay, pleaseKa hiahia au ki te utu, tēnā koa[kah hee-ah-hee-ah ow kee teh oo-too, teh-nah koh-ah]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Tautoko![tow-toh-koh!]
Go away!Haere atu![high-reh ah-too!]
Call the Police!Karanga ki te Pirihimana![kah-rah-ngah kee teh pee-ree-hee-mah-nah!]
Call a doctor!Karanga ki te taote![kah-rah-ngah kee teh tau-teh!]
I'm lostKua ngaro au[koo-ah nah-roh ow]
I'm illKei te mate au[kay teh mah-teh ow]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Ka hiahia au ki te hoko...[kah hee-ah-hee-ah ow kee teh hoh-koh...]
I'm just lookingKei te tirotiro au[kay te tee-roh-tee-roh ow]
How much is it?E hia te utu?[eh hee-ah teh oo-too?]
That's too expensiveHe tino utu teitei[he tee-noh oo-too tay-tay]
Can you lower the price?Ka taea e koe te whakaiti i te utu?[kah tah-eh eh koy teh fah-kah-ee-tee ee teh oo-too?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?He aha te wā?[he ah-ha teh wah?]
It's one o'clockHe tekau mā tahi[he teh-kau mah tah-hee]
Half past (10)Te hauwhā ki te tekau[teh how-fah kee teh teh-kau]
MorningAta[ah-tah]
AfternoonPopo[poh-poh]
EveningPō[poh]
YesterdayInā noa[ee-nah noh-ah]
TodayI tēnei rā[ee teh-nye rah]
TomorrowĀpōpō[ah-poh-poh]
1Tahi[tah-hee]
2Rua[roo-ah]
3Toru[toh-roo]
4Whā[fah]
5Rima[ree-mah]
6Ono[oh-noh]
7Whitu[fee-too]
8Waru[wah-roo]
9Iwa[ee-wah]
10Tekau[teh-kau]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Kei hea te...?[kay he-ah teh...?]
What's the address?He aha te wāhitau?[he ah-ha teh wah-hee-tah-oo?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Ka taea e koe te whakaatu mai (i te mapi)?[kah tah-eh eh koy teh fah-kah-ah-too my (ee teh mah-pee)?]
When's the next (bus)?Kāinga te pahi e whai ake?[kah-ing-ah teh pah-hee eh fwhy ah-keh?]
A ticket (to ....)He tikiti (ki...)[he tee-kee-tee (kee...)]

History of Hawke's Bay

Māori Settlement and Ngāti Kahungunu

Hawke’s Bay has a long Māori history, with iwi and hapū developing settlements, gardens, fishing grounds and trade networks around the coast, rivers and plains. Ngāti Kahungunu became the dominant iwi across much of the region, and its history remains visible through place names, whakapapa, marae and continuing community life. Māori relationships with the land and sea provide essential context for understanding the region beyond its later agricultural and architectural heritage.

European Contact and the Ahuriri Coast

European exploration and settlement altered the coastal economy and political landscape during the nineteenth century. The natural harbour around Ahuriri, now part of Napier, became an important point for shipping, trade and communication. Missionary activity, land transactions and the expansion of pastoral settlement brought profound changes for Māori communities. Early colonial development laid the foundations for the ports, towns, farms and commercial networks that later shaped Hawke’s Bay.

Pastoral Settlement and Agricultural Expansion

During the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, sheep farming and pastoral estates expanded across the Heretaunga Plains and surrounding districts. Drainage, roads, railways and irrigation helped transform fertile but sometimes flood-prone land into a productive agricultural zone. Hastings grew as a service and market town for the hinterland, while Napier developed as a port and commercial centre. Fruit growing and other horticultural activities later became increasingly important to the regional economy.

The 1931 Hawke’s Bay Earthquake

On 3 February 1931, a powerful earthquake struck Hawke’s Bay, causing widespread destruction in Napier, Hastings and surrounding districts and killing many people. The earthquake dramatically altered the landscape, raising parts of the coast and changing the Ahuriri Lagoon area. Reconstruction provided an opportunity to rebuild central Napier in the architectural styles of the period, creating the concentrated Art Deco streetscape for which the city is now internationally recognised.

Art Deco Reconstruction and Modern Napier

Napier’s post-earthquake rebuilding was a major civic and architectural project. Low-rise buildings in Art Deco, Spanish Mission and related early twentieth-century styles reshaped the city centre, while new streets and services reflected contemporary planning ideas. The surviving ensemble is significant not simply because of individual façades, but because so much of the central city was created within a short period after the disaster. Heritage conservation later made this reconstruction central to Napier’s identity.

Horticulture, Wine and Regional Production

Hawke’s Bay’s warm, relatively dry climate and fertile plains encouraged the growth of orchards, vineyards, market gardens and food-processing industries. Commercial viticulture expanded substantially during the twentieth century, with wine production eventually becoming one of the region’s defining visitor industries. Apples, pears, stone fruit and other crops remain important, while wineries and cellar doors connect agricultural production with tourism. The modern regional economy therefore reflects both long-established pastoralism and newer food-and-wine enterprise.

Marae, Cultural Continuity and Contemporary Hawke’s Bay

Hawke’s Bay’s contemporary identity continues to be shaped by Māori cultural life, regional arts, food production, heritage conservation and environmental concerns. Ngāti Kahungunu remains an important presence, while Napier, Hastings, Wairoa and Central Hawke’s Bay each retain distinct local contexts. The region has also had to manage natural hazards, including earthquakes, flooding and coastal exposure. Its present character is consequently the result of cultural continuity, adaptation and repeated rebuilding.

Hawke's Bay in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Hawke's Bay, New Zealand

Explore Hawke's Bay like a local with Evendo - Your 100% free app-based travel guide. Discover attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more with ease.

  • Comprehensive details on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities.
  • Rich set of information including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details.
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences.
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Unlock the best of Hawke's Bay with Evendo, your free travel guide app. Discover attractions, book experiences, and enjoy local tips for an unforgettable trip.

  • History of Hawke's Bay and travel essentials.
  • Curated local tips to experience the city like a local.
  • User-friendly navigation and 'Near Me' feature.
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases.

Welcome to Hawke's Bay, New Zealand's premier destination for stunning landscapes, world-class wineries, and vibrant culture. With Evendo, the ultimate travel guide app, you can effortlessly explore this beautiful region and make the most of your journey.

Evendo offers detailed information on all the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities in Hawke's Bay. Whether you're visiting the iconic Te Mata Peak, strolling through the Art Deco streets of Napier, or savoring a meal at the renowned Craggy Range Winery, Evendo has you covered.

Our app includes rich descriptions, local tips, images, maps, and contact details for each location, making it easy for you to plan and organize your trip. With Evendo, you can seamlessly book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences without the hassle of searching multiple platforms.

Explore the history of Hawke's Bay, get travel essentials, and enjoy curated local advice to ensure you get the most out of your visit. The 'Near Me' feature allows you to discover what's around you, no matter where you are, making navigation through the city effortless.

Download Evendo today and start your adventure in Hawke's Bay. And remember, Evendo isn't just for Hawke's Bay; it covers over 7,000 destinations worldwide. With Evendo, you have the world in your pocket.

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