Napier/Hastings/Havelock North

Between the blue of the south pacific ocean and the hills and ranges of the Ruahines and Kaweka Forest Park, this area owes much of its productivity to the many rivers and streams connecting the two. These provide fertile river flats for the growing of crops and pasture. Napier is a major port for the export of timber, wood pulp, fertilizer meat and produce. Napier's early European history is as a trading station and missionary outpost, but it is better known for it's more recent history as the site of the 1931 Napier earthquake. This quake totally devastated the city and badly affected neighbouring areas including Hastings. Because of the era in which this event took place much of the rebuilding in Napier was done in the Art Deco style, whilst Hastings opted for a more Spanish Revivalist style. The area attracts art deco buffs from around the country, and indeed from around the world. Art deco antiques and reproductions are popular in the retail sector and the town has an annual Art Deco weekend celebration. The quake also caused land in the harbour area to rise up and be reclaimed for farming.

The greater Hawke's Bay area is famous for it's wines and Napier/Hastings /Havelock North have their own selection of famous labels and boutique wineries. For birdwatchers there is the Gannet Colony at Cape Kidnappers and the Wildlife Refuge at Taukituki, south of Havelock North.

Visit the Wine Region Map and click on the Hawkes Bay Region for a list of wineries to visit.
 

A SELECTION OF ACTIVITIES IN THIS REGION

Napier,   Hastings / Havelock North,   Cape Kidnappers

Napier

Trails:

Art Deco, there are guided walks which leave from the Visitor Information Centre on Marine Parade at 10.00a.m. A self-guided drive brochure "The Art Deco Drive Tour Map" is also available.
The Kidnappers Art Trail covers a group of artisans along the route to Cape Kidnappers. Look for the brochure at the Information Centre.

The Napier Antique Trail is based mainly around town, plus a couple outside. Look for the brochure at the Information Centre.

Wine Trails. For Self Guided look for the brochure "A guide to Hawke's Bay Wineries" or use a commercial operator to take you around and enjoy the freedom to do as many tastings as you would like.

Touring:

Long Island Tours
Start your day with a spiritually moving Powhiri (Maori welcome) on top of legendary Te Mata Peak. Talk with our Maori kaumatua, hear his stories and gain an understanding of things Maori. Gain a snapshot of Hawke's Bay - our food, our wines and our people. Meet food producers and taste their delicious products, taste our wonderful wines, visit fascinating artists and view their works.
Website: CLICK HERE

Bay Winery Tours
Morning, afternoon and full day wine tours
Phone: 06 845 2736
'Phone:Mobile 027 231 5221
e-mail: info@baywinerytours.co.nz 
Website: http://www.baywinerytours.co.nz/indexbwt.htm

Bay Tours and Charters (Jenne's Coach Tours) offer exiting tours, trips and events as well as wine tours (personalised or pick a pre-designed one of ours), coach hire and outings for conferences, groups and clubs as well as wedding transportation.
Phone: 06 845 9034
e-mail:  info@baytours.co.nz 
Website: http://www.baytours.co.nz/indexbt.htm

Bike About Tours, Napier
We are a family business and have combined adventure, love of nature, our knowledge and passion of Hawke’s Bay’s landscapes and scenic attractions to ensure you’ll experience nature at its best where you can connect mind, body and soul
Phone:06 845 4836
Phone:Mobile 027 231 5221
e-mail: info@bikeabouttours.co.nz 
Website: http://www.bikeabouttours.co.nz/indexa.htm 

 Cape Kidnappers Gannet Colony

The best times to visit are October to April, with young chicks to be seen late December to late January. (The colony is virtually empty May/June.)

Gannet Safaris
Cape Kidnappers safari experience takes you to Hawke's Bay Cape Kidnappers Gannet Colony - the world's largest, most accessible Gannet nesting place. It's the only way of being taken right to within a few feet of these remarkable birds - there is no walking required!
Phone: +64 6 875 0888
Phone:Freephone 0800 4 A SAFARI (0800 4 2 7232)
e-mail: enquire@gannetsafaris.co.nz
Website: http://www.gannetsafaris.com

Hastings / Havelock North

Jet Boast Tours, Horse Treks, Fishing & more...

Wilderness Jet Tours
701 Whanawhana Road
Crownthorpe
Hastings
Hawke's Bay 4179
New Zealand
Phone:+6-6-8742 777
Fax:+6-6-8742 767
Website: http://www.wildernessjettours.co.nz

Walks
Te Mata Peak to Waimarama Road 2.2km, 45 minutes (one way) The walk begins at Peak House, Te Mata Peak and finishes at Waimarama Road to the North east, near the Tukituki River. The walk features expansive views of the Tukituki Valley and follows the Te Mata escarpment. A fairly steep downhill track which you would probably not want to do in reverse, arrange transport for your return
Monckton Scenic Reserve. 2km, 1- 1 1/2 hours.12km northwest of Takapau (Takapau is approx 18km west of Waipukurau)there are a couple of walks in the reserve. This is a well developed reserve/walkway complex. Track is well formed with steps to to assist. The reserve is in a river gorge which protected the native vegetation from being removed for agriculture. Native birds are plentiful and there are some swimming holes in the picturesque Tangarewai Stream.

Golf
Golf at the Wairunga Course, with views of Pacific Ocean and Bare Island.
Open Sunday for golf and Lunches. Any time for group bookings. Reservations essential.
Phone: (06) 874 6839
e-mail: wairunga@xtra.co.nz

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