{"id":11551,"date":"2020-05-05T16:48:44","date_gmt":"2020-05-05T03:48:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/?p=11551"},"modified":"2025-11-26T12:15:59","modified_gmt":"2025-11-25T23:15:59","slug":"things-to-do-in-the-hawkes-bay","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/things-to-do-in-the-hawkes-bay\/","title":{"rendered":"Your Insider\u2019s Guide to the Hawke\u2019s Bay"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Things to do in the Hawke’s Bay<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Loved for its art deco architecture, wineries and beaches, there\u2019s so much to discover in Hawke\u2019s Bay. Whether you\u2019re looking for adventure or the finest glass of chardonnay, we\u2019ve rounded up the best things to do, see and taste on your next visit to these rolling hills and vineyard filled valleys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read on for must-do activities in each Hawke\u2019s Bay region…<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Go On A Sea Wall Mural Hunt<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Image Credit: https:\/\/www.napier.govt.nz\/<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Sea Walls: Artists for Oceans is a large scale street art project bringing visibility to environmental issues affecting the world\u2019s oceans. Over 40 incredible murals colour the walls of Napier CBD and Ahuriri<\/a>, creating a free must-see gallery for art lovers and photographers.
Download a mural location map or interactive app here <\/a>to discover them all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Browse holiday homes in Napier<\/a> here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Best Activities In Hastings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Hastings is all about great food and wine, and even better scenery. Explore iconic natural landmarks or New Zealand\u2019s oldest and largest farmer\u2019s market with our top Hastings activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Hike Te Mata Peak<\/h3>\n\n\n
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Credit: https:\/\/www.sommertage.com\/<\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

If you\u2019re a Lord of the Rings<\/a> fan, this landscape might look a little familiar. With five walking tracks<\/a> to choose from, your Te Mata Peak adventure could take you to the summit,  where you\u2019ll be rewarded with breathtaking views over the craggy range. (The two loops to the summit are both dog friendly!) For a less strenuous hike, take the 40 minute Piwakawaka loop through fantail filled native bush. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Take a Vineyard Tour<\/h3>\n\n\n
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Image Credit: http:\/\/www.hawkesbaynz.com\/ <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Hastings is a wine lovers dream. We recommend taking a self-guided bike tour<\/a>, pedalling along scenic trails from tasting to tasting. Stop at vineyards like Sileni Estates<\/a>, Te Awa<\/a> or our personal favourite, Trinity Hill<\/a>, for cellar door tastings or enjoy cheeses among the vines. There\u2019s nothing like fresh air and fermented grapes to fill your summer\u2019s day!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hawkes Bay Scenic Tours offer multiple intimate wine\/beer tours of the Hawkes Bay and Napier region. Hiring a bike isn’t necessary as vans take you from winery to winery. They also offer an “art deco” tour of Napier if tasting isn’t your thing. View their tours at https:\/\/www.hbscenictours.co.nz\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Go Wild At Splash Planet<\/h3>\n\n\n
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For a day of family fun, head to Splash Planet<\/a>. New Zealand\u2019s only water park has areas for every age, from Toddler Island to the Sky Castle Screamer and Master Blaster slides – guaranteed to raise your heart rate! Once you\u2019re done in the water it\u2019s time for some friendly competition on the go-kart track or mini golf course, and the little ones love a ride on the Fantasyland Express train.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Shop like a Local At The Hawke\u2019s Bay Farmer\u2019s Market<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n
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Image Credit: https:\/\/hawkesbayfarmersmarket.co.nz\/<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Every Sunday, Hastings’ Waikoko Gardens transform into New Zealand\u2019s largest farmer\u2019s market. Spend a morning browsing the freshest produce and tastiest pickles and preserves, while buskers and local musicians provide your Sunday soundtrack. The kid\u2019s corner keeps little hands busy, and if you\u2019re lucky enough to go on the last Sunday of the month there are children\u2019s pony rides for just $3!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Find your Hastings accommodation<\/a> by clicking here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Central Hawke\u2019s Bay Activities<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Central Hawkes Bay<\/a> has history and makes history, with everything from antique engines to record holding place names. Take a break from the beach to check out these local treasures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Snap a photo with the World\u2019s Longest Place Name<\/h2>\n\n\n
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You\u2019ll find the world\u2019s longest place name near Porangahau in Hawke\u2019s Bay.  “Taumata whakatangi hangakoauau o tamatea turi pukakapiki maunga horo nuku pokai whenua kitanatahu” is a fairly unassuming hill, whose name translates into English as “the place where Tamatea, the man with the big knees, who slid, climbed and swallowed mountains, known as ‘landeater\u2019, played his flute to his loved one.” (Locals just call it Taumata Hill.)
Find it on Wimbledon Road and have your camera ready for that Instagram snap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Discover Historic Hawke\u2019s Bay<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Home to six homesteads<\/a> built in the 1800s, Central Hawke\u2019s Bay has plenty of stories to tell. Whether you fancy a high-tea, a tale of wartime mutiny or a wander through spectacular gardens, there\u2019s a beautiful estate waiting to welcome you.
Or explore the Settlers Museum<\/a>, guardian of the military history, taonga and technology of Central Hawke\u2019s Bay, complete with a settler\u2019s cottage and shed full of old engines, saws and farming equipment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Find a place to stay in Hawke\u2019s Bay Holiday here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Our Top Picks For Havelock North<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

At the foot of Te Mata Peak lies Havelock North, named New Zealand\u2019s Most Beautiful Suburb in 2017. Exploring this quaint township, nestled amongst rolling hills and craggy peaks, it\u2019s easy to see why. If you’re looking for Bachcare’s Havelock North Accommodation<\/a>, click here!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Arataki Honey Visitor Centre<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
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Image Credit: https:\/\/www.band.net.nz\/<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Stop by the Arataki Honey Visitor Centre<\/a> to discover what goes into those iconic honey pots. Watch the honey bees in large glass observation hives, and taste 10 varieties of Arataki Honey, each flavoured by New Zealand\u2019s unique flora. You can even dress up as a bee-keeper or a bee to get that much closer to the honey-making experience! Free entry is a bonus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Drive out to Cape Kidnappers<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Image Credit: istockphoto.com\/martinvlnas<\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Cape Kidnappers is a stunning headland less than half an hour from Havelock North. Venture out here any time between October and April to admire the birds at one of New Zealand\u2019s biggest and most accessible gannet colonies. If you\u2019re interested in natural history it\u2019s worth taking a Gannet Beach Adventures tour<\/a> to visit all three Cape Kidnappers gannet colonies, while learning about local ancient earthquake fault lines & fossils.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Wander Through the Redwoods<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n
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Image credit: www.hawkesbaynz.com\/<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Clustered underneath Te Mata Peak<\/a>, a large grove of 223 California redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens) grow on the outskirts of Havelock North. Planted in 1927 these redwoods stand over 40 metres tall, their branches creating a dappled green ceiling over the path below. Bring a picnic and explore the hour long \u2018 Big Redwoods Track\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Find holiday homes in Havelock North here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Waimarama Beach<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Credit: breadcrumbs.nz\/<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

This beautiful stretch of golden sand is a popular getaway in the Hawkes Bay region. Bring your boogie boards and surf boards to make the most of the waves, and your appetite – there\u2019s an abundance of pipi, crayfish and paua here, best eaten fresh! Waimarama<\/a> Beach is dog friendly, so furry family members can come too.
Waimarama is also home to Hakikino, where a Maori fortress protecting a settlement of several thousand people once stood. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Find accommodation options in Waimarama Beach<\/a> here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Wairoa <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Rural Hawke\u2019s Bay at it\u2019s finest, Wairoa is the main town of Northern Hawkes Bay and is the gateway to Lake Waikaremoana, Mahia Peninsula and the wilderness of Te Urewera. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Step Back in Time at The Wairoa Museum<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n
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Image Credit: https:\/\/www.visitwairoa.co.nz\/<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Sometimes the best things come in small packages. Housed in the old Union Bank of Australia Building, the Wairoa Museum houses photographic collections illustrating the Maori and European history of the area from the 1890s through to present day. Together with it\u2019s notable collection of Maori taonga, these photographs are worth a stop, especially for history buffs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Roadtrip From Napier To Wairoa<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Image Credit: unsplash.com\/@wildlittlethingsphoto<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Round up your besties, press play on a summer soundtrack and cruise the Pacific Highway from Napier to Wairoa. Stop at Tutira for a spot of fishing, explore the farming community of Putorino, or view the Mohaka Railway Viaduct from Mohaka Bridge. At the end of the day it’s hard to beat a sunset picnic at one of the scenic lookouts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Tutira<\/strong> – a beautiful little settlement with great walks and fishing spots<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over to you\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Have you got any favourite things to do in the Hawkes Bay region? Let us know by leaving a comment!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Find a place to stay and play in the Hawke\u2019s Bay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Explore Hawke\u2019s Bay Accommodation<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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View our other “things to do” blog posts: <\/h2>\n\n\n

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Things to do in the Hawke’s Bay Loved for its art deco architecture, wineries and beaches, there\u2019s so much to discover in Hawke\u2019s Bay. Whether you\u2019re looking for adventure or the finest glass of chardonnay, we\u2019ve rounded up the best things to do, see and taste on your next visit to these rolling hills and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":134,"featured_media":11559,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","_seopress_titles_title":"Things To Do In Hawke's Bay | %%sitename%%","_seopress_titles_desc":"The Hawke's Bay has many hidden secrets for your next North Island trip! Read our insiders guide to make your next holiday a memorable one!","_seopress_robots_index":"","inline_featured_image":false,"content-type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-11551","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-uncategorised"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11551","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/134"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11551"}],"version-history":[{"count":31,"href":"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11551\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":50121,"href":"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11551\/revisions\/50121"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11559"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11551"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11551"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11551"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}