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Located on the East Coast of New Zealand’s North Island Hawke’s Bay is just a 50 minute direct flight from Wellington or little over 3 hours by car. Driving visitors can follow Classic New Zealand Wine Trail driving route to Hawke’s Bay, stopping off in the Wairarapa along the way.

Locals love to tell visitors about our fantastic Hawke's Bay weather, boasting that it is "the best in New Zealand" but there is much more to Hawke's Bay than its Mediterranean climate.

Boasting 170 vineyards, more than 70 wineries, traditional farmers markets and fabulous fresh produce it’s no surprise Hawke’s Bay is widely recognized as New Zealand leading wine and food region. It is also New Zealand’s oldest wine region with Mission Estate Winery being the first winery in 1851. Now also just as famous for its annual outdoor winery concert as its wine, Mission Estate has just announced legendary Rod Stewart as its headline act for 2012.
Visitors can enjoy al fresco dining at one of the many award winning winery restaurants or follow the food and wine trails to experience the best of the cellar doors and farm gates-you can self drive or take a tour with one of the local guides by car, bus or bicycle.

Top ten

1. Take a tour or guide yourself to view the fabulous collection of Art Deco, Spanish Mission and Stripped Classical architecture in Napier and Hastings
2. Enjoy a sumptuous lunch or dinner at one of the many winery restaurants or follow the wine trail to over 35 cellar doors
3. Visit the world’s largest accessible mainland Gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers. Take a super 4WD overland tour or travel along the beach on a fun filed tractor and trailer ride
4. Stroll around New Zealand’s oldest Farmers Market held in Hastings every Sunday morning. Sample fresh local produce and buy direct from the grower whilst enjoying live music and a colourful atmosphere
5. Cycle the Water and Landscape Rides. Both are part of the New Zealand Cycle Trail and link attractions, wineries and cafes by travelling through coastal scenery, lowland rivers and conservation wetlands
6. Play the ultimate round at Cape Kidnapper Golf Course, consistently ranked in the top 50 golf courses in the world
7. Walk the Lake Waikaremoana track in Te Urewera National Park, the largest area of native forest in the North Island. The 46km adventure is one of New Zealand’s 10 Great Walks
8. Get your picture taken next to the Longest Place Name in the World in the heartland of Central Hawke’s Bay
9. Drive, walk or bike to the top of Te Mata Peak in Havelock North. Standing 400 metres above sea level the Peak offers breathtaking 360° views of Hawke’s Bay
10. Take a trip to sacred pa site Hakikino with Waimarama Maori Tours. Learn the history of the land and its people and participate in traditional cultural activities

Check out the fantastic offerings right on Wellington’s doorstep. Learn all about Hutt Valley, Wairarapa and Marlborough.