Hawke's Bay Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Napier which includes a sandy beach and general coastal views
Napier showing a sunset and a square or plaza
Napier showing a bay or harbour
Napier featuring a bay or harbour
Napier featuring outdoor art
Hawke's Bay Cycle between vineyards, beaches and art galleries, visit a gannet colony, immerse yourself in Maori culture and Napier’s Art Deco architecture. 

Hawke’s Bay comprises the Art Deco town of Napier, the foodies’ haven of Hastings, the wineries of Taradale, and diverse forest, mountain and ocean ecosystems. Explore the vineyards on a cycle trail, take a hike to a hot spring, and view the bay from the Te Mata Peak.

The two main towns of Hawke’s Bay, Napier and Hastings, were rebuilt in the Art Deco and Spanish Mission styles after an earthquake in 1930. Although it’s easy to spend hours just photographing the Art Deco architecture of Napier, there are also antiques and nostalgia stores, a cultural and natural history museum, an aquarium and seaside boulevards to be enjoyed. Just a few minutes drive away is Hastings, a foodies’ heaven surrounded by fertile fruit and vegetable farms and vineyards, and cheese producers. Enjoy Hastings’ public parks and gardens, and the Spanish Mission architecture in the warm and sunny climate of the Bay. 

Nature is never far from these twin towns. Te Mata Peak near Hastings, has hiking and cycling trails up to a viewing platform 1300 feet (400 metres) above sea level with spectacular views over Hawkes Bay. Take a tractor tour along the beach at Cape Kidnappers to see the largest mainland gannet colony in the world. Cycle the oceanfront, around coastal villages, or between vineyards on one of the cycle trails.

At the northern tip of the bay are some more secluded spots. Explore the native beech forests as you hike in to the Morere Hot Springs, for a relaxing sit in the thermal pools. Beaches span the whole coast but are best for swimming and surfing at the picturesque Mahia Peninsular. To the south of Hastings is Waimarama, where the Maori fortress Haikikino once stood. Take a tour at Haikikino to see the remains of the village, learn about traditional foods, and immerse yourself in Maori legends and cultural practices. 

Throughout the warmer months Hawkes Bay is alive with food and wine festivals and music in the parklands. Napier’s famous Art Deco Weekend in February, when vintage cars, jazz, dancing and costumes attracts thousands of tourists annually.

Where to stay in Hawke's Bay

National Tobacco Company Building

Ahuriri

While visiting Ahuriri, you might make a stop by sights like National Tobacco Company Building and The Urban Winery.

Ahuriri
Napier showing a lake or waterhole

Napier South

If you're spending some time in Napier South, McLean Park and National Aquarium of New Zealand are top sights worth seeing.

Napier South
Church Road Winery

Taradale

You'll enjoy the wineries and churches in Taradale. You might want to make time for a stop at Church Road Winery or Pettigrew Green Arena.

Taradale
Pania of the Reef showing a statue or sculpture and art

Bluff Hill

While visiting Bluff Hill, you might make a stop by sights like Napier Prison and Ocean Spa.

Bluff Hill
Mission Estate Winery

Poraiti

If you're spending some time in Poraiti, Mission Estate Winery and Park Island Sports Complex are top sights worth seeing.

Poraiti
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Hospital Hill

While there might not be top attractions in Hospital Hill, you can explore the larger area and discover places like War Memorial Conference Center and McLean Park.

Hospital Hill
Beach Front Motel Napier

Beach Front Motel Napier

4 out of 5
373 Marine Parade, Napier
Stay at this 4-star beach motel in Napier. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and private hot tubs. Popular attractions Marine Parade and National Aquarium of New ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,011 reviews)
"We loved the jet spa bath it was great!! And very clean and staff were very friendly, very convenient spot easy to access to everywhere! We want to come back again.."

Reviewed on 15 Jul 2025

Beach Front Motel Napier
Kennedy Park Resort

Kennedy Park Resort

2.5 out of 5
11 Storkey St, Napier, Hawke's Bay
The price is ₹1,797 per night from 30 Jul to 31 Jul
₹1,797
₹4,108 total
30 Jul - 31 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this eco-certified holiday park in Napier. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (256 reviews)
"I like that you could walk around the place enjoy the view relaxing and kid friendly"

Reviewed on 8 Jul 2025

Kennedy Park Resort
Swiss-Belhotel Napier

Swiss-Belhotel Napier

4 out of 5
36 Munroe Street, Napier
The price is ₹6,359 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
₹6,359
₹7,431 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Napier. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (296 reviews)
"Love the ambience but would be awesome if there’s a pool or Netflix included"

Reviewed on 12 Jul 2025

Swiss-Belhotel Napier
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Quest Napier Serviced Apartment

Quest Napier Serviced Apartment

4.5 out of 5
176 Dickens Street, Napier
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Napier. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (947 reviews)
Napier July 2025
"First time back after opening of new road replacing The Gorge. Great improvement! Some excellent new restaurants (Madame Social especially) and some old favs doing well (fish at Mr D's was memorable). The enormous south at the Upper Norwood cafe was absolutely wonderful."

Reviewed on 3 Jul 2025

Quest Napier Serviced Apartment
The Nautilus Napier

The Nautilus Napier

4 out of 5
387 Marine Parade, Napier
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Napier. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,917 reviews)
"very friendly staff. Great view very comfort bed and great shower. Good wifi too"

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

The Nautilus Napier
Anchorage Motor Lodge

Anchorage Motor Lodge

4 out of 5
26 West Quay, Napier
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Napier. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and room service. Popular attractions National Tobacco Company Building ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (282 reviews)
"Easy parking in a good area"

Reviewed on 26 Apr 2025

Anchorage Motor Lodge
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Hawke's Bay