Things To Do In Hawkes Bay

Hawkes Bay well is known for its excellent wine country, Art Deco architecture and amazing gannet colonies and wildlife. Enjoy over 30 wineries open for tasting, many with alfresco and restaurant dining. Hawkes Bay is a perfect place for touring often done by cycling throughout the area. There are also an orchard, farm, honey, cheese or chocolate tours. Hawke's Bay is New Zealand’s Art Deco centre, rebuilt in the 1930s after a huge earthquake. Napier has one of the highest concentrations of Art Deco architecture anywhere in the world. There are three stunning Cycle Trails, many walks and the largest, most accessible mainland gannet colony in the world.

Best Attractions and free things to do in Hawkes Bay

1. Tractor Tours to Cape Kidnappers

Hawkes Bay is home to many beautiful sights, including stunning beaches, friendly wildlife, exquisite cliffs and vast gannet colonies - all of which can be explored with this Tractor Tour!

Come on a unique, fun eco-experience tour, in a beautiful and iconic part of the Hawke’s Bay region. This ‘one of a kind’ tour provides a 4-hour adventure, traveling along the majestically rugged coastline from Clifton to Cape Kidnappers, on vintage tractors. The Cape is not only home to four gannet colonies which bustle with the daily rituals of these amazing seabirds, but is one of the most geologically fascinating parts of our country.

2. Private City Tour with wine tasting

If you’re new to Hawkes Bay, what better way to explore the city than a private tour? This private tour is for up to 6 people and allows you to ride in style in a Mercedes-Benz that includes a cruise around Napier's world-famous Art Deco City followed by a drive out of town to a top-rated local winery for a wine sampling.

3. Bluff Hill Lookout

Peer down on a busy port and overlook the shipman's lifestyle. Once the site of an artillery battery, this historic lookout provides sweeping views of the ocean and the port. Visitors to the Bluff Hill/Motupohue region can enjoy stunning views of Foveaux Strait and the Southland Plains, as well as a well-established track network, mountain biking track, parking lot, and explanation panels. There's such a variety of different tracks to explore, it could take all day!

4. Shine Falls

Shine Falls is a hidden gem that is well worth the effort to visit. Shine falls is a towering 58 meter high waterfall in native forest with abundant birdlife & many luscious trails to spend the evening exploring. Bring your family, friends and your camera here to have a calm, memorable time.

5. Otatara Pa

On a clear day, a 45-minute walk across the reserve provides some amazing examples of old pa sites, as well as breathtaking views of Napier, the coast, and all the way inland to Mt Ruapehu.

The Otatara Pa is an exceptionally interesting destination to see, with many Maori sculptures and the remains of Hawke's Bay's once most desired pa site.

6. MTG Hawke’s Bay

You may spend an hour or so soaking in the culture at the facility, which also has various art galleries and a vast theater. Hawke's Bay region's official museum is a fantastic venue to learn about the region's European and Maori history.

7. Te Mata Peak

Te Mata Peak, behind Havelock North, gives 360° views of Hawke's Bay. Visitors can also see Napier and Mahia Peninsula to the north and east. It's a bit of a drive, but well worth it!

Te Mata Peak rises 399m and offers a sealed road that leads to the popular lookout at the summit, as well as several trails for hikers and mountain bikers.

8. Gannets at Cape Kidnappers

If the Tractor Tour is not for you, you can still see the Gannets via a small hike.

The spectacular gannets are found at the end of Cape Kidnappers. Early October through late April is the ideal period to see the gannets. The walk takes 5-6 hours round trip and is only possible during low tide. While seeing the world's largest mainland gannet colony is incredible, a journey to Cape Kidnappers is about much more than the birds. Walking along the coastline to Cape Kidnappers exposes gigantic geological giants in the form of steep cliffs packed with fossils, fault lines, and gullies. Between 300,000 and 4.5 million years ago, they were all produced!

9. Hawke’s Bay Cycle Trails

With the variety of cycle trails in the Hawke's Bay region, you've struck gold! See areas of the Hastings district that you wouldn't see if you drove, whether it's to hop from winery to winery or to see some of the area's most beautiful landscape. See more of the cycle trails around New Zealand to compare!

10. Birdwatch at the Peka Peka Wetlands

The Peka Peka Wetlands are part of an old peat swamp and provide critical habitat for a variety of native bird and plant species. They are thought to be one of New Zealand's oldest wetlands, having originated approximately 9600 BC. Explore the wetlands using the network of boardwalks and trails, keeping an eye out for unique wildlife. Information panels also provide a wealth of information about the area's Maori history.

Top attractions in Hawkes Bay

A grand day out in Hawkes Bay: Experience the best of Hawke's Bay on this full-day tour that takes you on a journey through the region's most iconic sites. You'll visit the beautiful Napier Art Deco City, explore the stunning Cape Kidnappers, and enjoy a delicious lunch at a local vineyard.

Family Fun Raft Trip: Take the whole family on an exciting and fun-filled white water rafting adventure on the Tutaekuri River. Paddle through rapids, enjoy beautiful scenery and bond with your loved ones. This trip is suitable for all ages and levels of experience.

Best of Napier & Hawkes bay half day trip: This half-day tour is perfect for those who want to discover the best of Napier and Hawke's Bay in a short time. You'll explore the iconic Art Deco buildings of Napier, visit the historic Ahuriri village, and take in the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. This tour is a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Best things to do with kids and childrens activities in Hawkes Bay

A grand day out in Hawkes Bay: This full-day tour is perfect for families looking for an exciting and fun-filled day out. The tour includes a visit to the beautiful Napier Art Deco City, where kids can learn about the city's history and architecture in a fun way. You'll also explore the stunning Cape Kidnappers, where kids can enjoy the beautiful scenery and maybe even spot some wildlife, and enjoy a delicious lunch at a local vineyard.

Family Fun Raft Trip: Take the whole family on an exciting and fun-filled white water rafting adventure on the Mohaka River. Paddle through rapids, enjoy beautiful scenery and bond with your family. This trip is suitable for all ages and levels of experience, and kids will love the thrill of the rapids.

Best of Napier & Hawkes bay half day trip: This half-day tour is perfect for families who want to discover the best of Napier and Hawke's Bay in a short time. You'll explore the iconic Art Deco buildings of Napier, where kids can learn about the city's history and architecture in a fun way. You'll also visit the historic Ahuriri village, where kids can learn about traditional New Zealand culture and maybe even meet some friendly locals. This tour is a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty that kids will enjoy.

Best things to do near Hawkes Bay

Cathedral Cove Boat Tour: Take a breathtaking boat tour to the famous Cathedral Cove, located just a short drive from Hawke's Bay. You'll see the stunning coastal scenery, including white sandy beaches, towering cliffs and crystal-clear waters. You'll also get to see the famous Cathedral Cove arch and sea cave, where you can swim and snorkel.

Scenic Cruise on Lake Rotorua: On this stunning lake cruise, you'll see the stunning landscapes of the area, including geysers, hot springs, and bubbling mud pools. You'll also learn about the area's Maori culture and history, and get a chance to see some of the local wildlife.

V8 Trike Tours Bay of Islands: Take a thrilling V8 Trike tour of the Bay of Islands. This tour provides an exciting and unique way to explore the region's beautiful landscapes, stunning beaches and historic sites. You'll be able to take in the sights and sounds of the Bay of Islands at high speed and enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience.

Footprints Waipoua: Explore the ancient kauri forest of Waipoua, on a guided tour with Footprints Waipoua. home to the largest remaining native kauri forest and the Tane Mahuta, the largest known Kauri tree in New Zealand. This tour will take you through the forest, showing you the different aspects of the forest, its ecology, history and culture.

Chilled out Sail: Enjoy a relaxed and peaceful sail on the Bay of Islands. Take in the stunning scenery, watch for wildlife and enjoy the fresh sea air. This is a great way to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of the area, perfect for families and friends.