Hawke's Bay Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Napier which includes general coastal views and a beach
Napier featuring a sunset and a square or plaza
Napier which includes a bay or harbour
Napier which includes a bay or harbour
Napier which includes 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 meters) 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 which includes 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 Pania of the Reef.

Bluff Hill
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Marewa

Marewa might not have many top sights, but McLean Park and National Aquarium of New Zealand are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Marewa
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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 National Tobacco Company Building and War Memorial Conference Center.

Hospital Hill
Swiss-Belhotel Napier

Swiss-Belhotel Napier

4 out of 5
36 Munroe Street, Napier
The price is AU$130 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
AU$130
7 Sept - 8 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Napier. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (307 reviews)
"Great Place to stay, the staff are always nice."

Reviewed on 3 Aug. 2025

Swiss-Belhotel Napier
Beach Front Motel Napier

Beach Front Motel Napier

4 out of 5
373 Marine Parade, Napier
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$118 per night from 12 Aug to 13 Aug
AU$118
12 Aug - 13 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach motel in Napier. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and private hot tubs. Popular attractions Marine Parade and National Aquarium of New ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Love the spa bath in our room. Comfy bed but need new pillows"

Reviewed on 4 Aug. 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 AU$73 per night from 21 Aug to 22 Aug
AU$73
21 Aug - 22 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this eco-certified holiday park in Napier. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (263 reviews)
"Close to a lot of things!"

Reviewed on 1 Aug. 2025

Kennedy Park Resort
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.
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 WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,925 reviews)
"Great stay."

Reviewed on 3 Aug. 2025

The Nautilus Napier
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 WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (948 reviews)
"The staff were the best;The upgrade was wonderful;the overall experience was just great"

Reviewed on 20 Jul. 2025

Quest Napier Serviced Apartment
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 WiFi, 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

Activities

Cities near Hawke's Bay