Hotspots of Hawke’s Bay

The Hawke’s Bay region is located on the Eastern side of New Zealand’s North Island and is home to some of the country’s best beaches, hikes, wineries and local produce. The area is known for its laid-back atmosphere, sunny weather and superb quality of life. If you’re headed for the Bay, explore the towns of Havelock North, Hastings and Napier to discover what these idyllic Kiwi towns are all about.

Wine Country

Hawke’s Bay is the second largest wine region in New Zealand and there are plenty of wineries to choose from to enjoy a taste of what the Bay has to offer. Terrôir at Craggy Range is the perfect spot for a long lunch of French inspired cuisine with Eastern views of the green vineyards and Western views of the rustic Te Mata mountains. If you’re a true wine lover, then you can even book accommodation right where the grapes are grown. Millar Road offers boutique, luxe accommodation on a stunning vineyard estate. Views from the property are panoramic, taking in mountain ranges, the Hawke’s Bay wine country and the Pacific Ocean. Terrôir at Craggy Range Winery, 253 Waimarama Rd, Havelock North, Millar Road Accommodation, 83 Millar Road, RD10, Hastings 4180

Fresh Produce

I would go as far to say the Hastings Sunday Market is one of the best farmers markets in the country. Its abundance of fresh produce is like no other. Grab yourself a coffee from one of the many artisan stalls before a morning of sampling and devouring some of the best food in the region. Homemade potato hash, chutneys, kombucha, artisan chocolate, grilled sandwiches, dips, wood fired pizzas, fresh breads, oils and fruit are on offer, with plenty of picnic areas to enjoy the live music and relaxed atmosphere in. Hastings Sunday Farmers Market, 8:30am-12:30pm, Kenilworth Rd, Waipatu, Hastings 4122

Local Hotspots

Picnic Café: freshly baked breads, pastries, chocolates and cakes will tempt any sweet tooth when you find yourself at Picnic Café, located just outside Napier. Make sure you try their twist on a Kiwi Classic… the lemon curd flavoured lamington. Picnic Café, 12 Mahia St, Ahuriri, Napier 4110

Opera Kitchen: for breakfast or lunch, Opera Kitchen in Hastings takes on the art deco vibes of the region, combining it with fresh flavours, open space and excellent coffee. Try their homemade sourdough or indulge in the giant pancake with honeycomb butter and grilled pineapple. Opera Kitchen, 312 Eastbourne St, Hastings 4122

The Strawberry Patch

One of my favourite things about road trips in New Zealand is stopping off for real fruit ice-cream. The Strawberry Patch whips up fresh strawberry, blueberry and blackberry ice-cream and you can sit and enjoy it in the sun overlooking their strawberry patches. November through February is the best for strawberries and during this time you can even pick your own. The Strawberry Patch, 96 Havelock Rd, Havelock North 4130

Birdwoods Gallery & Sweet Shop

A combination of art gallery, sculpture garden and vintage sweet store, Birdwoods is located just outside Havelock North village. The store is housed in a charming, one-room colonial cottage made from reclaimed materials and is packed to the rafters with a treasure trove of sweets. It’s a favourite of both young and old. Don’t leave without trying some Kiwi classics… milk bottles, pineapple lumps and jet planes. Birdwoods Gallery & Sweet Shop, 298 Middle Rd, Havelock North 4172

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