Hawkes Bay
Hawkes Bay is characterized by its hilly countryside and in inland's mountainous area’s. The hilly area in combination with the many sun hours this part of New Zealand gets every year, makes it to an excellent wine producing area; this area is dotted with vine yards. It is one of New Zealand's premier wine producing areas. The inland ranges you will offer you nice tramping options.
Outdoor
Beaches
There are some lovely Beaches in this area. Amongst surfers Ocean Beach is a very popular one.
Bird watching
From September to April there is a Gannet Colony at Cape Kidnappers. You can book tours so you will have a guide providing you a lot of information about these birds.
Cycling
You can rent a bike (in Napier) and explore the vine yards by bike. You can also do this by attending bike tours going to the vine yards.
Tramping
There are many opportunities to tramp around the region. Some excellent tramping spots: Te Mata Trust Park, Kaweka and Ruahine Ranges. For more information please visit a DOC in the area.
Culture and Entertainment
Festivals
Harvest Hawkes Bay
This event takes place every February. There is lots of wine, food and fun during this festival.
Vine yards
Vine yards
There are many vine yards in this area. Many of them are opened for visitors (attending a tour and visitors on their own). Some nice vine yards to visit are: Church Road Winery, Sileni Estates and Farm Winery.