Napier

Located on the east coast of the North Island, the city of Napier is renowned for its long hot summers, mild sunny winters, Art Deco style architecture and as a prolific wine growing region.

The abundant sunshine hours have made the region a fertile agricultural 'food bowl' and this has been key to ensuring its reputation as one of New Zealand's leading food and wine regions. Here you will find fresh artisan produce and numerous farmers markets nestled amongst over seventy award winning wineries.

In keeping with the prestigious status of being New Zealand's oldest winemaking region, boasting numerous world class wineries, you'll be blown away by all the award winning wines at your fingertips. The signature varietals can be narrowed down to Syrah, Merlot blends and stunning Chardonnays. There's numerous wine tasting tours that you can join for a leisurely experience via vehicle, or if you're up for a slightly more vigorous experience, pedal around with a cycle tour.

Napier has also established an international reputation for being New Zealand's Art Deco architecture capital. In 1931 a massive earthquake saw Napier go through a significant rebuilding phase and inspired an Art Deco facelift with Maori motifs and design elements widely used. Napier has 140 Art Deco listed buildings and they are protected by the Art Deco Trust – a not for profit organisation that offers guided tours.

Everywhere you venture in this area you'll be treated to some of the most jaw dropping scenery you could hope to find, there's rugged and picturesque beaches, valleys and mountains. Hawke's Bay is one of New Zealand's most naturally beautiful regions. Soak up stunning 365 degree panoramic views of Napier from atop Te Mata Peak, check out the exclusive Cape Kidnappers peninsula from the Napier viewing platform or take a day trip to Wairoa lighthouse. 

If you love to fit in 18 holes at spectacular foreign courses, then Cape Kidnappers will provide you an unforgettable experience. The world class resort and golf course is consistently named amongst the top 50 luxury golf facilities in the world.

Gimblett Gravels image courtesy of Hawke's Bay Tourism