Hawke’s Bay is a vast culinary region.
Yet, while it stretches from Morere in the north to Porangahau in the south, one thing is certain, you’ll never be far from a tasty bite.
The region’s Mediterranean-like climate, with high sunshine hours throughout the year is partly responsible for the destination’s delicacies. But more than anything, Hawke’s Bay is a foodie heaven because of its people. The talented chefs, winemakers, and craft brewers take the produce, local grapes and hops, and turn them into something magic.
And they’re always ready to extend a warm welcome...
"I love all of it, it's not just 'a job' for me."
- Tony Bish, NZ’s only Chardonnay-exclusive producer
Wander through welcoming wine country
Decades ago, a young Tony Bish was living on the beach in Gisborne and surfing every day when his endless summer suddenly ran into a roadblock:
"I ran out of money after four months, so I asked the local boys what work was around. They said freezing works or wine."
The choice was easy and since then Bish has had a successful career in
winemaking, co-founding Sacred Hill and travelling the world.
Today, he’s back home in Hawke's Bay, running Australasia’s only winery specialising in Chardonnay, complete with a bar: The Urban Winery. Chances are if you drop in, you’ll meet him - Tony is hands-on and he wouldn’t have it any other way:
"I do everything with the business, from selecting grapes, to hand harvesting, to marketing, topping barrels and pouring tasters. I love all of it, it’s not just ‘a job’ for me."
Sample bold brews
Former freelance journalist Chris Ormond started brewing beer in Wellington in his spare time just because he loved it:
"It started taking up more of my time. I had a real passion for it. And eventually I thought - why not turn this into a full-time business?"
Chris roped his brother and a mate into it, and created Giant Brewery. Today, they’ve got their very own pub in Havelock North with a full-scale commercial brewery out back. Beer doesn’t get much fresher than this:
"We try to make our beers approachable. Our core range is drinkable above all else. The locals keep coming back so we must be doing something right."
Tony Bish, NZ’s only Chardonnay-exclusive producer
Tony Bish, NZ’s only Chardonnay-exclusive producer
Journalist turned brewer, Chris Ormond
Journalist turned brewer, Chris Ormond
Savour the region’s delectable delights
Mister D Restaurant, Napier
Mister D Restaurant, Napier
Prue Barton ran one of Auckland’s most acclaimed fine dining restaurants, Vinnies, for 16 years. But after all that time, and a spell in Sydney, she needed a change.
"I wanted quieter, small-city living and Hawke's Bay gave us that. I love the produce, the food, the wine, the uniqueness of the area."
Mister D restaurateur Prue Barton swapped a hectic city life for Hawke’s Bay
Mister D restaurateur Prue Barton swapped a hectic city life for Hawke’s Bay
Eight years after the move, the region is home - and Prue’s all day bistro Mister D has become one of Napier’s favourite foodie destinations, serving delicious European-inspired dishes, made with the freshest local produce.
Delight your tastebuds with some tasty bites
East Block 200 in Hastings is home to New Zealand’s first producer of certified organic artisan spirits and liqueurs and an exquisite tasting room.
Hastings Distillers draws from decades of experience making wine and a library of over 300 botanicals to craft sophisticated, unique twists on classic spirits. They’re also 100% organic and biodynamic.
Sample the goods, buy a bottle and grab a bite to eat at their classy tasting room on Heretaunga Street East in Hastings.
Devour fresh pasta cooked to perfection
Just down the road from Hastings Distillers, you’ll find Sazio, a charming Italian eatery serving handmade, fresh pasta cooked to order.
Do yourself a favour: skip lunch and try the pappardelle with osso buco ragu - this tomatoey masterpiece may just be the most comforting meal in Hawke’s Bay.
Discover the charms of a hidden bistro
Hidden amongst the vines and rolling hills of Havelock North, Black Barn Bistro is set to reopen in mid-April with an elevated dining experience and elegant new look.
Damaged by a fire in February 2022, Black Barn Bistro has used the opportunity to undertake a full renovation and the award-winning establishment is ready to welcome visitors back with a delicious menu, serving simple but elegant produce-driven cuisine.
Savour Farmer’s Market Fare
Hawke’s Bay’s Farmers’ Market is one of the oldest and largest farmers’ markets in the country, hosting the region’s finest artisan growers and producers.
Visit to touch, see and taste Hawke's Bay’s incredible produce, meet the makers and buy right from the source.
"We just want to give a little magic back."
- Wallingford Homestead owner Jeanette Woerner
Memorable welcome stays
When people visit Hawke's Bay, they almost always want to stay, whether it’s for one more night or for good. But why?
The world class food and wine, balmy holiday climate and breathtaking natural surroundings certainly don’t hurt. But a large part of the region’s pull comes down to the incredible hosts who make a Hawke’s Bay experience so warm, welcoming and unique.
Jeanette Woerner and her husband, Chris, operate a boutique lodge out of Wallingford Homestead in Central Hawke's Bay. There are only nine bedrooms so a peaceful, intimate experience is guaranteed:
"There’s a sense of respite and peace here. An opportunity to get away from the daily grind and just enjoy," Woerner says.
The homestead’s packages include meals at the modern, sustainable restaurant on site as well activities in the surrounding wildlands. Events like their annual Truffle Weekend, where guests hunt truffles with their hosts for their multi-course dinner, are just a taste of the unique experiences on offer here:
"The world needs a little more magic right now. Moving to Hawke's Bay has been amazing for us and we just want to give a little magic back."
Inspirational Accommodation
Napier is home to one of the world’s best collections of Art Deco buildings and architecture, including several embellished with Māori motifs and local flair.
And while Art Deco architecture is prolific throughout the region, there are few better ways to experience it than staying at the Art Deco Masonic Hotel - an iconic building in Napier’s CBD that was levelled by 1931 Hawke’s Bay earthquake and subsequent fires, and rebuilt in the stunning Art Deco style you see today.
Imagine the outdoor experience of camping with all the comforts of a five star hotel
Clifton Glamping is an experience that combines the natural beauty of camping with the comforts of luxury accommodation. These plush canvas glamping tents offer panoramic views of serene Hawke's Bay countryside, outdoor bath and fireside relaxing, all just 20 minutes from Napier.
There are few better places in the world to treat yourself than at The Farm at Cape Kidnappers. This luxury resort is nestled in rolling hills along Hawke's Bay’s rugged coastline and features one of the world’s best golf courses, superior luxury accommodation, a premium day spa, private wildlife sanctuary and much, much more.
"It’s a place where you can be delighted by the unexpected."
- Birdwoods owner Louise Stobart
Experience the unforgettable
In Zimbabwe during the early 90s, Louise Stobart owned a thriving art gallery and production business, selling metal sculptures.
But social unrest forced them to leave. Settling in Havelock North, they began importing the work of Zimbabwe craftspeople who had no income - and set up Birdwoods Gallery, to great acclaim. Birdwoods now has an on-site cafe serving espressos and home baked treats, a sweet shop staffed entirely by grannies, and a sculpture garden and gallery with a diverse range of works from Zimbabwe and local artists.
Birdwoods Cafe is renowned for tasty food and incredible crafts
Birdwoods Cafe is renowned for tasty food and incredible crafts
"Everything here has a story. We love interesting, eclectic things. It’s a place where you can be surprised and delighted by the unexpected and just enjoy and feel good about yourself," Louise said.
Pedal power
Fancy staying a while to soak in that Hawke’s Bay sunshine? Clear your senses and immerse yourself in world-class surroundings.
Hawke's Bay is one of New Zealand’s best year-round cycling destinations.
Hawke's Bay is one of New Zealand’s best year-round cycling destinations.
Hawke's Bay is one of New Zealand’s best year-round cycling destinations thanks to its friendly weather and easy terrain. And with more than 200 kilometres of limestone trails that wind through orchards and vineyards, over rolling hills and alongside the glittering Pacific Ocean, there are rides for beginners and pros alike.
The Sleeping Giant
The Sleeping Giant, Te Mata Peak is ever-present in Hawke’s Bay. Sacred to local iwi and beloved by locals and visitors to the region, the area is a hive for recreational activity. Located in a park forested by old growth redwoods, this maunga features dozens of walking and cycling tracks and there are breathtaking 360-degree views from the top.
Abbey Cellars Winery is a boutique 'single estate' producer
Abbey Cellars Winery is a boutique 'single estate' producer
Te Awanga Estate houses the range from award-winning wine maker Rod McDonald
Te Awanga Estate houses the range from award-winning wine maker Rod McDonald
The Napier Viewing Platform provides access to the water's edge and views of Hawke's Bay and back to the city
The Napier Viewing Platform provides access to the water's edge and views of Hawke's Bay and back to the city
Relaxing a Te Awanga Estate, a family-owned business borne from a love of making wine
Relaxing a Te Awanga Estate, a family-owned business borne from a love of making wine
Step back to more glamorous times with Napier's perfectly located Art Deco Masonic Hotel
Step back to more glamorous times with Napier's perfectly located Art Deco Masonic Hotel
Deliciosa Restaurant's award-winning restaurant says the key ingredient is the guests themselves
Deliciosa Restaurant's award-winning restaurant says the key ingredient is the guests themselves
You can't beat a cruisy ride following the crushed limestone trail around the Puketapu Loop
You can't beat a cruisy ride following the crushed limestone trail around the Puketapu Loop
Church Road Cellar at one of New Zealand's oldest wineries
Church Road Cellar at one of New Zealand's oldest wineries
Sixteen exclusive luxury accommodation options await the discerning traveller at Black Barn Retreats
Sixteen exclusive luxury accommodation options await the discerning traveller at Black Barn Retreats
Relatively undeveloped, the dramatic and beautiful Ocean Beach is popular with surfers and families alike
Relatively undeveloped, the dramatic and beautiful Ocean Beach is popular with surfers and families alike
Hawke’s Bay locals are a welcoming bunch - always ready to say a friendly “Hello”
And there’s no better time to visit New Zealand’s premier Food and Wine Country than during the annual Food and Wine Classic. Over four weekends in June and 10 days in November, New Zealand’s finest chefs, winemakers, brewers and creators come together to create a range of events showcasing the region’s finest.
Visit New Zealand’s premier Food and Wine Country.
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