Things to Do in Hawke's Bay Region in 2026

Cape Kidnappers marks the southern most point of Hawke Bay on the east coast of the North Island of New Zealand.

It was named by Captain Cook after the one of his cabin boys was kidnapped by the local Maori in 1769.

Cape Kidnappers is home to a colony of Australasian Gannets which nest here over summer.

Access to this area is by walking (about 2 hours each way) at low tide only (ie starting to walk 3 hours before low tide), by a tractor and trailer ride along the beach, or by a 4wd bus through the farmland above the beach.

This photo is taken just after dawn, after a 2 hour walk in the dark along the beach.

Dawn rises over the city of Napier, with St Paul's Cathedral to the left of shot

Every year in September the Mabin family open their front paddocks to the public to let them explore ( and pick from ) their daffodils. They do this for free and all money raised from the sale of the daffodils goes to the Plunket Society

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Hawke's Bay Region must see attractions

1. Mission Estate Winery

Explore the old cellar at Mission Estate Winery for the chance to learn the secrets behind producing award-winning wines. Enjoy fabulous views while dining on sumptuous meat and seafood at one of the oldest wineries in the country.

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Mission Estate Winery which includes heritage elements

2. National Aquarium of New Zealand

Admire huge sharks as well as stingrays and octopuses at the National Aquarium of New Zealand. See piranhas gliding around and interact with adorable penguins and kiwi birds.

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National Aquarium of New Zealand showing marine life

3. Cape Kidnappers

Cape Kidnappers is a dramatic outcrop of jagged sandstone jutting out into the ocean. Hike along a trail with spectacular rock formations and crystal-clear pools to reach the gannet colony. Enjoy a picnic with a magnificent view or play a round at the world-renowned golf course on the headland.

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Cape Kidnappers showing a sandy beach, rocky coastline and general coastal views

4. Te Mata Peak

Enjoy sweeping views across mountain ranges and the Tukituki River from Te Mata Peak.

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5. Craggy Range

Step inside the Craggy Range cellar for an enthralling insight into how its popular wines are produced. Wander around the vine fields where the grapes grow and sit down for a delicious multicourse meal of local cuisine at the estate’s restaurant.

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Craggy Range showing landscape views and a park

6. Ocean Beach

Get away from the crowds and bask in the spectacular surroundings of Ocean Beach. This long, gently curving beach sits on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island and looks out over the South Pacific Ocean. Ocean Beach is a much-loved location among families and watersport enthusiasts that reside in the Hastings District of the Hawke’s Bay Region.

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Ocean Beach featuring a bay or harbor, a sandy beach and island views

What to do in Hawke's Bay Region

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Discover the most popular places to visit in Hawke's Bay Region

Art Deco Weekend!!

Art Deco Weekend is a celebration of the rebuilding of Napier after the 1931 Hawke's Bay earthquake- it celebrates our beautiful city and it's iconic buildings, memorializes the people of the city during the 1930's and makes for a great weekend! The event is planned extremely well, has an incredible amount of era-appropriate events and a magnificent setting. Everybody dresses up - frocks, heels and accessories, bow ties and suspenders... Add vintage car parades, over 200 different events - it's a great weekend!

Marine Parade

After visiting Marine Parade, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Napier. Amble around this relaxing area's seaside and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Mission Estate Winery

Leave the city behind for a day to experience idyllic countryside surroundings and sip a range of magnificent wines.

National Aquarium of New Zealand

The tanks at this modern aquarium play host to all kinds of underwater life, from cute sea creatures to fearsome marine predators.

Great beaches in this area all sand, and a of choices for swimming as its a peninsula, the odd space rocket gets fired off too :-)

Mahia Beach

Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Mahia Beach during your travels in Mahia?

Cape Kidnappers

Come within a few feet of one of the planet’s largest mainland gannet colonies. The seabirds nest here on this breathtaking peninsula.

Te Mata Peak

Not only a spectacular vantage point, this awesome mountain is also home to several species of rare flora and fauna.

Craggy Range

Set in the shadow of colossal Te Mata Peak, this vineyard brings together a quality fine wine experience and exceptional scenery.

Ocean Beach

Swim, surf and take long walks in the shadow of unspoiled scenery at this sweeping beach on the southern coastline of Hawke’s Bay.

The Sunken Gardens in Napier this was taken on our weekend away in this beautiful city. If you get the chance to visit Napier make sure you do.

Napier Beach

Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Napier Beach during your travels in Awatoto?

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Hawke's Bay Region

Napier South

While visiting Napier South, you might make a stop by sights like McLean Park and National Aquarium of New Zealand.

Ahuriri

If you're spending some time in Ahuriri, National Tobacco Company Building and The Urban Winery are top sights worth seeing.

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.

Bluff Hill

While visiting Bluff Hill, you might make a stop by sights like Bluff Hill Domain Lookout and Napier Beach.

Coastal landscape with a road, bridge, and estuary. Cars travel on the road, while the beach and surrounding wetlands are visible. Waitangi Regional Park, Napier, Hawke's Bay, New Zealand

Marewa

While Marewa might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like McLean Park and National Aquarium of New Zealand.

Hospital Hill

Hospital Hill might not have many top sights, but War Memorial Conference Center and McLean Park are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

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