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Gannets, Cape Kidnappers, New Zealand
Home Destinations Australasia New Zealand Hawkes Bay and Napiers Wineries

Hawkes Bay and Napiers Wineries

Located on the southeastern coast of the North Island, Hawke’s Bay and the surrounding area is known for its acclaimed wines, artisan gourmet foods and glorious beaches.

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Hawke’s Bay is New Zealand’s leading producer of red wines, has the greatest concentration of Art Deco architecture and hosts the country’s most elaborate celebrations of Matariki – the Maori New Year.

Landscapes of the region meander from the high, forested Ruahine and Kaweka Ranges before descending towards the coast and flattening into the Heretaunga Plains. Several wide rivers run through the scenery to meet with the Pacific Ocean.

Views from Te Mata Peak, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand
Hawke's Bay, New Zealand

The twin cities of Napier and Hastings are the largest centres in the area with Napier renowned for its Art Deco architecture. Nearby is the pretty town of Havelock North, known for its arts community and Te Mata peak which offers wonderful panoramic views of the region.

Blessed with a sunny, Mediterranean-style climate, Hawke’s Bay is one of New Zealand’s warmest, driest regions and is also an excellent spot for cycling and golf enthusiasts.

Experiences

Tell us what you love doing and we’ll curate a journey that’s perfect for you.

Gannets, Cape Kidnappers, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand
 

Gannet Colony

Visit a colony of 15,000 gannets against a dramatic coastal backdrop close to the Art Deco town of Napier.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Vineyards in Napier, New Zealand
 

Wine Tasting

Sample world-class wines and a host of epicurean delights around the vineyards of Hawkes Bay.

Maori Meeting House, Rotorua, New Zealand
 

A Day with a Maori Elder

Experience Hawke’s Bay through the eyes of a Maori elder. Spend a day in their company, learning about their legends and mythology – a window into Maori culture that few get to experience.

The Dome, Art Dec Architecture, Napier, New Zealand
 

Explore Napier

Explore the Art Deco city of Napier by classic car or traditional tram.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Idea
New Zealand
New Zealand – South Island Self-drive
The most dramatic of New Zealand’s two islands, this self-drive holiday explores the South Island in-depth, taking in the best of the magnificent scenery and wildlife on offer.
16 days from £5,795pp
Llupins, Lake Tekapo
View Holiday Idea
Idea
New Zealand
New Zealand – Luxury Honeymoon
Discover both North and South Islands in style. This is the perfect honeymoon for intrepid newlyweds. With a theme of pure indulgence throughout, this holiday to New Zealand achieves the perfect balance of adventure and pampering.
16 days from £15,950pp
Rahimoana Villa, Infinity Pool, Eagles Nest, Bay of Islands, New Zealand
View Holiday Idea
Idea
New Zealand
Ultimate New Zealand Self-Drive
This 21-day self-drive itinerary offers a fantastic introduction to the great outdoors of New Zealand and covers highlights of both the North and the South Island. Wildlife tours, Maori life, scenic flights, glacier adventures, overnight cruises and more.
21 days from £6,495pp
Mount Cook and Lake Pukaki, New Zealand
View Holiday Idea
Group tour
New Zealand
The Remote Sounds of New Zealand’s South
Slip into the furthest reaches of Fiordland on an intimate expedition cruise aboard an 18-guest yacht. Over 10 days, explore the great sounds and seldom-visited inlets, from Milford and Doubtful to remote Dusky and George Sound. 
Departing 16th July 2026
10 days from £4,465pp
Heritage Explorer viewed through trees, Heritage Expeditions, Fiordland, New Zealand
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Need Holiday Inspiration?
Browse our New Zealand holiday ideas.

Our New Zealand experts have created and curated these holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something to spark ideas for a unique adventure.

Idea
New Zealand
New Zealand – South Island Self-drive
The most dramatic of New Zealand’s two islands, this self-drive holiday explores the South Island in-depth, taking in the best of the magnificent scenery and wildlife on offer.
16 days from £5,795pp
Llupins, Lake Tekapo
View Holiday Idea
Idea
New Zealand
New Zealand – Luxury Honeymoon
Discover both North and South Islands in style. This is the perfect honeymoon for intrepid newlyweds. With a theme of pure indulgence throughout, this holiday to New Zealand achieves the perfect balance of adventure and pampering.
16 days from £15,950pp
Rahimoana Villa, Infinity Pool, Eagles Nest, Bay of Islands, New Zealand
View Holiday Idea
Idea
New Zealand
Ultimate New Zealand Self-Drive
This 21-day self-drive itinerary offers a fantastic introduction to the great outdoors of New Zealand and covers highlights of both the North and the South Island. Wildlife tours, Maori life, scenic flights, glacier adventures, overnight cruises and more.
21 days from £6,495pp
Mount Cook and Lake Pukaki, New Zealand
View Holiday Idea
Group tour
New Zealand
The Remote Sounds of New Zealand’s South
Slip into the furthest reaches of Fiordland on an intimate expedition cruise aboard an 18-guest yacht. Over 10 days, explore the great sounds and seldom-visited inlets, from Milford and Doubtful to remote Dusky and George Sound. 
Departing 16th July 2026
10 days from £4,465pp
Heritage Explorer viewed through trees, Heritage Expeditions, Fiordland, New Zealand
View Cruise
View all holiday ideas View all cruises

Where to stay

Some of the wonderful places to stay that we frequently recommended.

The Farm Cape Kidnappers £££££

  • New Zealand

Situated atop rugged cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, The Farm at Cape Kidnappers occupies a 6,000-acre working sheep and cattle farm. The 22 cottage suites are nestled amidst native bush around the estate and all are within walking distance of the hotel facilities including the gym, hillside spa and heated swimming pool.

View Property

Breckenridge Lodge £££££

  • New Zealand
  • Vineyard

Breckenridge Lodge is nestled in the picturesque valley of Omarunui, a short drive from the Art Deco city of Napier. Two acres of beautiful gardens surround the property, lined with pathways leading to hidden corners, herb gardens, orchards and areas planted with native trees.

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Havelock House £££££

  • New Zealand
  • B&B, Motel and Guesthouse

Havelock House is a three-room bed and breakfast, set in the foothills of Te Mata Peak and just five minutes’ drive from the charming village of Havelock North. The guest wing houses the spacious bedrooms, comfortable guest sitting room, swimming pool, all-weather tennis court and a peaceful decked area overlooking the rose gardens.

View Property


More luxury accommodation

Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

Clare Diving in Indonesia
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Clare Wiggins

My love for Asia began with living there. Based in Vietnam and then Malaysia, I also explored the surrounding regions before eventually finding my way back home via China and the Trans-Siberian railway. At Steppes Travel, I get to share that love for Asia every day, helping clients experience the places I know best as if they were locals themselves.

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Why Choose Steppes?

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