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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.

 

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

 

Wine Tasting

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

 

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.

 

Explore Napier

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

Suggested Holiday Idea

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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.
25 days from £7,300pp
Llupins, Lake Tekapo
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Idea
New Zealand
New Zealand Cruise – Auckland to Milford Sound
Over 13 days cruise from Auckland on the North Island to the dramatic beauty of Fiordland on the South Island. Access remote and pristine wilderness areas in search of culture and wildlife, unique to New Zealand.
13 days from £6,400pp
Coastal View, Otago Peninsula, New Zealand
View Cruise
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, scenic flights, glacier adventures, overnight cruises and more.
21 days from £4,900pp
Mount Cook and Lake Pukaki, New Zealand
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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 £13,000pp
Rahimoana Villa, Infinity Pool, Eagles Nest, Bay of Islands, New Zealand
View Holiday Idea

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.
25 days from £7,300pp
Llupins, Lake Tekapo
View Holiday Idea
Idea
New Zealand
New Zealand Cruise – Auckland to Milford Sound
Over 13 days cruise from Auckland on the North Island to the dramatic beauty of Fiordland on the South Island. Access remote and pristine wilderness areas in search of culture and wildlife, unique to New Zealand.
13 days from £6,400pp
Coastal View, Otago Peninsula, New Zealand
View Cruise
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, scenic flights, glacier adventures, overnight cruises and more.
21 days from £4,900pp
Mount Cook and Lake Pukaki, New Zealand
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 £13,000pp
Rahimoana Villa, Infinity Pool, Eagles Nest, Bay of Islands, New Zealand
View Holiday Idea
View all holiday ideas View all cruises

Where to stay

Below you can see some of the wonderful places we have recommended for this journey.

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. Guest rooms and communal areas are bright and welcoming with beamed ceilings, large windows making the most of the views and a contemporary country cottage feel. There are two dining areas and a magnificent cliffside golf course, plus the chance for plenty of hiking and wildlife spotting.

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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. A Mediterranean feeling flows through the property and the five suites have private patios overlooking the vineyards below. Chef and owner Malcolm is extremely passionate about food and wine and as such a stay here ensures a gourmet experience.

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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.

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More luxury accommodation

Explore other regions

Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo

Enjoy one of New Zealand's most scenic drives towards World Heritage site Aoraki Mt Cook National Park with beautiful mountains and lakes.

Nelson and Marlborough

Marlborough basks in year-round sunshine, providing perfect conditions for walking, mountain biking, sea kayaking and vineyard explorations.

Christchurch and Kaikoura

The Canterbury landscape covers the northeastern part of New Zealand’s South Island and ranges from miles of silvery beach to the jagged…

Dunedin and the Catlins

The Otago Peninsula is rich in flora and fauna with diverse wildlife, idyllic fishing villages and rolling green pastures.

South Island West Coast and Glaciers

This strip of the South Island boasts five of New Zealand’s 14 national parks and is a rugged land of wild beaches,…

Queenstown and Wanaka

Today Queenstown and the nearby Fiordland National Park is treasured for its magnificent scenery and adventure opportunities.

Bay of Islands

With a sub-tropical climate, you can enjoy beach and water activities, explore one of the many nature trails, visit the ancient Kauri…

Volcanic Heartland

The centre of New Zealand’s North Island is also the heart of the countries volcanic activity. At its most active some 2000…

Wellington and Martinborough Wine Regions

A fine harbour city and a centre for culture and the arts it is also home to New Zealand’s Parliament, Victoria University…

Auckland and the Coromandel

Auckland is New Zealand’s largest and most multicultural city and is known as the City of Sails for its fantastic sailing opportunities.

Why Choose Steppes?

Our knowledge and expertise set us apart. So too our curiosity. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.

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