Hawkes Bay

Hawkes Bay is dominated by the twin cities Napier and Hastings and the sunshine. Both cities are renowned for their architecture, with Napier being one of the Art Deco capitals of the world with the town destroyed by the 1931 earthquake and Napier was rebuilt.

On February 3, 1931 the peaceful tranquillity of New Zealand's Hawkes Bay region was shattered when the worst earthquake in New Zealand's history struck the area. At 10:46 am on that summer's day, the quake hit with a magnitude of 7.9 on the Richter scale. The epicentre of the quake was situated some 15 to 20 kilometres north of the two main centres in the region, Napier and Hastings. The quake lasted for two and a half minutes. The death toll was 258, 162 being in Napier, 93 in Hastings and 3 in the small township of Wairoa.

Hawkes Bay is also home to some of New Zealand's most prestigious vineyards

Napier itself fronts onto a sweeping stretch of Pacific Ocean shoreline. The adjacent Marine Parade, with its Norfolk Pines and ocean views, gives the city a holiday resort feel. Walk along the parade and you'll come across several of the city's best attractions.

National Aquarium of New Zealand Napier

Going north, visit the aquarium and marine park. The aquarium features a vast array of ocean life, while the marine park has live shows featuring the dolphins and other mammals. Accessible from Marine Parade is the Hawke's Bay Art Gallery and Museum. Many of the museums exhibits set out to recapture the atmosphere and devastation of the 1931 earthquake. There are also art and craft displays on show. Also visit other attractions including a nocturnal Kiwi House, and the Botanic Gardens. For views of the coastline and city, move to the lookouts on Bluff Hill.

Hawkes Bay Map

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Hawkes Bay climate:

Average Summer temperature; 23.5c
Warmest months; December to March
Average Winter temperature; 14.5c
Average Hours of sunshine per year; 2188hrs
Average annual rainfall; 800mm

Popular Hawkes Bay activities

Wine Tasting
Visit the largest Gannet colony in the world at Cape Kidnappers
Climb Te Mata Peak for great views of the area
Take a walking tour around Napiers art deco buildings
Swimming and surfing in the area

Key Features   Taste sensations The agricultural heritage of Hawke's Bay lives on in the region's wineries, orchards and artisan food producers. At any time of the year, you can follow food and wine trails to discover exceptional taste sensations.   Wildlife by the sea Cape Kidnappers nature reserve is home to the largest and most accessible mainland gannet colony in the world. Known to Maori as takapu, these birds usually breed on islands.   Unusual places From elegant Art Deco architecture to a settlement with the world's longest place name, Hawke's Bay will capture your interest with amazing stories. Learn about the past, both ancient and recent, with a local guide. Key Tips Two domestic airlines service the Hawke's Bay airport. Regular, daily schedules link the region to three international airports. Explore Hawke's Bay using the food, wine and art trails found at visitor information centres around the region. Three touring routes pass through Hawke's Bay - the Thermal Explorer Highway, Pacific Coast Highway and the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail. Historical homesteads and quaint antique shops provide a glimpse of the pioneering spirit of Central Hawke's Bay.

HAWKE'S BAY   Population: 133,900 Area: 14,200km2