Road Trips to Hawke's Bay

Duration: 5 - 6 hours
Suggested stopovers: Matamata (Hobbiton), Rotorua, Taupō.
Mount Maunganui and Raglan are two of our favourite spots in the North, if you’ve got extra time to take a detour.

Duration: 4 hours
Highlights: Drive through the beautiful Wairarapa wine country and the scenic Rimutaka Ranges.
Suggested stopovers: Greytown (boujee antique town), Wee Red Barn (Farm Shop - must stop for fresh berries & real fruit ice cream), Mount Bruce (National Wildlife Centre with kiwi birds), Martinborough (wine)!
Extra time: Castlepoint for a coastal stop.

Once you’re there..

Peak House – Cafe / restaurant with amazing views over Hawke’s Bay. Great spot for a bloody mary & hungover hangs on the grass.
Maina – Great coffee in the middle of Havelock.
Mijita – GREAT tequila & sashimi (we recommend trying all the different magarita’s and getting an uber home).
Mary’s – Fried chicken.
Alessandro’s – Yummy wood fired pizza.
Piku – Amazing Japanese.
Birdwoods Gallery – Great for coffee & cheese scones, plus an iconic lolly shop.
Giant Brewing Co - pints, pints, pints!

Black Barn Retreats - Luxury vineyard accommodation (minimum stay 7 nights over the Chrissy/NYE season)
Porters Boutique Hotel - Great location, right in the heart of the town
Craggy Range - Amazing winery with boutique accommodation and views of the Tuki Tuki river.
Airbnb, Motels & Caravan Parks - Plenty of options for bigger groups and families!

Te Mata Peak – Stunning sunrise / sunset spot. You can drive, hike, or cycle up.
Wine Tasting – Must do wineries are Craggy Range, Te Mata Estate, Black Barn Vineyards.
Cycle the Trails – Rent a bike and explore the stunning Hawke’s Bay Trails.
Ocean Beach or Waimārama Beach – Beautiful beaches for a day trip.
Cape Kidnappers Golf Course
Hawke’s Bay Farmer’s Market (Hastings)
Pekapeka Wetlands (Hastings)
Art Deco Tours (Napier)
Church Road Wines (Clifton)