Our Top 5 Things to Do in Hawke's Bay in winter

In Hawke's Bay we are lucky enough to have some pretty nice autumn and winter days, which means you can make the most of many attractions year-round. On the days when the weather isn't playing ball there are always loads of options to stay entertained too. 

We think these 5 things are great to do in Hawke's Bay during winter:

1. Take the guided Art Deco Walk through Napier, the Art Deco Capital. The crowds have died down at this time of year, and you'll be sure to get a unique insight into the fabric of our town. Take a coat and enjoy the fresh air and stunning 1930's architecture every which way you look. Bookings through the Art Deco Trust.
2. Get on your bike! In particular the coastal cycle-ways offer superb sightseeing, with the entire bay visible from Cape Kidnappers out to Mahia Peninsula on a fine day. Along the way there are lots of great eateries and iconic spots to stop - cycle along and make some discoveries! See the Hawkes Bay Tourism website for a downloadable map, or get one from the i-Site or your accommodation's reception desk.
3. Dine al fresco in Ahuriri. Ahuriri is a vibrant community on the port-side of Napier. Something Diane and I love to do when we get the chance is to soak up the seaside with a nice local drop and a good bite to eat. Walk along the boardwalk and take your pick of the handful of eateries there by the sea, find a café in the township or head over to the vibrant West Quay for a view across the marina. In inclement weather, most places have warm dining rooms where you can overlook the moody ocean.
4. Check out the view from atop Te Mata Peak. ​With a 360° view of Hawke's Bay, from the plains to the Pacific Ocean, it's a must see. That's why we make a point of stopping there on every tour possible. While you're up there, take one of the several walks around the peak which show off some stunning views - awesome in our humble opinion!
5. Head off the beaten track and take a bush walk. Drive up to the Kaweka Ranges and totally immerse yourself in beautiful native bush, or for an easy taster of the NZ flora and fauna we recommend White Pine Bush, just 30kms north of Napier on SH2. See the Department of Conservation for details on the many bush walking tracks around, and check for any precautionary notices and safety tips before you go. 
6. Well we know we said it's our Top 5, but how could we not recommend a Wine Tour at #6!! A winter wine tour is a great way to stay warm and get up close and personal with the people and the passion behind some of Hawke's Bay's finest wines. It's a great time of year as things quieten down for the wineries - vintage is done and dusted, the year's wines are doing their thing in tank or barrel, and the vineyard crew are recouping and gearing up for pruning. Come on board a Prinsy's wine tour and we'll show you the sights and tastes!

We hope you enjoy your time in Hawke's Bay and look forward to hosting you on a tour soon. Be sure to let us know if you have anything in particular you'd like to see or do!
Cheers, Hamish
Owner & Tour Guide

wine tours

Thanks to Hawkes Bay Tourism for some of these photos.