Napier
Hawkes Bay, the main city of the region, has one of the largest
concentrations of Art Deco buildings in the world. Napier Hawkes
Bay was razed by earthquake and fire in 1931, and rebuilt in the
art deco style which was fashionable at the time. The Art Deco Walk
is a permanent attraction, and each February there is the Brebner
Print Art Deco Weekend, a not-too-serious
celebration of the art deco style.
The Hawke's Bay region encompasses the area
around Hawke's Bay on the East Coast of the North Island.
Hawke’s Bay is loved for its sunny climate,
fabulous beaches, sheltered coastal plains and long-established
vineyards. It is also one of the country's largest pip fruit growing
areas.
The Hawke's Bay vineyards are all within a
short distance of Napier and Hastings, the other city in the region.
More than 30 vineyards are open to the public for wine tasting.
Many also operate cafes and restaurants in both indoor and outdoor
settings. The region is especially known for its fine Chardonnay
and Cabernet Sauvignon varieties.
Another unique attraction is the gannet colony
on the very tip of Cape Kidnappers - believed to be one of only
two mainland gannet colonies in the world. Gannets are large sea
birds with long, pointed wings and golden-yellow heads. Most spectacular
is their method of fishing, when whole flocks suddenly dive straight
into the sea from a great height, at speeds of up to 145km/h.
You can also find plenty of adventure in Hawke’s
Bay - rafting on the Mohaka River, horse trekking, hunting and trout
fishing.
Main
Centres in Hawke's Bay
Napier - the Art Deco city
Hastings - an ideal base to explore and enjoy the bay’s wine country
attractions
Wairoa - centre of the vast Northern Hawke’s Bay
Waipukurau - scenic Southern Hawke’s Bay countryside
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