Food & Drink Experiences in Hawke's Bay

Hawke's Bay food and drinks start with wine. New Zealand's oldest wine region, and its second largest, grows chardonnay, merlot, syrah, cabernet sauvignon and sauvignon blanc on vineyards that run from the Heretaunga Plains to the coast. Cellar door lunches, a Sunday farmers' market and roadside orchard stalls round out the eating, and all of it sits within easy reach of Napier and the rest of the things to do in Hawke's Bay.

Hawke's Bay wine: what the region is known for

Chardonnay and merlot are the most widely planted grapes, followed by sauvignon blanc, pinot gris and syrah, and the sunny, relatively dry coastal climate suits winegrowing. The Gimblett Gravels, a stretch of about 800 hectares defined by its gravel soils, is the name to know for red wine, with producers such as Trinity Hill, Craggy Range and Pask. The Bridge Pa Triangle is the other well-known district.

Around Havelock North, the Te Mata hills became New Zealand's first legally protected wine-growing area in 1996, and Te Awanga on the coast has vineyards close to the sea. For a guided way into all of it, Hawke's Bay wine tasting and winery tours cover the cellar doors with someone else doing the driving.

Cellar doors and lunch on the coast

More than 30 cellar doors take visitors, most of them in the Hastings district. On the coast near Te Awanga and Haumoana, Elephant Hill, Clearview Estate and Te Awanga Estate all serve wine with lunch. Between Havelock North and Clive, Black Barn Vineyards and Te Mata Estate sit along Te Mata Road, and Craggy Range and Askerne Winery are reachable from the trails.

Seeing the vineyards by bike

Nearly 200 km of flat, mostly off-road trails link the cellar doors, so cycling is a natural way to taste. A self-guided Cape Coast winery ride on a standard bike starts from Ahuriri in Napier or an accommodation pick-up, with a shuttle to Black Barn Winery. The 16 km trail follows the Tuki Tuki River to Haumoana and Te Awanga, with up to seven wineries on the way and an early stop at Te Mata Estate possible near the start.

The same route is available with an electric bike as a self-guided e-bike winery tour, with a return transfer to Ahuriri or your accommodation. Either way the day runs from 10am to 4pm with a helmet, pannier bag and map included.

Farmers' markets, orchards and local produce

The Hawke's Bay Farmers' Market in Hastings runs every Sunday morning, selling handmade cheeses, fresh produce and artisan meat. Orchards surround Hastings, and in summer roadside stalls sell pipfruit and other fresh produce. Figs and feijoas are the regional specialities worth looking for.

Planning a food and wine day

Napier and Hastings are a 20-minute drive apart, so either works as a base for a day of tasting. Winery days pair well with a morning on the coast: Hawke's Bay tours reach the Cape Kidnappers gannet colony from September to early May.

Frequently asked questions

What wine is Hawke's Bay known for?

Hawke's Bay is known for red wines such as merlot, syrah and cabernet sauvignon, and for chardonnay. The Gimblett Gravels district is the best-known source of the region's reds.

Can you cycle between wineries in Hawke's Bay?

Yes. Nearly 200 km of flat, mostly off-road trails link Hawke's Bay's cellar doors, and the self-guided Cape Coast winery ride follows a 16 km limestone trail along the Tuki Tuki River to the coast with up to seven wineries on the route.

Where do the Hawke's Bay winery bike rides start?

The self-guided winery bike rides start at 9 Nelson Quay in Ahuriri, Napier, or with a pick-up from your accommodation. A shuttle then takes riders to Black Barn Winery, where the ride begins, and the day finishes at 4pm.

When is the Hawke's Bay Farmers' Market on?

The Hawke's Bay Farmers' Market in Hastings runs every Sunday morning, with handmade cheeses, fresh produce and artisan meat on sale.

Where can you eat lunch at a Hawke's Bay winery?

Elephant Hill, Clearview Estate and Te Awanga Estate on the Hawke's Bay coast all serve wine with lunch, and they sit on the route of the Cape Coast winery bike rides.

What should you bring on a Hawke's Bay winery bike ride?

For a Hawke's Bay winery bike ride, wear comfortable clothing and enclosed shoes, and pack sunscreen, swimmers and water. The helmet, pannier bag and map are supplied.

Hawke's Bay food and drinks reward an unhurried day: one district for the tastings, a long lunch at a cellar door and a ride or a drive back to Napier.