This region is famous for it's wine, and rightly so, every glass we tried was delicious. You could spend an entire week just visiting the vineyards and sampling local delights, but there's more to Hawkes Bay than that. With beautiful beaches, waterfalls you can swim in, and some excellent hiking and cycle trails, it's a great place to get outdoors.
We wish we could have spent longer here, but here are our thoughts on 7 of the best things to do in Hawkes Bay.
The 7 best things to do in Hawkes Bay
These are the 7 best things to do in Hawkes Bay:
Sunrise at Ocean Beach
Waimarama Beach
Maretotara Falls
The Big Redwood Forest
Te Mata Peak
Wine tasting
The Lake Waikaremoana Track
1. Catch a Sunrise at Ocean Beach
There's something extremely special about watching the sun rise up from the ocean.
It's always a struggle when the alarm goes off to get up and out for a sunrise, but we are so glad we did for this one at Ocean beach. The colours were mesmerising, and the view stunning in every direction. There wasn't anyone else around so we had the whole gorgeous scene to ourselves.
2. Relax at Waimarama Beach
If you're looking for some beach time you can't go past Waimarama beach. It seemed to stretch for miles and there was hardly anyone else around. Great for a dip, a stroll or simply to sit and watch the rolling waves.
3. Take a dip at Maretotara Falls
I'm not going to lie, the water is cool to say the least, but it was definitely invigorating. It's a gorgeous spot, just a five minute walk from the car park.
Going pretty early in the morning will likely ensure that you have the whole pool to yourself. It was a magical spot to spend the morning.
4. Take a walk amongst giants at The Big Redwood Forest
There is just something about spending time amongst these gigantic trees that feels very special. They seem to rise right into the heavens. It's a truly wonderful spot to get out into nature.
The trees can be accessed on the Redwood circuit walk at Te Mata Park. It's an easy 2.7km trail from Te Mata Park Main Gates Car Park, a high reward for such little effort.
5. Hiking up Te Mata Peak
This walk really blew us away. I had been feeling a little sluggish 8 weeks into our 9 Great Walks of New Zealand in 9 weeks challenge, but the views on this track really blew me away. I was so glad we made the effort to do it. We walked the 5.4km Giants Circuit (elevation 357m) and it wound it's way around the peak, through beautiful forest, and then up to the summit of Te Mata.
The final climb is fairly steep, but the views are so extraordinary that you could be forgiven for stopping multiple times. It's now one of our favourite day walks in New Zealand.
If you don't feel like hiking you can drive to the peak for some incredible views. We'd recommend coming for sunset to get some truly spectacular photos.
6. Go Wine Tasting
So this is what the area is famous for and I think you could spend a week sampling the local delights. There are so many wineries that deserve a mention but we particularly enjoyed Black Barn Vineyards.
The wine tasting is complimentary and all were delicious. There is also a gorgeous restaurant at the back, where you can sit under a canopy of vines. Bliss on a warm day. There are plenty of other vineyards nearby if you want to sample several, the view from Craggy Range Winery was incredible!
The vineyard at Black Barn Vineyard
7. Hike the Lake Waikaremoana Track, one of the nine Great Walks of New Zealand
If you are looking for the quietest of the nine Great Walks of New Zealand then you have found it in Lake Waikaremoana. We have been lucky enough to hike all nine and we barely saw another soul on this track. The lake itself is particularly pretty on a sunny day and the walk provides plenty of spectacular views.
The forest is some of the most beautiful we have walked in and it feels like you've been given a starring role in The Lord of the Rings. Whilst the entire trail is 46km, you can use the water taxi services to access parts as shorter day hikes if you prefer.
Or take a full day hike up to Panekire Bluff (18km return) and check out the view from Bald Knob, you won't even need a water taxi for this one, as you can drive right up to the trail head.
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Are you planning on a trip to New Zealand? Would you go to Hawkes Bay? Let us know in the comments below!
