| |
New Zealand > EastLand
 From
East Cape in the north, Eastland includes Gisborne and Poverty bay, Hawkes Bay
with the cities of Napier and Hastings, and extends south to Cook Straight.
The region is an abundant haven with fertile plains
nestled between rugged hills and the ocean. A wide variety of crops are
grown on the plains, and as you drive through them you’ll see pip-fruit
orchards, vineyards, olive groves and market gardens. It’s
unsurprising, then, that this region leads New Zealand in wine and food.
It’s also a wildlife playground with rivers to fish, native bush to
explore and beaches to surf.
Some of New Zealand’s finest wines are produced in
Hawkes Bay from the locally grown grapes. The area’s specialty is
excellent red wines, especially Merlots and Syrahs, but some interesting
Chardonnays are also produced. Over 30 wineries are located on the
Hawkes Bay plains, so an afternoon can easily be filled up by following
a wine trail. Organised tours are offered (visit the visitor’s
information centre in either Napier or Hastings for more information on
these), or simply jump in a car and go on your own tour (but remember to
bring a sober driver!). As well as offering wine tasting and sales,
many wineries also have cafes or restaurants on site.
The oldest winery in the country, Mission Wines, is
located in Hawkes Bay. It was established in 1851 by French
missionaries who made the wine to celebrate Mass. As well as boasting a
rich heritage and producing fine wines, the vineyard is the venue for
the Mission Concert a concert held in February each year featuring
some of the world’s leading performers. Previous performers have
included the Beach Boys, Shirley Bassey and Cliff Richard.
 Cape Kidnappers 21km south of Napier is home to one
of the largest gannet colonies in the world, with more than 5000
breeding pairs. As gannets usually nest on isolated islands, this is
truly a rare opportunity to observe these remarkable and graceful birds
in their natural habitat. For those looking to get out into
nature, the colony is most easily accessible by Gannet Tour, to do
it yourself requires an 8km beach walk under the breath-taking seaside
cliffs while the tide is low. (you must leave as the tide begins to
recede and plane so as not to get trapped on the incoming tide)
The Wairoa area in the north of Hawke Bay provides
ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. The region
is particularly renowned for its trout fishing, with a variety of
fishing spots, from river rapids to the spectacular Lake Waikaremoana.
The unspoiled native bush surrounding Lake Waikaremoana is wonderful for
exploring along one of the many bush walks. There are some beautiful
spots for picnics both beside the lake and in the bush.
If you really want to relax and unwind, the Morere
Hot Springs, 40km Northeast of the Wairoa township, are ideal. Set in
one of the last remaining areas of lowland rainforest in New Zealand,
they are the ultimate in blissful relaxation. There are 8 different
pools, ranging in temperature from cold to very hot. The children’s
playground and coin-operated barbecues make Morere Hot Springs an ideal
family destination. Or for a romantic getaway, you can hire one of the
private pools to soak in with someone special.
 Mahia Peninsula, on the northern coast of Hawkes Bay
features wide, golden-sanded beaches alongside dramatic cliff faces. It
has some of the best surfing beaches in New Zealand, delivering
consistently high-quality waves throughout the year and in almost all
weather conditions. Because of the shape of the peninsula, Mahia offers
a range of surf conditions, from easy breaks for beginners, to big
powerful waves for more experienced surfers.
If you want to avoid staying in the metropolitan
Napier and Hastings while visiting Hawkes Bay, the many small towns
dotted throughout the region offer numerous accommodation options.
There are a range of bed & breakfast establishments, motels and lodges.
If you’re looking for something more special, you could try a farmstay
on one of the local farms, or you could hire a private cottage on a
vineyard. The Visitors’ Information Centres in
Napier and Hastings
will be able to provide you with full information on your accommodation
choices.
|
|
|
|
