The Ultimate One-Day Hawkes Bay Itinerary
One day in Hawkes bay offers endless opportunities for both relaxing and exploring, whilst taking in as much of Hawkes bays beautiful scenery as possible. It is easy and quick to travel from place to place in the bay, meaning you are able to experience a lot of Hawkes bay in just one day. Wine and dine in award winning wineries and restaurants, visit the historic art-deco city, relax in the sunshine, get lost in the stunning beach and hill landscapes – A day in the Hawkes Bay is a day you won’t forget quickly.
A great place to start a day in the bay is exploring the Hawkes Bays Iconic Art Deco City, Napier, which is a must see for visitors to the bay. Nestled throughout Napier are great café’s and restaurants. We recommend Starting your day with a fabulous breakfast from local favorite ‘Milk and Honey’. Located on the shores of Ahuriri point just over 5 minutes from the Napier CBD. Enjoy breakfast whilst taking in the sea air and views. You could even start your day earlier with a stroll along the Ahuriri Coastal board walk before breakfast.
After Breakfast in Ahuriri head into Napier CBD to join in on the 10 AM guided Art Deco Walking Tour. On the tour you will learn about the fascinating history of this city and how it has changed since the devastating 1931 earthquake. Napier’s rebuild after the Earthquake means it is one of the most recognized art deco cities in the world. This walking tour will give you a closer look at Napier’s thriving Art Deco Culture and transport you back to the thriving thirties.
After the tour make the journey from Napier into the Havelock North Village, which is a twenty-minute drive from Napier. Here you can partake in Havelock’s thriving café culture for bite of lunch and a guaranteed well-made coffee. We recommend Hawthorne’s Coffee Roastery, where the coffee is roasted fresh on site. Havelock’s boutique style shopping is also likely to tempt you. Otherwise if you have the time head up the famous Te Mata Peak to see some stunning panoramic views of Hawkes Bay.
After lunch make your way from Havelock North out to Te Awanga, to the Gannet Safaris Overland Depot. Here you can join the 1:30pm afternoon tour that takes you from the coast to the world’s largest most accessible Gannett colony. This three-hour, 4X4 Safari experience will take you through the private Cape Kidnappers nature sanctuary to the Gannet Colony, where you are able to get up close with these winged wonders. Be sure to bring your camera as the views of the superb coastline and birds are must captures. A visit to the bay wouldn’t be complete without seeing the magnificent Gannets and the picturesque landscapes of Cape Kidnappers.
Elephant Hill Winery is just a few minutes down the road from Gannet Safaris Overland Depot, so after your tour unwind from your day with a wine tasting and/or a delicious dinner at this beautiful winery. You can sit inside or outside and enjoy fine dining and beautiful Hawkes Bay wine whilst taking in vineyard and Seaview’s.
If you are looking for a place to stay for the night the contemporary and tranquil Te Awanga Cottages are very conveniently located just a few minutes from Gannet Safaris Overland and Elephant Hill Winery. Alternatively, Clifton Glamping offers a luxurious five-star glamping experience in the hills of the beautiful Clifton Station, a 6th Generation Family Farm. Here you can enjoy your own private glamping get-away. Clifton Glamping is also conveniently located only a few minutes away from Gannet Safaris Overland and Elephant Hill Winery.
