1. Cycle the Many Hawke’s Bay Trails
Hawke’s Bay offers both challenging and very easy cycle trails. On the easy end of the spectrum enjoy the Water Ride, Landscape Ride and even the Wineries Ride, all outlined in our guide to Mountain Biking in Hawke’s Bay. There’s also The Big Easy cycle event that takes place annually around Easter that anyone of any fitness level can take part in.
2. Catch One of the Hawke’s Bay Summer Events
Hawke’s Bay is teeming with events every summer with the wineries hosting music festivals to all sorts of sporting events. A hot annual favourite is the Art Deco Festival every February with outdoor concerts, vintage car parades, fashions shows, dining experiences, Great Gatsby picnics and more. Experience culinary magic at the annual 10-day F.A.W.C! (Food and Wine Classic) in January/February or at Beer Appreciation Day in March.
3. Golf at Cape Kidnappers
Ranked as one of the top 40 best golf courses in the world, Cape Kidnappers Golf Course is a must-visit for anyone that has any interest in golf. The scenery is simply breathtaking and the course is quite challenging.
For those that cannot afford this kind of luxury, Hawke’s Bay is home to over 20 other golf courses that will be more affordable and make for a great day out.
4. Walk and Hike in the Wilderness
The Hawke’s Bay hiking tracks are, in most cases, easy to access and very well maintained. One of the biggest magnets is the Lake Waikaremoana Track, one of the 10 New Zealand Great Walks. Some of the other areas worth exploring are the Ruahine Ranges, the Maungaharuru Range and, of course, the spectacular Sunrise Track in central Hawke’s Bay.
5. Raft the Mohaka River
The river offers all levels of rafting from grade 2 for kayaks to the grade 4/5 for an intense rafting session. This is a great spot to raft away from the crowds of other North Island locations in a place that feels untouched when rafted through. Pick one of the longest riding options to be challenged in the most spectacular gorges of the North Island. White water rafting trips are available with Mohaka Rafting.
6. Relax on Pristine Beaches
The Hawke’s Bay coastline is dotted with what seems to be hundreds of tiny beaches most of which are totally safe to swim in, while others have decent surfing waves. Some are more popular than others like Ocean Beach north of Hastings. There are great camping options on several beaches like Porangahau, Pourerere and Kairakau Beach.
7. Ride a Horse in the Countryside
The picturesque region begs to be explored by any means possible. You’ve hiked, you’ve biked, now it’s time to horse trek. Most rides are done in very very small groups, which will open the door to a great personal experience and some really fun times like riding in the water! Horse riding in Hawke’s Bay is available with Mohaka River Farm, Boutique Horse Treks and Out on a Lim.
8. Sample Hawke’s Bay Wines…
Relaxing among the vines with a wine in hand is a classic way to spend summer in Hawke’s Bay. Hawke’s Bay is New Zealand’s oldest wine region, presenting a diverse range of varietals to try and tours to experience. Either visit them independently by following the 10 Best Wineries in Hawke’s Bay or let someone else worry about the driving and guiding on a wine tour with Prinsy’s Tours, Vines and Views Tours, Hawkes Bay Scenic Tour or Bay Tours and Charters.
9. … Or Work in a Vineyard as the Ultimate Hawke’s Bay Summer Job
Because every backpacker and working holidaymaker is on a tight budget, you’ll probably have to get working at some point. But working does not have to be a struggle in a city. What about working in a stunning vineyard surrounded by spectacular mountain ranges? You’ll learn how to create the liquid gold otherwise known as the award-winning Hawke’s Bay wines!
10. Check Out the Hawke’s Bay Farmers Market
One of the biggest summer events in Hawke’s Bay every week is the Hawke’s Bay Farmers Market. The market can be found in Hastings every Sunday morning. There’s nothing like sitting down with a real fruit ice cream, mingling with the locals and listening to live music. Get lots of free tastings and pick up some souvenirs from New Zealand.
Article by nzpocketguide.com
