Find adventure with accommodation in Hawke’s Bay

Located on North Island, Hawke’s Bay is a vast region of pristine beaches and award-winning wineries. You’ll find a little bit of everything in Hawke’s Bay, from fun in the water to coastal hikes to wine tours to cultural attractions. Many of the cities in Hawke’s Bay offer their own brand of charm and appeal, whether you like arts and culture or outdoor adventure. You’ll also find cities with attractions and experiences specifically for kids, so the whole family can make lasting memories. Find out more about the best places to book accommodation in Hawke’s Bay and what you can see and do for an unforgettable holiday.

Best places to stay in Hawke’s Bay

Hawke’s Bay has many incredible cities and communities that offer exciting attractions and activities for families, couples and solo travellers. You’ll find hotels, holiday homes, beach baches and other accommodation options in Hawke’s Bay’s best destinations for fun and adventure. Learn more about the best places to stay in Hawke’s Bay.

Napier for family activities

Boasting restored art deco buildings, local wineries and wildlife experiences for the whole family, Napier is one of the best places for a family trip in Hawke’s Bay. You could take tours of the area to see the art deco churches, commercial spaces and homes, or take a guided walk to learn more about the history of the area. You’ll also have plenty of wineries to visit to sample award-winning pinots and syrah. If you have the kids, the Cape Kidnappers gannet colony is a fascinating experience. Kids will also like the National Aquarium of New Zealand, an intriguing aquarium with marine life and shorebirds on display in naturalistic habitats. You’ll find a variety of accommodation options in Napier that keep you close to all the attractions, whether you’re looking for a family-friendly holiday home or a romantic bach.

Hastings District for culinary tours and romance

Home to over 70 wineries, Hastings District is a great destination for a couple’s retreat. The urban hub is filled with fruit orchards, wineries and vineyards, gourmet restaurants and vibrant city streets with artisan foods and boutique shopping. You’ll also have an opportunity to explore the outdoors in Hastings District at the local beaches and wilderness areas like Cape Kidnappers and Te Mata Peak. Plenty of romantic holiday homes and baches can be found in and around the Hastings District for a private and intimate stay, all close to the attractions of the district. A romantic cottage is the perfect choice for a couple or a smaller family and includes amenities like riverfront access, bikes and cycling trails and proximity to local wineries.

Central Hawke’s Bay District for outdoor adventure

Central Hawke’s Bay District is a hub of beach areas, fishing and diving excursions, watersports and historic tours. You’ll find natural wonders like the Ruahine Ranges and numerous walking tracks, 6 beaches for sunbathing and watersports, the Te Angiangi Marine Reserve for diving and snorkelling and the town of Waipukurau for shopping and dining. You’ll find plenty of outdoor fun for kids as well, no matter how young. You can book accommodation all over Central Hawke’s Bay to stay close to the beach, wilderness or cities, so you can make the most of the experience. A family bach on the waterfront offers safe seas for the kids to swim, rock pools to explore, excellent snorkelling at low tide and a wide, sandy beach for beachcombing.

Attractions in Hawke’s Bay

From rich Maori culture to adventures in the environment, the Hawke’s Bay region has an abundance of diverse experiences and activities for a memorable holiday. Whether you want romance, family fun or thrills, learn more about the attractions in Hawke’s Bay.

Food and wine for romance

Hawke’s Bay is home to some of the most renowned wines in all of New Zealand. You can self-tour the region along food and wine trails to sample from the best wineries and restaurants or take a tasting tour to visit a collection of wineries and dine at onsite restaurants. Hawke’s Bay also has cycling tours on trails to visit the wineries and stop at traditional farmers’ markets. Other food and drink highlights of the region include orchard, honey, cheese, chocolate and farm tours, which include livestock experiences for the kids.

History and culture for families

Along with the art deco influences and the remnants of a catastrophic earthquake in the 1930s, Hawke’s Bay boasts a rich Maori heritage. You can take a tour with an experienced guide to learn all about the Maori heritage and traditions in the area. Eco-cultural tours are a great way to experience the hunter-gatherer lifestyle and sample modern Maori cuisine and culture with the family. Many art galleries in the region feature works from Maori artists, including the Museum Theatre Gallery.

Thrills and adventure for adventurers

With its varied landscape and incredible coastline, Hawke’s Bay is a haven for outdoor adventurers. You’ll find adventures on land and sea, such as kayaking on the Tukituki River with the kids or rafting the rapids of the Mohaka River through canyons and gorges. You could also spend time on land with cycling trails, oceanfront golf and mountain bike parks. Another fun family experience is a hot air balloon tour over the landscape.