East Coast and the Volcanic Zone
We’ve compiled the best of the best in East Coast and the Volcanic Zone - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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1. Craggy Range Winery
Situated by a small lake with the towering Te Mata Peak beyond, this vineyard has a stellar backdrop. The wines include single-varietal chardonnay, merlot, and syrah; a predominantly merlot blend called Sophia; and a pinot noir dubbed Aroha. You can sample wines at the cellar door; leave time to linger over a meal at Terroir, a French-inspired restaurant overlooking the lake.
253 Waimarama Rd., Havelock North, Hawke's Bay, 4294, New Zealand64-06-873–7126Sight Details
Rate Includes: Tastings NZ$10 (refundable with purchase of bottle) -
2. Esk Valley Estate Winery
Winemaker Gordon Russell produces merlot, syrah, and blends with cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc, and malbec in various combinations, including a rare and expensive red simply called The Terraces. White varieties include chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, riesling, verdelho, chenin blanc, and pinot gris. Look for the Winemakers Reserve versions of chardonnay, syrah, and merlot-malbec blend to find out what he has done with the best grapes from given years. The vineyard's position, in a sheltered valley overlooking the Pacific, ensures it captures full sun; it's located 12 km (8 miles) north of Napier, just north of the town of Bay View before Highways 2 and 5 split.
745 Main Rd., Bay View, Hawke's Bay, 4149, New Zealand64-06-872–7430Sight Details
Rate Includes: NZ$20 for a four-wine tasting., Closed Sun. and Mon. -
3. Mission Estate Winery
Surrounded by gardens, this classic winery—the country's oldest and set up by Catholic missionaries—stands in the Taradale hills overlooking Napier. Dating back to 1851, it deserves to be added to your "must-see" list. Award-winning wines, including the Mission Jewelstone range, can be bought or tasted at the cellar door. Learn more about the mission's history by joining one of the twice-daily tours, or order a meal in the on-site restaurant, which serves lunch and dinner daily (take a seat on the terrace for a terrific view of the vineyard and Napier). Also check out the website—the winery occasionally hosts concerts by big-name performers.
198 Church Rd., Taradale, Hawke's Bay, 4112, New Zealand64-06-845–9350Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free -
4. Te Mata Estate
This is one of New Zealand's oldest and best family-owned wineries. Coleraine, a rich but elegant cabernet–merlot blend named after the much-photographed home of the owner, John Buck, is considered the archetypal Hawke's Bay red. Bullnose syrah, Elston chardonnay, and Cape Crest sauvignon blanc show similar restraint and balance. If there's any Zara viognier open (it's made only in tiny quantities), try it—it's excellent.
349 Te Mata Rd., Havelock North, Hawke's Bay, 4257, New Zealand64-06-877–4399Sight Details
Rate Includes: Tastings NZ$8 -
5. Cape Kidnappers
This outstanding spot is believed to be the only mainland gannet sanctuary in existence. It was named by Captain James Cook after local Māori tried to kidnap the servant of his Tahitian interpreter, Tupaia. Gannets—large white seabirds with black-tipped flight feathers, a golden crown, and a wingspan that can reach 6 feet—generally nest only on remote islands. But between October and April, thousands of them build their nests here, hatch their young, and prepare them for their long migratory flight. Watching them dive for their dinner is particularly impressive: when the birds find a shoal of fish, they fold their wings and plunge straight into the sea at tremendous speed. You can walk to the sanctuary along the beach from Clifton, but check with the i-Site first—from time to time rock fall makes the walk dangerous, and you can't go at high tide. Clifton is about 24 km (15 miles) south of Napier. The 8-km (5-mile) walk must begin no earlier than three hours after the high-tide mark, and the return journey must begin no later than four hours before the next high tide. Tidal information is available at area i-SITE Visitor Information Centres. A rest hut with refreshments is near the colony.
468 Clifton Rd., Hawke's Bay, 4172, New Zealand64-6-834–3111 -
Recommended Fodor’s Video
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6. Elephant Hill Estate & Winery
Blending contemporary architecture with the traditional aspect of wine making, this stunning estate overlooks jagged rows of vines with expansive views from the terrace taking in the ocean and Cape Kidnappers. Sip a glass of wine in the sunken lounge, or enjoy a meal in the ultramodern dining room—it's an unforgettable experience. You can also stay in the winery's boutique accommodation.
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7. Hastings
Napier's twin city doesn't have the same concentrated architectural interest as Napier. But the 1931 earthquake also did a great deal of damage here, and buildings in its center exhibit similar art deco flourishes. The Westerman's Building, on the corner of Russell and Heretaunga, is one prime example; it now houses the town’s i-SITE center. Hastings is 18 km (11 miles) south of Napier, down Highway 2.
Hastings, Hawke's Bay, 4122, New Zealand -
8. Hawke's Bay Farmers' Market
For picnic supplies, visit the Hawke's Bay Farmers' Market. It's held at the A&P Showgrounds on Sunday from 8:30 to 12:30. Local products include handmade cheese, breads, ice cream, and fruit. This is also a good place to people-watch.
Kenilworth Rd., Hastings, Hawke's Bay, 4156, New Zealand64-027-697--3737 -
9. Moana Park
At this boutique producer, specific wine styles are selected and handcrafted from each vintage, based on its Gimblett Gravels and Dartmoor Valley vineyards. All grapes are grown on either organic or sustainable sites and are vegan approved. Platters of local produce are available; you're also welcome to bring along a picnic as there are plenty of tables on the lovely grounds.
530 Puketapu Rd., Taradale, Hawke's Bay, 4183, New Zealand64-06-844–8269Sight Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.--Wed. -
10. Te Mata Peak
It's possible to gaze across the plains to Napier and the rumpled hills beyond from this famed local viewpoint. The summit is a 15-minute (signposted) drive along Te Mata Peak Road from the village of Havelock North.
Te Mata Peak Rd., Havelock North, Hawke's Bay, 4257, New Zealand
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