Top Picks

WINE - ARTISAN FOOD - CULTURE - GIN - CRAFT BEER - IT'S ALL HERE, TAKE YOUR PICK!

Hawke’s Bay is of course most well known for it’s wine, but there is so much more to discover.  Check out our top picks!

East Block 200 – Hawke’s Bay hottest new block – Award winning craft gin at Hastings Gin Distillery, Sazio for authentic Italian pasta, Ya Bon & Cupple for the finest French-made pastries and coffee under one roof, indulge in natural, plant based hand & body products at Real World or enjoy a craft beer at Brave your friendly neighbourhood brewery.

Craggy Range – Craggy Range Winery, beneath the majestic Te Mata Peak, is one of New Zealand’s premium wineries, producing world class wines.  Take a seat and enjoy the view while savoring a glass of award winning wine accompanied by their Vineyard Platter … you won’t want to leave.

Elephant Hill – Stylish, warm and inviting, Elephant Hill is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy delicious food and stunning wines whilst taking in breathtaking views over the Pacific Ocean and vineyard.

Smith & Sheth – Heretaunga Wine Studio – Truly a one-of-a-kind wine tasting experience.  The Heretaunga Wine Studio offers a private, sensory journey exploring major winegrowing regions across New Zealand in their intimate barrel hall and theatre.  Guided by your own personal Sommelier and storyteller, you’ll be taken on an exploration of three New Zealand wine regions sampling limited production wine from their family of fine wine estates: Smith & Sheth, Pyramid Valley and Lowburn Ferry.

Church Road – One of Hawke’s Bay’s most awarded wineries and offers a complete winery experience.  Showcasing the best of Hawke’s Bay, treat yourself to a tasting of our highly accoladed Grand Reserve Range.

Cellar 495 – Cellar 495 is an urban tasting room, all led by the worlds 495th Master of Wine, Michael Henley.  Each wine has been selected for it ability to please and inspire, and Michael is behind the bar to share the stories that make the experience memorable.

Urban Winery – The home of Tony Bish Wines and located in the historic National Tobacco Company Art Deco building.  The winery features spectacular egg shaped concrete and French oak fermenters. The perfect stop for Chardonnay lovers.

Birdwoods Gallery/Cafe – A very special place in the heart of beautiful Hawke’s Bay.  Just 3km from Havelock North village, Birdwoods is a ‘must see’ for visitors and  perfect spot for families to visit.  Wander through the extensive sculpture garden and admire the wide range of traditional & contemporary art while enjoying Devonshire Tea.

Local Produce & Artisan Products

Black Barn Growers Market (Saturday) – Under a big ring of Plane trees the canvas covered market has its own place nestled in the heart of the vineyard.

Hastings Farmers Market (Sunday) – Meet the growers and producers as you wander at your leisure around this traditional farmers’ market, discovering the diverse range of fresh produce and genuine artisan products grown and produced in Hawke’s Bay.

Something for everyone!

Become absorbed in the vibrant world of Hawke’s Bay culture and gifted artists in their studios.

Hawke’s Bay has a wealth of natural attractions, the diversity of our outdoor experiences means there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Known as “The Fruit Bowl of New Zealand”, Hawke’s Bay is one of the main producers of stone fruit.  Try a real berry ice-cream or fruit picking (PYO) in summer, specialties are raspberries, strawberries and blueberries from the farm.