Things to Do in Hawke’s Bay: 10 Places Worth Leaving the Main Road For 2026

If you search for things to do in Hawke’s Bay, you will quickly find the same familiar names: Napier, wineries, Art Deco buildings and Te Mata Peak.

Yes, they’re worth a visit.

But Hawke’s Bay is much bigger than the attractions that usually appear at the top of a travel list.

It can be the quiet beach, the small town, the country road, waterfalls, cycling trails, or even the scenery of the coast, some of the best experiences can be if you step off the beaten tourist path.

This is the concept behind this guide.

Instead of giving you another generic list of tourist attractions – these are 10 places worth leaving the main road for in Hawke’s bay – including famous places that deserve more time and quieter corners that are easy to miss.

Whether you are planning a Hawke’s Bay road trip, a weekend from Auckland or Wellington, a family holiday or a relaxed getaway for two, this guide will help you see more of the region.

If you’re planning a longer North Island trip, you can also combine Hawke’s Bay with other destinations such as things to do in Taupō with kids and Rotorua, creating a much bigger New Zealand road-trip itinerary.

 Why Hawke’s Bay is worth exploring in 2026

Also called Te Matau-a-Māui, Hawke’s Bay includes much of the North Island’s eastern region. The region includes Napier, Hastings, Havelock North, Central Hawke’s Bay and Wairoa, with landscapes ranging from beaches and vineyards to farmland, hills and rugged coastline.

It is also one of New Zealand’s major food and wine destinations, with more than 200 vineyards, over 70 wineries and more than 30 cellar doors listed by Hawke’s Bay Tourism.

Wine, however, is no exception.

Walking tracks, mountain-bikes, swimming holes, coastal roads, farmers’ markets, Māori history, Art Deco buildings and little towns with a different time.

Hence the greatest places to visit in Hawke’s bay 2026 isn’t simply the biggest signs or the most tour buses.

The best stopping place is the stopping place you almost missed!

Te Mata Peak – go for the view, stay for the landscape

If you have never visited Hawke’s Bay before, Te Mata Peak is one place I wouldn’t skip. But there is a better way to experience it than simply driving to the summit, taking a photograph and leaving. Te Mata Peak is also a good reminder that some of the best New Zealand experiences come from getting outdoors rather than simply visiting city attractions.

Give yourself time to walk.

The higher areas of Te Mata peak open across the Heretaunga plains, vineyards, farmland and surrounding ranges. The peak is included in Hawke’s Bay Tourism’s list of must do experiences, thanks to its all round vistas and walking routes. Weather can certainly make a difference to the experience.

Clear day views appear to be unlimited. It can be so much more dramatic on another cloudy day.

Why visit Te Mata Peak?

• Enjoy panoramic views of Hawke’s Bay
• Walking and hiking
• Photographs taken at the times of the sunrise and sunset
• Easy option for a short visit
• Excellent stop when exploring Havelock North
• Great starting point for a Hawke’s Bay road trip

If you’re looking for unique things to do in Hawke’s Bay, this should be near the top of your list.

Walk a little farther.

The experience changes completely.

Napier – Don’t just see the Art Deco buildings

Many travellers will make their first association with Hawke’s bay to be Napier. The city became famous for its Art Deco architecture after the devastating 1931 earthquake, which destroyed much of the city. Napier was rebuilt using architectural styles popular at the time, creating the distinctive streetscape visitors see today. However, there is a flawed method in many travel plans that is-

Individuals snap a couple of shots of a couple of buildings and proceed onward.
Don’t Walk.
Accessible details, such as those above shop fronts. Go along the main roads. Explore Marine Parade. If time allows head towards Ahuriri.

Napier is a compact city, one especially accessible by the bike or feet. Another easy add-on: Marine Parade. The waterfront promenade runs alongside the Pacific and connects several attractions, cafés and family-friendly places.

If you’re spending a day in the city, consider combining: Things to do in Napier

• History and culture
• Art Deco architecture
• Waterfront walks
• Cafés and restaurants
• Photography
• Family activities
• Cycling

Napier is one of the essential Hawke’s Bay attractions, but it works best when you slow down rather than trying to tick off every sight in two hours.

Havelock north – the slowdown point

Havelock north is frequently used as a convenient starting point for visiting Te Mata peak.

That undersells it.

The town has a unique and authentic feel, featuring boutique shops, local produce, wine, cafes and the surrounding countryside on the doorstep. Hawke’s Bay Tourism calls it “a village at the foot of Te Mata Peak and ideal must stopover point for the Tukituki River valley and area.

If you’re researching things to do in Havelock north – don’t just use the town as a place to sleep.

Spend part of your day here.

Explore the village, stop for lunch, visit nearby gardens or wineries and then continue toward Te Mata Peak. Havelock North is also great for couples as you’re able to enjoy food, wine, scenery and can walk amongst it all with no long drives between the experiences.

A good Havelock North day

Morning → Te Mata Peak

Lunch → Havelock North

Afternoon → winery or garden

Evening → relaxed dinner

That is one of the easiest ways of creating an itinerary for the Hawke’s Bay region without too much sitting in the car to see it all.

Cape Kidnappers – Follow the Coast to the Edge

Cape Kidnappers, Te Kauwae-a-Māui, is one of the most stunning landscapes in Hawke’s Bay.

The really big coastal cliffs are seen from many locations around the region but it’s a completely different experience when you look at them up close and personal.

The area is known for its gannet colony, coastal scenery and walking experiences. Hawke’s Bay Tourism says the view of the gannets is from September to April with walkers expecting to be on the coastal route needing to remain with their heads up on the tides, hazards and current track information. It’s one of Hawke’s Bay’s great things to do that’s more memorable for the ride than the final destination!

As the dusty dust rolls off the road back through Clifton, it is all but silent and the scenery is very different from that of the busy centre, as you head to the Cape Coast.

Important tip: Remember that not all walks to Cape Kidnappers are appropriate at all times.

Check current access, tides and hazards before walking the coastline.

There are also great vantage points around the Cape Coast in terms of viewing only the scenery.

Waimārama and Ocean Beach — Find a Quieter Side of Hawke’s Bay

Napier waterfront is a first thing that springs to most people’s mind when they think of Hawke’s Bay beaches.

But if you have a car, drive farther south.

At Ocean Beach and Waimārama you’ll get a much freer experience along the coastal route. According to Hawke’s Bay Tourism, these beaches to the south are popular for their white sand, and the swimming environment is relatively safe, whilst the surrounding area also has walking, fishing and surfing opportunities.

Waimārama is around 20 minutes from Havelock North, making it an easy addition to a day trip. The drive is a big sights piece. You move away from vineyards and town streets, pass farmland and eventually get that first big view of the ocean.

Why add Waimārama to your trip?

• Long sandy beach
• Family-friendly atmosphere
• Swimming
• Surfing
• Fishing
• Coastal photography
• Easy day trip from Havelock North

Avoid the crowds and instead stay away from your activity list, this is one of the hidden gems of Hawke’s Bay you should slip in!

Ride the Hawke’s Bay Trails Instead of Driving Everywhere

One of the most enjoyable Hawke’s Bay activities is cycling.

The Hawke’s Bay Trails form a network of approximately 200 km of mostly off-road trails connecting more than 50 places across the region. The network includes the Water Ride, Wineries Ride and Landscapes Ride.

It is not necessary to be a top rider.

That is the point.

It is possible to select a small tour, travel by sea, go through orchards or halt for meals.

Cycling is one of the best ways for those travellers to experience Hawke’s Bay more than just through a car window.

It also makes a great alternative for visitors who have already seen the major attractions.

Try this

Instead of:

Drive → attraction → photograph → drive → attraction

try:

Cycle → explore → stop → eat → continue

It’s a game-changer for a Hawke’s Bay holiday.

Maraetotara Falls – a small detour with a big reward

Maraetotara Falls is exactly the kind of place this article is about.

It isn’t necessarily the first attraction you’ll see when searching for places to visit in Hawke’s Bay.

And that’s precisely why I like it.

Located in the Hastings District, the waterfall is reached by a short walk through native bush. Hawke’s Bay Tourism describes the walk from the roadside car park to the falls as taking around 10 minutes. In addition, there is a swimming hole at the bottom.

The waterfall is especially appealing during warmer weather.

Bring a towel.

Bring sensible footwear.

And don’t copy people who jump from the waterfall – the official tourism information specifically warns that jumping is dangerous.

Maraetotara is also close enough to combine with Waimārama, Ocean Beach or Havelock North.

That makes it an excellent little detour on a Hawke’s bay road trip.

Central Hawke’s Bay — Leave the Famous Towns Behind

For a more tranquil viewpoint, continue south through Central Hawke’s Bay.

This is when the voyage begins to deviate from a New Zealand tourist route.

Small towns, farmland, historic buildings, country roads and wide-open landscapes replace the concentration of attractions around Napier and Hastings.

For those who prefer slower roads of travel, visit Waipawa, Waipukurau and Ongaonga.

You won’t necessarily spend an entire day ticking off major attractions.

Instead, you explore.

When you notice something while driving, pull over.

Have lunch.

Take photographs.

Talk to locals.

Take the path, if it sounds intriguing.

That’s the road trip I like, to me.

For those who have already visited the main Hawke’s Bay attractions, Central Hawke’s bay is most useful.

Hawke’s Bay wineries – Don’t Just Visit One Cellar Door

It would be almost impossible to write about things to do in Hawke’s Bay without mentioning wine.

Hawke’s Bay is recognised as a Great Wine Capital and has a huge concentration of vineyards and wineries. The businesses offering tourism information and data for the region point to over 200 vineyards and 30-plus cellar doors and more than 70 wineries.

But take it easy, don’t rush from winery to winery throughout the day.

Choose an area.

Stop at one or two cellar doors.

Have lunch.

Enjoy the landscape.

Then take time to just enjoy where you are.

The Cape Coast around Haumoana and Te Awanga is particularly interesting because beaches, cycling, art and wineries come together in the same area.

Hawke’s Bay wineries are ideal for:

•           Couples

•           Food lovers

•           Wine enthusiasts

•           Scenic road trips

•           Relaxed weekends

•           Special occasions

A winery and a day on the coast are one of the easiest packages to find if you are looking for things to do in Hawke’s bay for couples.

Just remember to plan transport if you’re tasting wine.

10. Wairoa — Take the Longer Road

If you really mean leaving the main road, don’t stop your Hawke’s Bay exploration around Napier and Hastings.

Go north.

Wairoa has a different flavour to the region, offering you more remote landscapes, walking opportunities and wider Wairoa District.

Wairoa is part of Hawke’s Bay Tourism’s list of major attractions, top adventurous activities from a walk to the wilderness, waterfalls to a visit to Māori culture.

People seeking nine attractions in one afternoon won’t find this to be the place.

It’s for those who have time for travel.

Slow down.

Explore.

Go the scenic way!

Let the destination be on the journey.

Travelers and road-trippers who like more unpredictable trips might find Wairoa one of the more exciting additions to a more extended itinerary in Hawke’s Bay.

Things to Do in Hastings

While Napier often gets the attention of the visitor, Hastings deserves its own section.

When planning things to do in Hastings, look beyond the city centre.

The wider Hastings District includes Cape Kidnappers, Haumoana, Te Awanga, Ocean Beach, Waimārama and Maraetotara.

This means that you don’t have to go back to Napier between each stop along the district!

A good Hastings-area day could look like:

Morning: Hastings

Late morning: winery

Lunch: Havelock North or the Cape Coast

Afternoon: Ocean Beach or Waimārama

Late afternoon: Maraetotara Falls

This is also where the Hawke’s bay trails become particularly useful with cycling routes connecting different parts of the Hastings and Napier area.

Things to Do in Hawke’s Bay With Kids

When you’re travelling with children, you’re planning vacation differently.

You need something different so that everyone doesn’t have to stand in silence for an hour.

Fortunately, there are plenty of things to do in Hawke’s Bay with kids.

Consider:

• Te Mata Park
• Hawke’s Bay Trails
• Sands of Waimārama and Ocean Beach.
• Napier waterfront
• Short nature walks
• Maraetotara Falls
• Family-friendly attractions
• Outdoor playgrounds and recreation areas

The region has around 360 kilometres of coastline giving families plenty of choices for swimming, walking, fishing and beach activities.

What you need to do is to not fill up your trip with too many activities.

Pick an active activity for morning, a relaxed activity for afternoon, and allow for breaks and unscheduled stops to eat.

Kids are not so much forgetful about the unexpected part as they are about the things you’ve been planning for for several weeks!

Things to Do in Hawke’s Bay for Couples

Hawke’s bay is unique in this respect in that you can enjoy landscape, cuisine and wine in the same tour without covering great distances.

Some of the best things to do in Hawke’s Bay for couples include:

Choose two or three experiences and enjoy taking time to enjoy it.

Hawke’s Bay Hidden Gems Worth Adding to Your Map

There is no need to make all interesting places known.

Some of the best Hawke’s Bay hidden gems are simply small detours from the major tourist routes.

Look for:

• Maraetotara Falls
• Quiet sections of the Cape Coast
• Central Hawke’s Bay country roads
• Smaller beaches
• Short walking tracks
• Local markets
• Farm-gate experiences
• Less crowded sections of the Hawke’s Bay Trails
• Small town cafés and shops

From farm gates to farmers’ markets, to small towns, beaches and cycling routes, the official regional tourism guide reveals the wide range of experiences in the region.

The true beauty of Hawke’s Bay.

Need not take the most popular path.

A Simple Hawke’s Bay Itinerary

With only two days, don’t go to see everything!

Day 1 — Napier and the coast

Morning: Explore Napier’s Art Deco centre

Late morning: Waterfront

Lunch: Napier

Afternoon: Drive toward Haumoana and Te Awanga

Late afternoon: visit to winery/coastal walk

Evening: Return to Napier

Day 2 — Havelock North and the countryside

Morning: Te Mata Peak

Late morning: Te Mata Park and Redwoods

Lunch: Havelock North

Afternoon: Waimārama or Ocean Beach

Afternoon: Maraetotara Falls was the place to visit.

In the evening, cross back over the countryside

When you have three or four days discard the notion of squeezing too much into each day and instead introduce Central Hawke’s Bay or Wairoa.

Which is the best time to visit Hawke’s Bay?

Hawke’s Bay is one of those places that can run all year round.

Summer

Best for beaches, cycling, swimming, outdoor dining and long daylight hours.

Autumn

Excellent for vineyards, changing colours and comfortable road trips.

Winter

A quieter time to explore Napier, cafés, food, wineries and indoor attractions.

Spring

Great for gardens, outdoor walks and the return of gannet viewing around Cape Kidnappers.

For those coming out to see Cape Kidnappers gannets, the best seasons to see the big colony are normally from September through April.

 How Many Days Do You Need in Hawke’s Bay?

After two days, if you just want a quick introduction, you can see Napier, Te Mata Peak, Havelock North and some of the coast.

If you prefer a trip with less rigor, 3 to 4 days would be suggested.

That allows time for you to:

•  Napier
•  Hastings
•  Havelock North
•  Te Mata Peak
•  Hawke’s Bay wineries
•  Hawke’s Bay beaches
•  Hawke’s Bay Trails
•  Cape Coast
•  Central Hawke’s Bay or Wairoa
• When you have a week, you can explore the area a lot more than you can the popular sights of the area.

 Is Hawke’s Bay Worth Visiting?

Absolutely.

Don’t visit here looking for a place where it’s all focused in one place.

The real appeal is the variety.

You can have coffee in Napier in the morning, stand on top of Te Mata Peak before lunch, drink wine among the vineyards in the afternoon and watch the sunset beside the Pacific.

The following day, you can leave the cities completely and drive through countryside, discover a waterfall or follow a road you’ve never heard of.

Hence my opinion that the best of things to do in Hawke’s Bay are not necessarily the ones with ‘massive Signs’.

They are the things that make you experience a slow-down.

 Final thoughts: Leave the main road

There are plenty of attractions to be found in Hawke’s Bay.

Visit them.

However, that is not quite enough.

Go along the road to Waimārama.

Instead of passing through Havelock North, explore it.

Walk, run or bike instead of drive.

Reflect at Maraetotara Falls.

Take some time to visit Central Hawke’s Bay.

Keep traveling further north to Wairoa.

If you notice a small road that looks cool, don’t go on at times.

The things you can learn from travel out of the ordinary are often the ones that bring the best memories forward.

Sometimes they just lie a few kilometres away.

That’s the Hawke’s Bay I would choose to explore.

 Quick FAQ: Things to Do in Hawke’s Bay