Hawke's Bay has a particular quality of light. It arrives early in the morning, golden and clear, illuminating rows of vines that stretch from the foothills of Te Mata Peak to the coast. This is New Zealand's wine country at its most refined — a sun-drenched arc of rivers, beaches, and vineyards that has been producing world-class wine since the 1850s.
The Wine Region
Hawke's Bay is New Zealand's second-largest wine region and its most decorated for red wines. The Gimblett Gravels sub-region — a distinctive area of free-draining, heat-retaining alluvial gravel soils — produces some of the country's finest Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. The region's warm, dry climate and long growing season allow grapes to ripen fully without the racing acidity that characterises cooler New Zealand wine regions.
Signature Varieties
- Syrah — Hawke's Bay Syrah is widely regarded as the finest in New Zealand, combining the peppery complexity of Northern Rhône with a distinctly New World fruit generosity
- Chardonnay — rich, textured, and oak-influenced — a world away from the lean Marlborough style
- Bordeaux blends — Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant blends from the Gimblett Gravels are age-worthy and internationally recognised
The Best Wineries to Visit
Craggy Range
Set against the dramatic backdrop of Te Mata Peak, Craggy Range is Hawke's Bay's most visually striking winery. The estate produces single-vineyard wines of exceptional quality and the tasting room — designed to frame views of the peak — is one of the finest in New Zealand. The Terroir restaurant, situated within the winery, delivers a farm-to-table experience that complements the wines perfectly.
Elephant Hill
Perched above Cape Kidnappers on the coastal side of the region, Elephant Hill combines ocean views with an architectural aesthetic that feels genuinely European. The winery is known for its Syrah and Chardonnay, and the restaurant produces food of consistent excellence. The cellar door experience is unhurried and genuinely educational.
Black Barn
Black Barn operates as a full lifestyle estate — winery, bistro, amphitheatre, and accommodation. Its Saturday farmers' market is one of the finest in New Zealand, showcasing regional produce from across the Bay. The Bistro's seasonal menu changes weekly to reflect what's available from local growers and fishermen.
Church Road
New Zealand's oldest operating winery, Church Road has been producing wine in Hawke's Bay since 1897. The estate's museum, housed in the original winery building, traces the history of New Zealand winemaking through artefacts and a remarkable vertical library of old vintages.
Beyond Wine: The Culinary Scene
Hawke's Bay's food culture has kept pace with its wines. The region produces stone fruit, vegetables, olive oil, honey, and lamb of exceptional quality, and a network of restaurants, farmers' markets, and artisan producers has grown up around this agricultural abundance.
Te Mata Peak
Standing 399 metres above the coastal plains, Te Mata Peak offers the most dramatic viewpoint in Hawke's Bay. On a clear day, the panorama extends from the ocean to the Kaweka Ranges, with the patchwork of vineyards, orchards, and farms stretching out below. The short summit walk takes around 20 minutes from the car park.
Napier: Art Deco Capital
The city of Napier — Hawke's Bay's main urban centre — was devastated by the 1931 Hawke's Bay earthquake and rebuilt almost entirely in the Art Deco style, creating one of the world's most intact collections of 1930s architecture. The city's marine parade, boutique shopping, and dining precinct make it one of the most pleasant cities to spend time in on the North Island.
Touring Hawke's Bay with Elite New Zealand
Elite New Zealand offers three distinct Hawke's Bay experiences — the Hawke's Bay Highlights scenic tour, the Wine and Culinary Indulgence full-day winery tour, and the Farm, Food and Wine Discovery. All are private, door-to-door, and operated in luxury vehicles. Because your driver handles everything, there is no need for a designated non-drinker — every member of your group can fully participate in every tasting.