Tailor-made Hawke Bay and Wine Country Travel Experiences -

Elongated and gently curved, Hawke Bay in the North Island’s north west is not only exceedingly beautiful but its hinterland has also acquired a brilliant reputation as one of New Zealand’s principal wine-growing region. First and foremost, it is the mild climate and the many hours of sunshine that favour first-rate grapes and apples. Some of the country’s finest, the wines produced in the Hawke Bay Wine Country can easily compete with international gourmet wines. Idyllic country manor houses have their doors wide open and welcome you to a gourmet lunch or a spot of wine tasting. Lean back and enjoy both the scenic countryside and its delicious produce. Should you be so fortunate as to be visiting during the harvest seasons, you are invited to observe the entire process from grape to bottled treasure. Sip a sweet, fresh wine that is still fermenting and learn more about the age-old art of producing quality wine. Clocks run at a different speed in the Wine Country – life is slower, in tune with the growing grapes and wonderfully old-fashioned. It has only been in the last few years that tourism started to pick up, fortunately, without affecting the serene peace and quiet. Far from the hectic bustle of modern life, a visit to the Hawke Bay Wine Country means changing down a couple of gears, falling into the slow trot of the locals while indulging in finest wines and delicious food. Stay for a night or two – preferably at one of the romantic vineyard lodges. A wonderful day may be spent strolling the vineyards, with a bit of sampling at every other winery. Alternatively, visit Napier, which has been termed the world’s most beautiful art deco city. A guided art deco city walk takes you past the most remarkable and certainly colourful buildings. A recommendation also goes to the panoramic Cape Kidnappers boasting rugged rocky cliffs that come alive from November to June with thousands of breeding, raucous gannets that are duly studied and photographed by nature enthusiasts. Their calls are extremely far-carrying and the noise increases with every step you take toward the nest site – an inspiring experience. Having enjoyed fine wine and the pristine nature, maybe you are in the mood for a spot of golfing. Hawke Bay offers some magnificent courses, especially the brand-new, multi-million dollar Cape Kidnappers International Golf Course inaugurated in 2004. Having been opened only for a few months, the court already started reaping awards. And, of course, the breathtaking view of the ocean helps… Many other golf clubs in the region certainly also merit a visit. The Hastings Golf Club or the Napier Golf Club are just some of the big names that have earned the Hawke Bay Country such an excellent reputation among golfers. Another option is to experience the culture of the Maori – the Tuhoe tribe welcomes visitors to its village within the Urewera National Park. Or just settle down with a good book, a quiet night and a glass of finest local wine. Welcome to the Hawke Bay Wine Country!

* price per person/week including flight