Itineraries for exploring Hawke's Bay: Food & Wine Country

Discover Food and Wine Country with delicious recipes for your next getaway.

What are the ingredients of the ultimate Kiwi getaway? We reckon there's got to be sun-drenched beaches and rolling vineyards. Perhaps a little adventure, whether that's hiking, or white-water rafting.

At the end of the day a little warm local hospitality never hurts and neither does gourmet food prepared with fresh local produce. There should also be a few cellar doors to pass through and locally vinted wines to sample, or perhaps a fresh craft ale if the weather's hot.

Sound like fun? Check out these six recipes for your next Hawke's Baycation and taste the best of the region.

COUNTRY TO COAST - 2 DAYS

The Country to Coast recipe takes in the best beaches, quaint small towns and luxury rural accommodations of Central Hawke's Bay - the fertile heart of the North Island.

After a day strolling beside the meandering Tukituki River, put your feet up at Wallingford, a charming heritage homestay hosted by Jeanette Warner and chef Chris Stockdale. Wake up early to a home-cooked breakfast and spend your day exploring coastal towns, quaint rural pubs and deserted beaches. Finish your evening at Mangarara Eco lodge, which sits pretty on acres of lush farmland and overlooks the beautiful Horseshoe Lake.

ICONS OF HAWKE'S BAY - 1 DAY

This tour packs in visits to several of Hawke's Bay's hospitality icons in a compact 12-hour itinerary. You'll start the day at Napier locals' favourite, Mister D, an all-day bistro that serves sophisticated but simple food, featuring the region's stunning produce. For dessert try a D-doughnut with a filling syringe and thank us later.

Next you'll head to Church Road to sample a drop of their famous Chardonnay then on to Havelock North to taste figs from the branch at Te Mata Figs. Save the best for last and spend the evening at Craggy Range, savouring an awardwinning Pinot Noir and watching the sun set over Te Mata Peak.

THE ARTISANS - 1 DAY

Why is Hawke's Bay so famed for its food and wine? More than anything it's the people - the artisans who turn fresh produce into magic.

This tour includes the best of them, including authentic French pastries at Y'a Bon French Baker for breakfast, award-winning olives at Telegraph Hill, then on to Hohepa Cheesery. These guys run a biodynamic farm where they produce their own milk and use it to craft incredible handmade cheeses. Once you've stocked up on goodies take a picnic to the beautiful Napier Botanic Gardens for an afternoon grazing in the sun.

THE TWIN CITIES URBAN ROUTE - 2 DAYS

Hawke's Bay may be famous for its castaway beaches and rolling vineyards, but the region's two cities have just as much to offer. The Twin Cities Urban Route is the best way to see it all, over two days of glorious eating and drinking.

Napier's pastel art deco buildings overlook a spectacular waterfront, hiding award winning restaurants and cocktail bars. Hastings is Napier's up and coming sibling, with a main street packed with brew bars, artisan distilleries, and one of the best Italian restaurants we've ever been to.

UNEARTH THE SECRETS OF WAIROA - 1 ½ DAYS

Northern Hawke's Bay doesn't feature on the regular tourist trail but it should - it boasts

natural beauty to rival any region in New Zealand. This recipe takes in all of the district's best ingredients including deserted white sand beaches, natural salt water hot pools and secluded bush walks.

A trip to the Wairoa District Heritage Museum is an excellent stop on your way to the tranquil beachside settlement of Māhia, famed for its stunning beaches and incredible surf breaks. Mōrere Hot Springs is another must-visit - this collection of hot and cold pools is hidden in

364 acres of native rain forest.

GET AMONGST THE GREAT OUTDOORS - 2 DAYS

Hawke's Bay's natural environment has it all from lush rolling hills and snow-capped mountain ranges to white-water rivers and dense native forest. It's also sunnier than almost anywhere else in New Zealand, making it the ultimate spot for an outdoor getaway.

This recipe features all of Hawke's Bay's best outdoor ingredients. That includes white-water rafting through the stunning Mohaka River Gorge, e-biking the Hawke's Bay Trails, one of New Zealand's great rides, and 18-holes at one of the best golf courses in the country.