From magnificent national parks to marine reserves on stunning coastline and wildlife centres, Hawke’s Bay offers a diverse and exciting natural landscape with plenty of activities to experience nature from challenging walking tracks to the relatively sedate heritage trails and the tranquility of the region’s parks and gardens.
Mountain Ranges
The Kaweka and Ruahine Ranges are two of New Zealand’s best playgrounds and offer great hunting, fishing and tramping, along with secluded natural hot springs and beautiful swimming spots. The Kaweka Conservation Park has extensive tracts of wild land ideal for those who like to explore unknown 4WD tracks.
Cape Kidnappers Gannet Reserve
Bird-lovers love Cape Kidnappers. It is the largest and most accessible mainland gannet colony in the world. Nothing will quite prepare you for the experience that awaits at the Cape - this area presents a special, up close opportunity to observe the Gannet in its natural environment. Gannets have a wing span of up to 2 metres and an average weight of 2kgs. Whilst ungainly on land, these birds are designed for graceful flying and diving from great heights into the sea to catch fish.
Walking Tracks
There are many great walking tracks within Hawke’s Bay, but one of the finest is the Lake Waikaremona Track, which is rated one of the top 10 walks in New Zealand.The track is located within Te Urewera National Park. It is a 46 kilometre, three to four day tramping track of moderate difficulty following the lakeshore for most of its length. Magnificent forested scenery and plenty of opportunities for swimming and fishing are features of the walk, which can be enjoyed at any time of the year. Five huts and camping sites are available but must be booked ahead of your visit. Te Mata Peak, sitting high above Havelock North and Hastings, gives panoramic views of Hawkes Bay. Hawkes Bay boasts many other reserves waiting to be explored including the Tainui Reserve and the Mohi Bush Scenic Reserve, which runs along the Maraetotara River and features a stunning waterfall.
Beaches and coastlines
From Mahia Peninsula to Porangahau the Hawke Bay coastline is home to some of New Zealand's most beautiful beaches. From golden sand to rocky shores, and impressive surf breaks to calm waters - our coastline is awe-inspiring.
