Hawkes Bay

This area is one big orchard. It is a great wine district and there is much for those who love wine and food. Lunch at Clearview Estate is one thing I have enjoyed for many years. Aside from its drinkable and edible bounty, the Bay of Plenty has been shaped by nature over many millennia and the past century. After being flattened by an earthquake in 1931, Napier was rebuilt in the Art Deco style and is now regarded as the Art Deco Capital of the World. Older earth movements can be seen at Te Mata peak where the rise and shear drop of the mountain ridge are evidence of the upheaval this area has seen in the past. The view from the top at sunrise or sunset is awe inspiring, but take something warm as the wind sure can blow.

The Hawkes Bay is also famous for the world’s longest place name. Try this: Taumata whakatangi hangakoauau o tamatea turi pukakapiki maunga horo nuku pokai whenua kitanatahu. This name tells the story of a famous warrior Maori Tamatea Pokai Whenua who who fought many battles. But in such a battle his brother died and Tamatea was so sad that each morning he would sit and play his Koauau (a flute like instrument).