Napier

After a huge earthquake flattened the town and lifted thousands of hectares of tidal flats out of the sea, Napier needed to be completely rebuilt.

It has many fine cafés and restaurants. Visit the marine park and entertainment centres along Marine Parade.

Hastings

Hastings is 15km from Napier and widely regarded as its twin city. Just as Napier adopted Art Deco after the 1931 earthquake, Hastings chose Spanish Mission as its signature style.

There are more than 40 wineries to explore in the region. Check out Splash Planet, a huge water-based amusement park.

Havelock North

Situated just south of Hastings, Havelock North is one of those places that still has a "village" feel about it.

Visit the Village Growers Market held on Saturday mornings at the Black Barn Vineyards during the spring and summer. Climb Te Mata Peak for panoramic views of the Hawke’s Bay to the Mahia Peninsula in the east and Mt Ruapehu in the west.