Escape to Hawkes Bay

PHOTO: Mountain Biking is a fun way to see the countryside

Hawke’s Bay is, perhaps, not thought of as an adrenalin junky’s paradise, but it certainly has its fair share of thrilling, challenging and physical adventure activities.

The two major players in this game are Mountain Valley and Kiwi Adventure Company.

The former is located off the Napier Taupo Road.  It is the hidden gateway to the landscapes and legends of the mystical Mohaka River, which is classified as one of the only remaining two wild and scenic watercourses in the North Island.

Here you can stay for a day, overnight or longer. This is an opportunity for you to escape for a while from the pressures of the modern world; the chance to share magical moments with friends and family.  But what defines Mountain Valley is that from mild to wild they can indulge your quest for adventure.  Why not free your spirit on the rivers on scenic or white water rafting and kayaking trips. Taste the pure air on their wilderness trails on foot, by horse or mountain bike. Catch fighting trout in the Mohaka just a stone’s throw from the lodge or join one of their local adventure partners on a 4WD odyssey or mountain walking adventure in the Kaweka ranges.

Hawke’s Bay has a wealth of natural resources including rivers, caves, native bush, mountain ranges and extensive coastline and Kiwi Adventure Company offers a range of outdoor adventure trips to exclusive areas so you can experience this natural beauty.

Centuries of river erosion has carved out a spectacular chasm in the soft Hawke’s Bay limestone. The latest and most exciting craze is gorging - the only way to experience this hidden valley; to see the beautiful cascading waterfalls, deep clear plunge pools and rock slides. There’s a new challenge around every corner as you make your way down the gorge. This is no ordinary adventure - no rafts - no kayaks just you and the river.

For those who want a more gentle experience, try the Tukituki River - Craggy Canoe Cruise. Meander down the majestic Tukituki River taking in the spectacular landscapes and river scenery. These two person craft allow even absolute beginners the chance to experience a river trip in safety. The trip finishes at the wonderful Craggy Range Winery; here you can sample their award winning wines and snack from their delicious menu.

The Mohaka River located halfway between Napier and Taupo provides a slightly more challenging trip for the more adventurous amongst us. Here you have the option of a Canadian canoe trip or sit-on-top kayak trip depending on your preference.

Hawke’s Bay’s best-kept secret is the caving network located up near Nuhaka, just north of Wairoa. Through Kiwi Adventure Company’s environmental programme the owner of the cave network has engaged Kiwi Adventure to manage the cave system to ensure this resource is correctly utilised and preserved. Their experienced guides can walk you through the spectacular cave formations and glow-worm display. There are options for those of you who don’t like small places to those who want to see how far they can push themselves. And afterwards dive into the hot pools, nestled amongst the native backdrop at Morere Hot Springs.

If you want to experience hospitality and stunning scenery in the beautiful Hawke’s Bay, bring a group of friends/family and take in the glorious hills of the back country for the Whana Walks. You can walk to your heart’s content over well marked tracks. Just for the weekend or up to 4 days if you wish. With 8 tracks available, ranging from a stroll to a 7 hour trek, there is something for every level of fitness.  When the day is done, there is the spa to help revive those weary legs and your accommodation will be the comfortable Awapai Quarters. You do not need to move accommodation during your stay, and you can park your car right outside. Seven double bedrooms, gas hob, electric oven, fridge freezer, microwave, plenty of hot water and comfortable beds. Wonderful open fire for cooler nights or sit out on the deck with a glass of wine during balmy summer evenings.

Northern Hawke’s Bay is home to the stunning Lake Waikaremoana and the Te Urewera National Park. The best way to see the area is to take a 3-4 day hike on the Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk Track, through the North Island’s largest untouched native forest. A true New Zealand wilderness hiking experience with small groups, spectacular scenery, great food and wine, and small backpacks!  Discover fascinating Maori history and incredible geology cloaked in dense rainforest. There are comfortable lodgings en route, fantastic food and wine, walks, boat cruises and kayaking amidst inspiring landscape.  Here you will experience the true New Zealand in its unspoilt unadulterated form.

When visitors want to trout fish in New Zealand, their thoughts turn to Taupo, but with over 30 rivers and streams stocked with brown and rainbow trout, Hawke’s Bay is one of the most under-rated fishing areas in the North Island of New Zealand. Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced angler, there is an opportunity for challenge and success in the many kilometres of uncrowded waters.

There are a number of operators specialising in fishing guides and adventures. You can lowland or upland fish; go fishing in the wilderness; have overnight trips into the back country.  If you’re a novice, tuition is available; if you’re a pro, just let your guide take you to the best location – for instance, the Tukituki River where you can dry fly-fish (the ultimate pinnacle in trout fishing) to your heart’s content.

Fact File

• Napier i-SITE Visitor Centre
100 Marine Parade, Napier
Ph 06 8341 911 Email info@VisitUs.co.nz

• Hastings i-SITE Visitor Centre
Russell Street, Hastings, Ph 06 8735 526
Email hastings@i-SITE.org

• www.hawkesbaynz.com

Places To Stay In Napier

• Criterion Art Deco Backpackers, 48 Emerson Street, Napier, Ph 06 8352 059
• YHA Napier, 277 Marine Parade, Napier. Ph 0 6 8357 039
• Waterfront Lodge & Backpackers, 217 Marine Parade,  Napier
• Aqua Lodge, 53 Nelson Crescent, Napier. Ph 06 8354 523
• Toad Hall Backpackers, Corner Shakespeare Road and Brewster St, Napier.

Ph 06 8355 555
• Stables Lodge BBH Backpackers Hostel, 370 Hastings St. Napier Ph 06 8356 242
• Archie’s Bunker, 14 Herschell St, Napier. Ph 06 833-7990

Places To Stay In Hastings

• A1 Backpackers, 122 Stortford Lodge. Ph 021 126 8589

• AJ’s Backpackers Lodge, 405 Southland Road. Ph 06 878 2302

• Travellers Lodge Hastings BBH Backpackers Hostel Ph 06 8787 108

• Hastings Backpacker Hostel, 505 Lyndon Road East. Ph 06 876 5888

• The Rotten Apple Backpackers, 114 Heretaunga Street East. Ph 06 878 4363.

Getting to Hawke’s Bay

Getting to Hawkes Bay Wine Country is an easy drive through some of New Zealands most picturesque landscape.

The driving journey from the north follows the Thermal Explorer Highway or the Pacific Coast Highway, which brings you through the northern gate way to Hawkes Bay Hawkes Bay and the coastal township of Mahia Peninsula and the town of Wairoa.

From Auckland the journey takes a little over five hours while from New Zealands capital, Wellington, its only about four hours passing through the southern gateway of Waipukurau to Hawkes Bay Wine Country.

Hawkes Bay is also linked with the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail stretching 380kms from Marlborough in the South Island, through to Martinborough, and on to Hawkes Bay. These regions are responsible for almost 70 percent of the countrys total wine production and are well known on the international wine scene.

Hawkes Bay is on the national coach route and daily services operate from Auckland, Gisborne, Palmerston North, Rotorua, Taupo and Wellington.