The twin cities of Napier and Hastings provide full amenities for visitors, including fine museums. Hastings features a number of beautiful parks and offers spectacular views over the entire region from Te Mata Peak. One of the main wine making areas in New Zealand, with 40 local vineyards, Hawke's Bay has the oldest, although not the earliest, winery in the country, Mission Estate.
Most wineries are open seven days a week, with tastings and sales.
Many vineyards also feature lunch restaurants. The Mission Concert is held outdoors and attracts up to 25,000 concert-goers. For those who enjoy water sports, rushing white water rivers lead to the Pacific Ocean with warm waters in summer, safe swimming beaches and plentiful fish. One of the world's most accessible gannet calories is situated at Cape Kidnappers.