Napier - Hawke's Bay

If you’re looking for a day that perfectly balances rugged natural wonder with refined relaxation, you’ve found the blueprint. Hawke’s Bay is famous for two things: its dramatic coastline and its world-class vines.

We spent an unforgettable day soaking up the best of the region, led by our fantastic host, Don Bird, whose local knowledge made every stop feel like an "insider" experience.

1. Morning: The Gannet Safari at Cape Kidnappers

We started the day with a trip to the edge of the world. The Gannet Safari takes you across private farmland and steep ridge lines to the largest accessible mainland gannet colony in the world.

The View: Standing on the sheer cliffs of Cape Kidnappers, watching hundreds of birds dive and soar against the backdrop of the Pacific, is a humbling experience.

The Experience: The 4WD bus adventure is half the fun—at time there were bumpy tracks and panoramic views that make your camera roll very happy but you might not want to look over the edge.  

2. Lunch & First Sips: Church Road & Ortons

After the wild winds of the coast, Don whisked us away to Church Road Winery, one of the oldest and most prestigious estates in New Zealand.

The Wine: We kicked things off with a tasting of their flagship Chardonnays and Syrahs. The history here is palpable, especially in their underground museum.

The Food: Lunch was hosted by Ortons at the winery. Known for their focus on local, seasonal produce, the meal was the definition of "leisurely." Think perfectly paired flavors that highlight the best of the Bay’s reputation.

3. The Afternoon Flight: Brookfield & Askerne

With a solid lunch under our belts, Don guided us through two distinct, boutique styles of winemaking to round out the afternoon.

Brookfield Vineyards: This spot feels like a hidden sanctuary. Known for their hand-crafted, premium wines, it’s the place to slow down. Their reds, particularly the Cabernet blends, are deep and complex.

Askerne Estate: To wrap up the day, we visited Askerne. This is a "dessert wine" lover's paradise, but they also offer a huge variety of aromatics. It’s family-owned and incredibly welcoming—our final taste was of the grapes right off the vine!

Why the Host Matters

Having Don Bird at the helm really made the day. Instead of just driving from A to B, we got the backstories of the vineyards, the history of the landscape, and a few laughs along the way. It’s the personal touches—and knowing exactly which vintage to look out for—that turn a tour into a memory.

Gannets Nesting