Hawke’s Bay’s twin cities of Hastings and Napier are connected by the Hawke’s Bay Trails, one of New Zealand’s Great Rides. The undulating limestone trails link visitors to the region’s expansive landscapes and are the perfect way to sustainably explore Hawke’s Bay. From winery to waterhole, beach to wildlife tour, playground to city restaurant – all can be discovered within a day.
Two of Hawke’s Bay’s most beloved family-friendly wildlife experiences can be found along the Hawke’s Bay Trails – The National Aquarium of New Zealand and Gannet Safaris Overland.
Young and young-at-heart will enjoy the exciting worlds above and below the water at the National Aquarium of New Zealand. A visit to Penguin Cove to watch the Little Penguins (also known as kororā) feed and play is an absolute must. As is catching a glimpse of New Zealand’s native tuatara and kiwi bird. Children will also watch in wonder as stingrays and fish swim over them in the 1.5 million litre oceanarium tunnel.
At Gannet Safaris Overland, families can join a tour to the top of Cape Kidnappers’ Gannet Colony where more than 20,000 gannets come to nest each year. This is a rare opportunity to witness these seabirds in their natural habitat – nesting, preening, swooping and diving – in what is the largest mainland gannet colony in Aotearoa New Zealand.
After visiting the gannets or penguins, or spending the morning cycling the trails, there is nothing better than enjoying a winery lunch at one of the many venues that cater to families.
Sit back and relax at Clearview Estate Winery while children run through the vines and make the most of the onsite playground. Here, a full lunch menu is available with fresh, locally sourced seasonal produce and a special menu for tamariki (children). At Askerne Estate Winery, children can assist in creating a build-your-own picnic before enjoying the winery’s sandpit and play area. While at Church Road Winery, kids will delight in exploring the vast lawn and gardens at the winery’s cellar door.
Complete your day at Napier’s Marine Parade, wandering the sunken gardens, discovering MTG Hawke’s Bay, home to the region’s precious taonga (treasures), or playing a round of mini golf at Par 2. Or head to Hastings where the city’s art galleries and gardens are well worth discovering. However, if visiting in summer, there’s one place all families want to be – Splash Planet, the region’s famed adventure waterpark.
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