Itinerary
Departing Napier we travel along the coast with views of Cape Kidnappers the site of Captain Cook's first meeting with local Maori. Hear stories
of Cooks first encounter as well as the tale of Maui a Maori God. We travel through the village of Clive and head inland towards Havelock North through the many orchards of the Hawke's Bay region.
Hawke's Bay is the fruit capital of New Zealand producing the majority of New Zealand's stone and pip fruit. We will have the opportunity throughout the day to stop at roadside stalls and
sample local produce.
First stop Black Barn where we will enjoy a relaxed wine tasting with wonderful sweeping views of Hawke's Bay. We then drive to top of Te Mata Peak elevation 399
meters. Te Mata is short for Te Mata y Rongakako the face of the giant. You will hear more about this giant in stories told as we travel. From the top of Te Mata you will enjoy amazing 360 degree
views of the Heretaunga Plains. Look out on orchards and vineyards on the plains to forestry, sheep and cattle farming on the surrounding hills. The formations of the hills and lower plains were
created by glacial activity during the last ice age and create an amazing sense of awe. The peak is on the AA list of 101 things Kiwis must see in New Zealand.
Before we leave we will look
down into the Tuki Tuki valley at our next destination Craggy Range, a leading fine wine maker and home of restaurant Terroir. The wines at Craggy are made from grapes grown in Hawke's Bay,
Martinborough, Marlborough, Waipara and Central Otago. We will spend time here over lunch on the terrace with stunning views of Te Mata Peaks cliff side. We now travel along the Tuki Tuki river
valley route undoubtedly one of the most scenic pastoral and vineyard drives in New Zealand. Many compare this area to Tuscany. We wind our way through the river valley towards the coast.
Next stop will be Kim Crawford renowned for their stunning aromatic wines, Sauvignon Blanc's and Chardonnay's. Enjoy a wine tasting with stunning views of the sea and the Mahia peninsula. We then
hit the coast road once again and drive back to Napier crossing the 4 main rivers in the region with stories being told of the history and the naming of these arterial waterways that are the life
blood of Hawke's Bay.
Please note, we can supply French, Spanish and Cantonese guides if required, additional charges will apply. |
