10 TOP Things to Do in Hawke's Bay Region March 2026

Cape Kidnappers marks the southern most point of Hawke Bay on the east coast of the North Island of New Zealand.

It was named by Captain Cook after the one of his cabin boys was kidnapped by the local Maori in 1769.

Cape Kidnappers is home to a colony of Australasian Gannets which nest here over summer.

Access to this area is by walking (about 2 hours each way) at low tide only (ie starting to walk 3 hours before low tide), by a tractor and trailer ride along the beach, or by a 4wd bus through the farmland above the beach.

This photo is taken just after dawn, after a 2 hour walk in the dark along the beach.

Dawn rises over the city of Napier, with St Paul's Cathedral to the left of shot

Every year in September the Mabin family open their front paddocks to the public to let them explore ( and pick from ) their daffodils. They do this for free and all money raised from the sale of the daffodils goes to the Plunket Society

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Most fun & popular experiences in Hawke's Bay Region

Tours & day trips

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Napier: Cape Kidnappers Gannet, Nature & Sightseeing Tour

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Food, drink & nightlife

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Napier: Cape Kidnappers Gannet, Nature & Sightseeing Tour

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Private & custom tours

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Cape Kidnappers: Gannet Colony Exclusive Sunrise Tour

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Wildlife & nature

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Napier: National Aquarium of New Zealand General Admission

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What to do in Hawke's Bay Region

Discover the most popular places to visit in Hawke's Bay Region

Art Deco Weekend!!

Art Deco Weekend is a celebration of the rebuilding of Napier after the 1931 Hawke's Bay earthquake- it celebrates our beautiful city and it's iconic buildings, memorializes the people of the city during the 1930's and makes for a great weekend! The event is planned extremely well, has an incredible amount of era-appropriate events and a magnificent setting. Everybody dresses up - frocks, heels and accessories, bow ties and suspenders... Add vintage car parades, over 200 different events - it's a great weekend!

Marine Parade

4.5/5(517 reviews)

After visiting Marine Parade, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Napier. Amble around this relaxing area's seaside and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Mission Estate Winery

4.5/5(131 reviews)

Leave the city behind for a day to experience idyllic countryside surroundings and sip a range of magnificent wines.

National Aquarium of New Zealand

4/5(127 reviews)

The tanks at this modern aquarium play host to all kinds of underwater life, from cute sea creatures to fearsome marine predators.

Great beaches in this area all sand, and a of choices for swimming as its a peninsula, the odd space rocket gets fired off too :-)

Mahia Beach

4.5/5(35 reviews)

Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Mahia Beach during your travels in Mahia?

Craggy Range

4.5/5(54 reviews)

Set in the shadow of colossal Te Mata Peak, this vineyard brings together a quality fine wine experience and exceptional scenery.

Te Mata Peak

4.5/5(115 reviews)

Not only a spectacular vantage point, this awesome mountain is also home to several species of rare flora and fauna.

Cape Kidnappers

4.5/5(67 reviews)

Come within a few feet of one of the planet’s largest mainland gannet colonies. The seabirds nest here on this breathtaking peninsula.

The Sunken Gardens in Napier this was taken on our weekend away in this beautiful city. If you get the chance to visit Napier make sure you do.

Napier Beach

4.5/5(387 reviews)

Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Napier Beach during your travels in Awatoto?

Ocean Beach

4.5/5(224 reviews)

Swim, surf and take long walks in the shadow of unspoiled scenery at this sweeping beach on the southern coastline of Hawke’s Bay.

Explore areas of Hawke's Bay Region

Napier South

If you're spending some time in Napier South, McLean Park and National Aquarium of New Zealand are top sights worth seeing.

Ahuriri

While visiting Ahuriri, you might make a stop by sights like National Tobacco Company Building and The Urban Winery.

Taradale

You'll enjoy the wineries and churches in Taradale. You might want to make time for a stop at Church Road Winery or Pettigrew Green Arena.

Bluff Hill

While visiting Bluff Hill, you might make a stop by sights like Bluff Hill Domain Lookout and Napier Beach.

Hospital Hill

While there might not be top attractions in Hospital Hill, you can explore the larger area and discover places like War Memorial Conference Center and McLean Park.

Coastal landscape with a road, bridge, and estuary. Cars travel on the road, while the beach and surrounding wetlands are visible. Waitangi Regional Park, Napier, Hawke's Bay, New Zealand

Marewa

Marewa might not have many top sights, but McLean Park and National Aquarium of New Zealand are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

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