[Sam B]

Hey there folks in this region. My best mate from the UK is staying at the moment and they are going over to Napier for a few days to meet some long lost relatives. She is hoping for a couple of day trips whilst she is there, so any recommendations of things to do? They are 2 adults and a 1 year old baby. Beaches, vineyards, walks, anything else?

[smitjo]

Big Picture Wine is certainly worth a visit. Based at the Iconic AMP building opposite the County Hotel in napier. It's an interactive wine tasting experience - taste six Hawke's Bay wines and at the same time be told about them by each winemaker/winery owner on film. You can also go through the aroma rooms where you get to smell all the aromas associated with red or white wines....very, very interesting and good fun (only 20 mins).

Lunch at Elephant Hill winery (in Te Awanga) is brilliant - great local food within a new architectually designed building...their Viognier is lovely!! Mission Estate winery on Church Road is also good.

Best beach (IMHO) - Waipataki beach...lovely sandy beach, very quiet. Ocean Beach in the opposite direction is also amazing - a lot bigger but again often very quiet.

Te Mata Peak in Havelock North has some lovely walks and the view at the top is amazing!

There are just so many brilliant places here - gone blank but I'll post anymore if i think of them!

[Xaviera]

Can I second Elephant Hill - lovely and inexpensive for lunch. :clap

[shakyle2906]

Ocean Spa for a nice soak

Marineland or the National Aquarium

Ocean Beach or Waimarama Beach

Te Mata Peak a must

Lake Tutira

Church Road Winery



Sharon
xx