Located on the North Island of New Zealand, Hawke’s Bay is a treasure trove of beaches, wineries, rugged landscape and incredible outdoor adventures. Bring the family for a well-rounded vacation with a diverse lineup of nature, nurture and epic beauty.
Te Urewera National Park is a hub for natural beauty and outdoor activity. Begin with some hiking and sightseeing along Lake Waikaremoana. Stop in Lou’s Lookout for a panoramic view of the lake, trails and sweeping beauty. Check out the full list of suggested hikes and trails based on difficulty and duration. This protected and historic site of the Tuhoe Maori people is perfect for camping or a daytrip.
© Evert Frieling | Dreamstime.com
Just north of the Maraetotara Falls, across the Tukituki River, Te Mata Peak is a must-see for visitors. The private road leads travelers to one of the best views in the city with sweeping vistas including Napier, the Heretunga Plains, all of Hawle’s Bar and Mount Ruapehu and Mahia Peninsula on a clear day. While you’ve worked up an appetite and probably a thirst, check out Te Mata Winery with a tour and tasting. Even if you have non-drinkers in tow, the incredible estate and lush vineyard is worth a visit at any age.
Don’t let the name fool you: Cape Kidnappers is a family-friendly destination. Hit the links playing golf on an internationally renowned course or get out on the water kayaking and paddle boarding. Famous for its Saddle and Black Reef gannet colonies, Cape Kidnappers is a popular bird-watching region and loaded wildlife and history. Time your visit for a tour when the beloved birds return in September on a gannet safari excursion.
Bring the kids to play mini golf, beach volleyball and splash around in the water park at Splash Planet or stick to indoor activities at the National Aquarium of New Zealand and learn about local marine life.
Napier Prison. Photo: Ramunas Bruzas | Dreamstime.com
Something a little more off-the-wall, visit Napier Prison and tour the country’s oldest penitentiary. Open daily 9 a.m.–5 p.m., guests take mug shots and stroll through the historic building, learning about its significance in the city and dark history.
With the varied activities running the gamete of interests, it can be overwhelming taking to Hawke’s Bay on your own. Check out individualized tours on the tourism site or opt for a closer look at a specific region with Long Island Tours. Learn about the Maori people, Hawke’s Bay’s heritage and enjoy the sites with an expert guide leading the way.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedNorth America
Jul 16, 202613 U.S. Lighthouses to Visit
It’s time to start dreaming of your next family trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through these lighthouses with us.
Sponsored Content
Best of Both Worlds
Enjoy the best of both worlds when you fly with TAP Air Portugal thanks to the Portugal Stopover program. With the program, TAP passengers, whether traveling for business, leisure or both, can stop in Portugal for up to 10 days at no additional airfare on the way to their final destination. What does this mean for travelers wishing to explore by both land and sea? It means after flying to Portugal with TAP and experiencing the country in an entirely new way, travelers can then embark on scenic river and ocean cruises from Portugal’s port cities, or fly with TAP to another European destination.
North America
Jul 15, 2026Grand Canyon West Launches Kids Free Offer, July Discount to Celebrate America’s 250th
It’s not too late for family travelers to take advantage of America’s 250th savings, even if the Fourth of July has passed. Grand Canyon West offers families a fun, affordable getaway with a Kids Free promotion and a special July promotion to celebrate America's 250th anniversary.
Hotels
Jul 15, 2026Teach Kids About Sustainability with This Hotel’s Conservation Concierge Program
Family travelers are beginning to seek trips that allow them to give back and learn something new. On Florida’s Treasure Coast, Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel & Spa lets families become part of its conservation story.
Kids
Jul 14, 2026How Gen Alpha Influences Family Travel Plans
Gen Alpha is calling the shots in terms of where the family travels next. Not just tagging along, parents are choosing to listen to their children’s opinions on group travel plans, such as whether a destination is worth a visit or considered “too boring.”
Hotels
Jul 13, 20263 Hotels Around the World Where You Can Cook Locally
The need for human connection with locals when traveling is growing in popularity among younger generations. Food has become one of the most authentic and powerful ways to help create these connections, and many hotels around the world offer unique experiences to help turn this into a reality.
ShareThis