Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
HAWKE'S BAY WINERIES
Once upon a time, this district was most famous for its orchards. Today it's vines that have top billing, with
Hawke's Bay now NZ's second-largest wine-producing region. Expect excellent Bordeaux-style reds, syrah and
chardonnay. Pick up the
Hawke's Bay Winery Guide
map from the i-SITE, or download it from
www.winehawkesbay.co.nz
.
A few of our faves:
9am-5pm Mon-Fri, 10am-5pm Sat & Sun) Hip, inventive winery with a bistro, gallery, Saturday farmers market
(one of NZ's first) and an amphitheatre for concerts and movie screenings. Try the flagship chardonnay.
10am-5pm daily, 6pm-late Fri) Decent, reasonably priced wines and a great cafe with regular live troubadors and
relaxed, rustic vibes. A good stop for lunch or a glass of rosé (or both).
Mission Estate
( 06-845 9354;
www.missionestate.co.nz
; 198 Church Rd, Taradale; 9am-5pm Mon-Sat,
10am-4.30pm Sun) NZ's oldest winery (1851!). Follow the
looong
tree-lined drive up to the restaurant and cellar
door, inside a magnificently restored seminary.
Te Mata Estate
MAP
(
www.temata.co.nz
;
349 Te Mata Rd, Havelock North;
8.30am-5pm Mon-Fri,
10am-5pm Sat)
The legendary Coleraine red at this unpretentious, old-school, family-run winery is worth
the trip alone.
10am-6pm, closed Mon & Tue Apr-Oct) Inside a cathedral-like 'wine barrel', the restaurant here, called Terroir,
is one of the region's most consistent fine-dining experiences. Photogenic views of craggy Te Mata Peak.
Shopping
The Hastings area appears to exist largely for the satisfaction of our appetites, with a
plethora of boutique food producers.
Strawberry Patch
MAP
FOOD
(
www.strawberrypatch.co.nz
;
76 Havelock Rd, Havelock North; 9am-5.30pm)
Pick your own berries in
season (late November through summer), or visit year-round for fresh produce, picnic
supplies, coffee and real fruit ice cream ($4).
Arataki Honey
MAP
FOOD
