Spring changes the pace in Hawke’s Bay. Vineyards turn green again, gardens burst into colour, outdoor tables fill up and longer days make it easier to fit a little more into every road trip.
Then summer arrives with warm days made for cycling, beaches, wineries, markets and evenings outdoors.
From Napier and Hastings to Havelock North and Central Hawke’s Bay, the warmer months are a great time to discover a different side of one of New Zealand’s best-known food, wine and lifestyle regions.
Whether you’re planning a spring escape, a summer family holiday or a few days on the road, here are some of the experiences worth adding to your Hawke’s Bay itinerary.
Celebrate Spring in Central Hawke’s Bay
Spring isn’t simply a change in weather here – it comes with its own celebration.
The Spring Fling runs throughout September and October 2026, bringing together a collection of events across Central Hawke’s Bay.
Rather than one big festival in a single location, the programme spreads the experience across the district, showcasing historic homesteads, gardens, coastal landscapes, local food and wine, workshops and outdoor experiences.
It’s a good excuse to venture beyond the usual Napier–Hastings route and explore smaller communities and countryside along the way.
Spring Fling experiences range from flower and garden events to historic homestead visits and outdoor adventures, making it possible to build an entire spring road trip around the programme.
Travel tip: Check the current event programme before you travel, as individual Spring Fling experiences run on selected dates throughout September and October.
See Hawke’s Bay in Bloom
You don’t need an event ticket to appreciate spring in Hawke’s Bay.
The warmer weather transforms orchards, vineyards, gardens and rural landscapes throughout the region. It’s an especially good time to slow down and explore some of the roads between Hastings, Havelock North and Central Hawke’s Bay rather than simply travelling from one attraction to another.
Pack a picnic, stop at local producers along the way and leave some space in the itinerary for places you hadn’t planned to find.
That’s part of the appeal of a Hawke’s Bay road trip.
Swap the Car for a Bike
Spring and early summer are ideal seasons for exploring Hawke’s Bay on two wheels.
The region’s cycle trails connect coastal landscapes, vineyards, orchards and towns, making cycling as much about what you discover along the way as the ride itself.
Plan a short morning ride, spend the day travelling between local food and wine stops or hire bikes and create your own route.
For families, shorter sections make it easy to turn cycling into part of the day rather than committing to a long-distance ride.
Make Lunch the Main Event
Hawke’s Bay is one destination where there’s absolutely nothing wrong with planning your day around lunch.
Spring brings outdoor dining back into its own, while summer is perfect for long lunches among the vineyards.
The region’s reputation for wine is well established, but the experience goes far beyond the glass. Local produce, growers, artisan food producers, restaurants and farmers’ markets all contribute to Hawke’s Bay’s food culture.
Instead of trying to squeeze several wineries into a single day, choose a slower pace. Visit one or two, enjoy lunch and leave enough time to explore somewhere new afterwards.
For those who would rather not drive, a local wine and food tour can take care of the transport.
Spend a Morning at the Markets
One of the easiest ways to get a taste of Hawke’s Bay is to go where the locals shop.
The Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ Market continues in Hastings, while Napier also has its urban farmers’ market. The regional events calendar lists both markets during spring 2026.
Grab breakfast, browse seasonal produce and pick up something locally made for later in the trip.
Markets also work particularly well at the beginning of a road-trip day – coffee first, Hawke’s Bay produce in the car, then head off and explore.
Take the Long Way to the Coast
When summer arrives, Hawke’s Bay’s coastline becomes difficult to ignore.
Pack your swimwear and make a day of exploring the coast rather than simply driving to the nearest beach.
Ocean Beach and Waimārama are popular summer choices, while the wider region offers plenty of places to stop, walk, picnic and enjoy the coastal scenery.
If you’re travelling with children, a beach day can also provide a welcome change of pace between sightseeing days.
Just remember that New Zealand beaches and coastal conditions can change quickly, so check local conditions and follow safety information before swimming.
Put Te Mata Peak on the Morning List
Some places are worth getting up early for.
Te Mata Peak rises above the Heretaunga Plains and is one of Hawke’s Bay’s most recognisable landscapes. Te Mata Park is a community-managed recreational reserve with walking and mountain biking opportunities throughout the park.
A spring or summer morning is a great time to explore before the hottest part of the day.
Depending on how energetic you’re feeling, make it a quick scenic stop or allow longer to explore the tracks.
Then head down towards Havelock North for coffee or brunch.
Discover Napier Beyond the Art Deco Buildings
Napier’s Art Deco architecture deserves its reputation, but don’t make it the only reason you spend time in the city.
Walk the waterfront, explore Marine Parade, visit galleries and museums, stop for lunch and give yourself time to wander through the central streets.
If you’re planning ahead for February 2027, Napier’s annual Art Deco Festival is scheduled for 18–22 February 2027, bringing several days of celebrations to the city.
It’s one of those occasions where the event can become the reason for the trip rather than simply something you happen upon while you’re there.
Make Summer Fun for the Kids
Hawke’s Bay works particularly well for a family summer holiday because you don’t need to spend every day doing the same type of activity.
Mix beaches and cycling with wildlife experiences, parks, short walks and family attractions.
For more family fun, challenge the kids to a round at Par2 MiniGolf in Napier or put your teamwork to the test at Enigma Escape Rooms in Napier. Both offer something a little different between beach days, sightseeing and other outdoor adventures.
Add an ice cream stop and you’ve got a fairly easy summer day sorted.
Explore Family Activities in the Hawke’s Bay
Meet the Gannets at Cape Kidnappers
Spring and summer also coincide with one of Hawke’s Bay’s great wildlife experiences – the gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers.
A guided experience offers the opportunity to see the birds while also learning more about the landscape and wildlife of the area.
For visitors who have already done the wineries and Art Deco streets, this is an excellent way to see an entirely different side of Hawke’s Bay.
Turn an Event Into a Hawke’s Bay Getaway
One of the best ways to plan a short Hawke’s Bay escape is to start with an event and build a few extra days around it.
The regional calendar is already filling with spring and summer events. Alongside the Spring Fling, December 2026 includes events such as the Sanctuary Sounds Music Festival, Wonder Christmas Market and Gindulgence, while February brings Napier’s Art Deco Festival.
Book accommodation for a little longer than the event itself and use the extra time to explore.
A two-night event trip can easily become a four-night Hawke’s Bay road trip with a winery lunch, coastal drive, cycle ride and market morning added around it.
A Simple Spring or Summer Hawke’s Bay Itinerary
Day 1 – Napier
Explore the Art Deco streets and Marine Parade, enjoy lunch in the city and spend the afternoon discovering more of the coast.
Day 2 – Havelock North & the countryside
Start with Te Mata Peak, then slow things down with a winery lunch, cycle ride or food and wine experience.
Day 3 – Choose your own Hawke’s Bay
Head south for a Spring Fling event in Central Hawke’s Bay, visit Cape Kidnappers, spend the day at the beach or take the family to one of the region’s attractions.
Staying longer? Even better. Hawke’s Bay is a region that rewards leaving gaps in the itinerary.
Plan Your Hawke’s Bay Spring or Summer Escape
The warmer months bring together many of the things Hawke’s Bay does best – food, wine, landscapes, cycling, beaches, outdoor events and relaxed road trips.
Spring offers blossoms, fresh green landscapes and seasonal events, while summer brings long days and more opportunities to get outside and explore.
Browse NZ Online Travel’s Hawke’s Bay Travel Guide to find local accommodation, activities, tours and transport, then contact tourism operators directly to plan your trip.
Support local and book direct with Hawke’s Bay tourism businesses.
