The East Coast of the North Island runs along the 100km Hawke’s Bay - a region noted for its sunshine, excellent wine and peaceful countryside - and continues up to the wild and remote East Cape, mainland New Zealand’s most easterly point.

It’s one of the most historically significant parts of the country, seeing the first Polynesian canoes arrive as well as Captain Cook’s first landing in 1769. You are well away from the madding crowds here with beautiful beaches and dense inland forests all to yourself. For a little more company, head to the twin cities of Napier and Hastings.

The city of Napier was shook by a 7.9 rated earthquake in 1931 which caused fires that destroyed the city. The rebuilt city is unique in New Zealand for its dedication to Art Deco design which was the height of European fashion at the time, all decoration and elegance. It’s the perfect place to splash out on a fine dining experience and be transported back into a more refined time. February sees the glamorous Art Deco weekend and the huge Mission pop concert.

Hastings is Napier’s twin city, situated only 20km away. Here you are in the centre of the fruitbowl of New Zealand, where the fertile soil supports fruit growers, wine producers and the New Zealand honey trade. Further up the coast lies Gisborne, the first city in the world to see the dawn of a new day. It’s also known as the ‘Chardonnay capital of NZ’ as well as the ‘unofficial surf capital of NZ’. What are you waiting for?!

TOP 10 THINGS TO DO
	Go gannet watching at Cape Kidnappers where you can see the largest mainland colony of these spectacular birds in world! To fish, these guys dive straight out of the sky at up to 150kph to chase their prey under the water. And they make a heck of a sound too!
	Napier’s Art Deco architecture is a real treat! Pick up an Art Deco Scenic Drive map or go on a guided walk.
	Hit the wine trail – Hawkes Bay, the oldest established winegrowing region in the county, is not short of a winery or 70!
	Make your way to Gisborne, the first city in the world to see the dawn of a new day. Get up in the wee hours, grab a board and surf in a new day!
	Visit the National Aquarium of NZ in Napier, where you’ll see sharks, stingrays and NZ’s own living fossil, the half snake half lizard Tuatara.
	Don your hiking boots and tone up those thighs! Head to Te Urewera National Park and get on the Lake Waikaremoana Track, one of NZ’s Great Walks.
	Climb 400 metres above sea level to Te Mata Peak for awesome panoramic views of the Ruahine, Kaweka and Maungaharuru ranges as well as Cape Kidnappers.
	Follow the scenic State Highway 35 around the isolated East Cape and catch the sunrise at the East Cape Lighthouse.
	Check out the ornate Maori church at Tikitiki. It’s certainly one of the most beautifully carved and elaborate Maori churches today.
	New Zealand’s challenger for the longest place name in the world, Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauo tamateaturipukakapikimaungahoron ukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu is a quiet little place, but the road sign is a pretty good photo opportunity! It translates roughly as ‘The summit where Tamatea, the man with the big knees, the climber of mountains, the land-swallower who traveled about, played his flute to his loved one’.