Exploring the Hawkes Bay area |
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The following are some of the many Hawkes Bay attractions for you to enjoy during your stay at Parkhill Estate: Cape KidnappersIt's hard to think of a place that was named after a kidnapping as a sanctuary. But that's Cape Kidnappers for you – a location of some disparity, and one that is so distinct it begs a visit. This craggy peninsula's European history started when Captain Cook checked out the area in 1769. Believing his Tahitian cabin boy to be a prisoner in need of rescue, local Maori whipped him from the explorer's ship. His return was only secured after Cook's crew fired upon the Maori canoes, and the boy jumped overboard to make a mad dash back to his floating home. Steeped in both colonial and Maori history, Cape Kidnappers is also the location of the world's largest, most accessible mainland gannet colony. Tours are run regularly to this sanctuary and give you a close first-hand experience with these incredible birds. Cape Kidnappers Golf courseKeep an eye out for gannets as you play golf. The new course at Cape Kidnappers is not only one of New Zealand's best (some say it's now the best) it's also one of the best in the world, according to Golf Digest's World Top 50 rankings. The American designer of Cape Kidnappers Golf Course, Tom Doak, who is also well known for his prize-winning courses in the US, has said that, 'If Cape Kidnappers were a book it would be an epic. Enjoy your game and enjoy the setting [because] you may never play golf somewhere like this again' WineriesHawke's Bay has produced wine since the arrival of the first European settlers in the 1850's and is today one of the largest wine producing areas of New Zealand. We have over 4000 hectares of wine producing grapes planted in this area and a multitude of nationally and internationally known vineyards producing the full gamut of wine styles. Havelock North VillageSituated at the heart of Hawke’s Bay Wine Country, Havelock North Village nestles on the Heretaunga plains at the foot of spectacular Te Mata Peak. The majestic “Sleeping Giant” silhouette formed by the crags on the skyline provides a dramatic backdrop. Havelock North is a vibrant village in the middle of one of the most charming locations in the world, Hawkes Bay Wine Country. Named after a hero of the Indian Mutiny, Sir Henry Havelock, the Village has grown enormously since the first sections were auctioned in 1860 and is now a highly desirable residential area. The vibrant center combines the charm of a village with cosmopolitan flair and there are plenty of attractive places to sit and soak up the atmosphere and the sunny Mediterranean climate. Ahuriri (Restaurants and bars)Ahuriri is a thriving seaside village in Napier and an exciting year-round destination. Ahuriri was one of the earliest settled areas of Napier, and today it offers everything from a sandy beach and a seaside boardwalk to many waterfront cafés and bars, art galleries and boutique stores. Waimarama and Ocean BeachesWhether you like to go to the beach to surf, dive, swim or just bask in the sun, beaches in the Hastings District are perfect for anyone. Ocean Beach and Waimarama are both within 35mins drive from Hastings past the trout-laden Tukituki River and nearby wineries. The two beaches are long with golden sand and are popular for surfing and boogie boarding. Waimarama has many kiwi baches (some available to rent), a shop with petrol and a boat launching area. It is important to check with lifeguards regarding the swimming conditions. Surf-patrolled beaches in summer are at Westshore and Marine Parade in Napier, and at Ocean Beach and Waimarama. As always, care is needed when swimming at any beach. Tours – multiple operatorsHawke’s Bay, New Zealand offers a wide selection of quality tours for the perfect travel holiday or vacation while in New Zealand. Select a Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand tour category from the comprehensive brochure available from your hosts at Parkhill Estate. Art Deco toursNapier, the Art Deco City, is world-famous for its Jazz Age Architecture which rose from the rubble and ashes of a disastrous earthquake and subsequent fires which devastated the city in 1931. Today, visitors from around the world delight in Napiers decorative and colourful buildings which speak of the optimism and confidence of the early 20th century and of a small kiwi town as it tackled the task of recreating itself during the Great Depression. The Art Deco Trust offers guided walking tours of Napiers Art Deco Quarter, and a stylish retail shop. These Guided Walks are held twice daily year-round, except on Christmas Day, and are held rain or shine. No bookings are necessary. All walkers receive an informative Art Deco Walk booklet. Complimentary refreshments and a video screening are available afterwards. Art GalleriesStatements Gallery Statements Gallery was established 1990 and is situated on the corner of Tennyson and Hastings Streets, in the hub of Napier, Hawke’s Bay. Our location is a feature of the Art Deco Trail and two minutes’ walk from the Hawke’s Bay Museum & Art Gallery and the Information Centre on Marine Parade. The Gallery exhibits quality contemporary New Zealand art with regular solo or group shows of paintings, sculpture, studio glass, ceramics, and jewellery.  |
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