Hawke's Bay Wine Country
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ATTRACTIONS AND FAMILY

Hawke’s Bay fun and fabulous for families

Hawke’s Bay is a dream destination for families: easy to get around, packed with sunshine, and loaded with experiences and activities that work for all ages (and energy levels).

With Napier and Hastings close together, you can build days that mix “big-ticket fun” with chilled-out breaks, beaches, parks, wildlife, hands-on learning, and plenty of places to refuel.

In Napier, The National Aquarium of New Zealand is an easy win for families, with fascinating marine life from penguins, to turtles, sharks and even kiwis; there is plenty to keep kids engaged at their own pace. For active kids and teens, Bay Skate is a favourite, offering space to roll, practice tricks or simply cruise. Prefer something a little slower? Par2 MiniGolf is perfect for a family challenge and an easy laugh, competitive enough to keep everyone interested, but relaxed and low-pressure. To slow the pace again, finish a day with a soak at Ocean Spa on Napier’s waterfront, warm pools, sea views, and an easy reset for tired legs. For bite-sized science and hands-on discovery, the Faraday Centre is another great option that makes learning feel like play.

In Hastings, head to Waiaroha (Heretaunga Water Discovery Centre), a brilliant stop for curious minds, a modern, interactive space that brings the story of water in Heretaunga to life through hands-on activities, digital displays, and short films. It’s engaging, easy to explore at your own pace, and beautifully grounded in local Māori knowledge and storytelling.

If your crew loves action, turn the fun factor up at Splash Planet, a full day of slides, splash zones and classic summer-holiday energy (ideal for burning off steam).

For a true Hawke’s Bay highlight, head to Cape Kidnappers to see the gannets, the world's largest, most accessible Gannet nesting place. The scale is unforgettable, dramatic coastal scenery, fresh sea air, and the thrill of watching these impressive seabirds in their natural environment.

Mix in a sweet local stop at Arataki Honey, where families can learn about bees and beekeeping, sample different honey varieties, and pick up tasty souvenirs to take home.

Want to get outdoors together? Hawke’s Bay is made for it, with over 200km of limestone cycle trails weaving through vineyards, orchards and open country. Many sections are family-friendly and flat, making it easy to choose a distance that suits your crew — from a quick pedal to a half-day adventure with scenic stops. And there are so many beaches and rivers to explore (link to beach copy).

For those looking for a more adventurous way to explore the region, Boutique Horse Treks provides scenic rides through beautiful beaches, rivers and farmland on horseback suitable for all levels, from beginners to advanced. 

And then there’s the food, given Hawke’s Bay is food and wine country, and one of only 11 Great Wine Capitals you are in safe hands and spoilt for choice! Birdwoods is a must for its old-school charm, high teas, a garden full of sculptures to explore and a legendary sweet shop, plus a welcoming spot to pause and reset. For long, laid-back lunches with a Hawke’s Bay backdrop, Shed 530 and Clearview Winery are popular choices, great for settling in, sharing plates, and room for the kids to play and relax in the afternoon. Wrap up with a fun, family-friendly classic at Mister D’s, famous for its injectable doughnuts (a guaranteed hit with kids, and, honestly, adults too).

Whether you’re chasing wildlife and museums, water slides and mini golf, or sunny cycle rides and sweet treats, Hawke’s Bay makes family time feel easy, and turns “what should we do today?” into the best kind of problem.

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