Hawke’s Bay Splendours -Fine Hospitality and Heritage Homes

Itinerary

Day One                                  L,D

If you love great food, amazing wine and exploring some of New Zealand’s most spectacular scenery – this is the tour for you! A quick stop along the way will include your morning tea. We will enjoy lunch on the banks of the mighty Waikato River at Huka Prawn Park’s Riverside Restaurant. You will be treated to a delicious selection of dishes, and the perfect drop to accompany them, before enjoying a tour of the park. We'll arrive at our accommodation based in the pretty village of Havelock North where we'll settle in and freshen up before heading to Mission Estate Winery where we'll enjoy delectable cuisine in the elegantly restored seminary building - the award-winning Mission Restaurant.

Day Two                                  B,L,D

Let’s embark on our day, starting with a visit to Mangarara Eco Farm and Eco Accommodation in Central Hawke's Bay, where you'll be enchanted by the breathtaking landscape and sustainable farming practices. Whilst here we'll enjoy a lovely morning tea provided by our hosts and learn about the property. Next, we will make our way to Gwavas House a majestic heritage estate that captivates visitors with its grandeur, rich history, and stunning gardens. Here we'll enjoy a wonderful tour of the gardens and house along with a delicious lunch. After this, we'll continue back to Havelock where can have a rest back at our accommodation or spend the afternoon exploring alluring Havelock North Town. All this activity will help us build an appetite for dinner at St Georges Restaurant – where more than 90% of the produce used is from the chef’s on-site garden. 

Day Three                                       B,MT,L,D

Nestled in the heart of Hawke’s Bay, we will savour a scrumptious morning tea at 160-year-old Ashcott Homestead, which features a private home and gardens with a thrilling history that celebrates the verdant countryside. Our next stop is listed with the New Zealand Historic Places Trust and, established in 1893, Woburn Homestead is a beautiful venue to behold. Rounding out our trio of homesteads today is the Wallingford Homestead: a 2,200-acre station featuring thousands of sheep, hundreds of Friesian and Angus beef, and 1700 French Oak “Trufflere” – the result of which you can feast on at the in-house restaurant. Make sure you save a little room for dinner as tonight we are off to Te Mata Peak for a scrumptious dinner at the Peak House where we revel in the panoramic views overlooking Hawkes Bay. 

Day Four                                         B,D

This morning, we will head off for the historic Duart House, built in 1882 and set in 3 acres of gardens surrounding the heritage house. We'll enjoy a pre-lunch wine-tasting and education at Askerne Estate winery and visit the cellar door of this award-winning business on the way to our next destination, Hygge at Clifton. Hygge is a Danish word meaning the essence of what is good in life, just outside of Havelock North and Napier, Hygge at Clifton Bay is focusing on making the most of the beautiful landscape in the Hawkes Bay and the rustic setting, creating delicious food and exceptional service. From here we'll continue back to Havelock where you can have a rest back at your accommodation or spend the afternoon exploring alluring Havelock North Town, the choice is yours. Tonight's fabulous experience is private dining in the Cellar at Craggy Range Winery dinner is a culinary indulgence like no other. 

Day Five                                          B,MT,L,D

Luxurious Greenhill Lodge is our first stop of the day, and here we will delight in some of the finest local food, as well as a historical overview of the Lodge. Our next stop, Maraeakakaho Station, was once one of New Zealand’s premier pure-bred Merino farms and boasts a rich history back to 1857. Lunch will follow at well-known Oak Estate Wines and from here we will continue to our next destination. This will include a tour of Hawthorne House, a stunning Edwardian villa and a beautifully decorated heritage home with stunning artworks, in beautiful surroundings. Another taste of luxury awaits us at Mangapapa Hotel with the Head Chef’s ‘paddock to plate’ philosophy resulting in gastronomic delights with strong local flavour.

Day Six                                           B

On our way back to Tauranga we will stop at the Hawkes Bay Farmers Market open every Sunday. Our next stop will be Napier's CBD for a spot of shopping or a quick stroll along the Marine Parade. We'll then continue our journey home stopping along the way in Taupo. This will be another opportunity to take your time to enjoy all the boutique stores and cafes, the choice is yours today.