Hawke’s Bay & Wairarapa

Nestled on the sun-drenched coast of Hawke’s Bay, Napier feels like it stepped out of a time machine and landed in paradise—in the best possible way. Known as the Art Deco Capital of the World, it mixes vintage charm, coastal beauty, and an easy wine-country rhythm that’s dangerously relaxing. If you’re a history buff, a foodie, or just someone who loves a good ocean breeze, Napier has your number.

Perched on the southeastern tip of Hawke’s Bay, Cape Kidnappers is one of New Zealand’s most dramatic coastal destinations—towering cliffs, sweeping Pacific views, and the world’s largest accessible mainland gannet colony all converging on one wild headland. Come for the spectacle; stay for the stories, the science, and the salt air that follows you home.

Tucked away in the southeastern corner of the North Island, Martinborough is the kind of small town that wins people over fast. Colonial-era villas and leafy streets frame a compact village where vineyards begin almost at the back fence. Time moves easier here. Wine flows. Conversations linger. If you’re planning a New Zealand trip and want a stop that blends world-class wine with relaxed village life—and a few wild-coast adventures within easy reach—Martinborough deserves a place on your itinerary.