Biggest Hawke’s Bay tourism weekend in recent history
A double-date with Robbie Williams has helped Hawke’s Bay set a new tourism record. Hawke’s Bay Tourism said it was now confident the region would be a hotspot this summer, citing the success of two 25,000-strong concerts at Mission Estate in Napier over the weekend as proof it can deliver. At the weekend’s peak, 36,909 domestic visitors and 3222 international visitors […]
Napier To Host Opening Round Of 2024 World Triathlon Cup
Napier has been unveiled as the new home of New Zealand’s popular stop on the World Triathlon Cup circuit and doubled down by also agreeing to host the Oceania Standard Distance Championships later this summer. The picturesque Hawke’s Bay coastal city, famed for its world class wine, annual Art Deco Festival and Ranfurly Shield-holding rugby […]
Squares set for summer fun
Emerson Street’s two historic squares – Clive Square and Memorial Square – are kicking summer off to a bright start with picnics, music and art. Squares in the City is a mini festival in the heart of Napier running from 1-8 December, with a different event – and a different summery vibe – on offer […]
Hawke’s Bay: The region bursting with new hidden gems
Talk about a rough couple of years for Hawke’s Bay tourism operators. They’ve been through Covid closures, a cyclone, and now tourists are staying away because they think the region is still storm-damaged. However, on a recent visit, I found every reason to head to Hawke’s Bay. Yes, small pockets are still in recovery mode, […]
What was once Napier’s ugliest building is now home to 5-star boutique penthouse
Not too long ago, this was regarded as the ugliest building in Napier. A five-storey block that effortlessly merged the worst of brutalist architecture with 80s kitsch, it was also one of the city’s most earthquake-prone buildings. Four years after the building was purchased by developer Jonathan Wallace, it’s a subtly stylish edifice that has […]
Outstanding Contributor Award for Hawke’s Bay Tourism CEO
One of New Zealand’s longstanding tourism leaders has been presented with Business Events Industry Aotearoa’s (BEIA’s) Outstanding Contributor Award for 2023 at the BEIA Conference. Hamish Saxton, Chief Executive of Hawke’s Bay Tourism was celebrated by the industry at a gala dinner at Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre in Marlborough on Wednesday night (20 September). BEIA […]
Rosewood enters NZ with the addition of Robertson Lodges
With rich landscapes, a multi-layered cultural heritage, and untouched wilderness, New Zealand has captured the imagination of some of the world’s most creative minds. Rosewood Hotels & Resorts is embarking on a journey to this iconic destination with Robertson Lodges, a distinguished collection of three resorts, each offering a unique and luxurious escape. As of […]
CBD’s transform as live, work and play districts
Bricks and mortar retail is no longer the main reason to go into the CBD’s of Hastings, Havelock North and Napier. The continued growth of online shopping is reshaping our CBD’s to be the heart of our cities as a broader mix of living, working and play areas. Councils and private developers such as Wallace […]
Hawke’s Bay Tourism CEO wins BEIA award
One of New Zealand’s longstanding tourism leaders has been presented with Business Events Industry Aotearoa’s (BEIA’s) Outstanding Contributor Award for 2023 at the BEIA Conference. Hamish Saxton, Chief Executive of Hawke’s Bay Tourism was celebrated by the industry at a gala dinner at Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre in Marlborough on Wednesday night (20 September). BEIA […]
Who does it better – Napier or Hastings?
It’s an age-old, oft-debated topic: When it comes to summer in Hawke’s Bay, who does it better – Napier or Hastings? With summer just around the corner, Napier is gearing up for an influx of visitors with a full events calendar including concerts, festivals and a bumper cruise season set to welcome more than 130,000 […]
Summer of gannets, takahē, giant wētā and more!
Gannet Safaris Overland, one of Hawke’s Bay’s premiere tourist activities, opens for its 2023/24 season this weekend, as thousands of the 20,000 strong gannet colony who call Cape Kidnappers home begin to arrive and nest. The only operator providing tours to the world’s largest accessible gannet colony, Gannet Safaris Overland offers a new package this […]