A short drive south of Napier and Hastings is Central Hawke’s Bay. With some of the best beaches, fishing and diving spots, water sport, cycling trails, golf, an incredible number of historic homesteads and so much more – there are plenty of reasons to consider living here.
With a sustained and concerted effort on promoting and developing attractions such as the Tukituki Trails, the unique cultural story telling journey through ancient pā and wetlands – Ngā Ara Tipuna, and luxury food and wine opportunities such as Wallingford, Central Hawke’s Bay’s potential for tourism continues to grow.
Waipukurau is the main hub of Central Hawke’s Bay with a vibrant main street, there’s a great selection of local boutique retail shops and cafes, and it is a perfect base to start your exploration of the region.
Waipawa is just a five-minute drive or 20 minute cycle northeast of Waipukurau, and is home to some of Hawke’s Bays best rainbow and brown trout fishing spots, boutique retail stores and yummy cafes. Also dotted along the main street, you’ll find the Central Hawke’s Bay Museum which offers a nostalgic glimpse of life back in the day, with lots of hands on experiences for young and old.
Central Hawke’s Bay boarders the rolling foothills of the Ruahine Ranges, home to some excellent walking and tramping tracks with a stunning sunrise walk. You’ll also find easy walking reserves throughout the countryside. To the east you’ll find six unique beaches, each offering a different experience from swimming, diving, fishing, surfing, or just relaxing. Discover Te Angiangi Marine Reserve , a reef running from Blackhead Beach to Aramoana that sees kids exploring rock pools and sea life, whilst taking time to dive, snorkel or relax alongside. Further along the coast, you’ll discover Te Paerahi Beach, Porangahau’s main beach front, that is home to a huge stretch of white sand, great for exploring on foot or horseback and is famed for its superb diving and fishing. The home of the World’s longest place names is just six kilometres east of the township.
If you enjoy cycling, there is a great network of limestone trails and a perfectly carved mountain bike park to explore. The Tukituki Trails hugs the Tukituki River with unique views of countryside and riverside.
Heading into Central Hawke’s Bay from State Highway 50 you’ll get a view of some of Hawke’s Bay’s most spectacular farmland. This is where a number of historic farm homesteads are situated and if you take a visit to the small town of Ongaonga you’ll discover a well-preserved collection of original historic buildings at the Ongaonga Museum.