Hawke’s Bay Wine Country is diverse landscape, bountiful produce, award winning wines, unique wildlife, stunning architecture and rich cultural heritage.
Hot on the New Zealand scene, Hawke’s Bay’s stunning Mediterranean climate and enviable East Coast setting lure visitors to experience a region rich in delicious flavours and beautiful things, and to enjoy average year round temperatures of 19.3 degrees and plenty of sunshine.
Bursting with taste sensations, Hawke's Bay is New Zealand's leading food and wine destination, home to fabulous award-winning wines at over 70 wineries, as well as delightful fresh produce, epicurean delights and gourmet experiences.
Dazzling Art Deco & Spanish Mission architecture characterise the twin cities of Napier & Hastings, a sensational outcome of the devastating 1931 earthquake, which has gained Napier worldwide fame for its spectacular annual Art Deco Festival and as one of the great Art Deco cities of the World.
Cape Kidnappers & Te Mata Peak are famous landmarks for stunning views as well as the former's gannet colony, the largest mainland colony in the World.
Cape Kidnappers International Golf Course, Travel + Leisure Golf's "2004 Golf Course of the year. 140 metres above Hawke Bay, Cape Kidnappers is seaside golf at its finest. The surface is firm and fast, the conditions can be windy, and the player who can control his trajectory will be master of the course. Though it may be far from home, Cape Kidnappers will remain forever in your heart.
In the words of course designer Tom Doak...
"Our goal in designing golf courses is to create interesting holes you wouldn't find anywhere else. That wasn't hard to do at Cape Kidnappers, because the site is not like anywhere else in golf. If it were any bigger or any more dramatic, it would probably be cordoned off as a national park. It's an overwhelming experience to stand up on the cliffs, 140 meters above sea level, and look out across the waves far below in Hawke's Bay.
Set atop 6,000 rolling acres of pasture land, The Farm encompasses terrain which is reminiscent of Montana but plunges 800 feet into the sea. The cluster of lodge buildings are suggestive of a working farm. A combination of stone and weathered wood, the buildings combine rustic materials with comfortable up-to-date furniture.
Each suite has room-controlled air conditioning, high-speed wireless internet. 180-degree panoramic views of the farm, golf course and Pacific Ocean are enjoyed from each suite's private balcony.
The common areas of the Lodge offer a number of welcoming and comfortable spaces. The 50’ heated infinity pool and Jacuzzi. A poolside cabana with mini-bar provides a shady relaxation area. The Spa sits on the hillside above the Lodge. Choose from a variety of treatments including massage, reflexology, body wraps, facials, pedicures, manicures and hair care. Couples can enjoy this ultimate indulgence together in the Spa Suite.
Each evening mingle with other guests at th cocktail hour where a choice of hot and cold hors d’oeuvres and a wide range of wines, beer and spirits are served.
The dinner menu changes nightly and features the finest New Zealand lamb and beef as well as the best local produce and seafood. Wine and bottled water served with dinner are not included in the daily tariff. During cocktails and dinner, gentlemen are required to wear a jacket (the Lodge has jackets available for guest use at Reception).
If you thought New Zealand was all about Sauvignon Blanc, you are missing out on some of the best wines we have to offer. Wines from Hawke's Bay have scored more 90+ ratings in Wine Spectator than any other New Zealand District. Familiar with Kistler, Chalone, and Chalk Hill chardonnays from their best vintages? Come and see what Hawke's Bay has to offer - you won't be disappointed.
Contrary to what Australians may tell you, New Zealand reds are world class. At the July 2000, International Wine Challenge in London nearly 1800 Bordeaux style reds from around the world were compared. The winner: CJ Pask '98 Hawkes Bay Merlot. Voted best bordeaux style red in the world . . . the French were stunned!
Your guide for the day has an excellent knowledge of wine and the Hawke's Bay wine scene. Every tour is tailor made to reflect your interest and wine preferences - maybe the barrel sample you taste will be the next international award winner! You be the judge.
This month we celebrate the fantastic success of US Amateur Champion Danny Lee. In an amazing month of performances, Danny won the Western Amateur Championship, assumed the mantle as the world’s number 1 amateur golfer, shot 4 rounds in the 60’s in his PGA Tour debut, and finally broke Tiger Wood’s record as the youngest ever winner of the US Amateur Championship – quite a month of achievements.
The 1963 Open Championship winner Bob Charles will become the first New Zealander and the first lefty inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame this November when he is honored as part of the 2008 Class. In addition to the 1963 Open Championship at Royal Lytham & St. Annes, Charles’ has earned more than 60 international victories since turning professional in 1960.
Long irons require a steady tempo to achieve the distance dictated by the length of the shaft and loft of the club. Remember, the longer the shaft of the iron, the slower the swing. Don’t rush your swing; smooth is better than fast. With long iron clubs, most golfers have a tendency to hold on to the stroke (not letting the club release). So when you swing a long iron be certain to finish the swing.