There’s a certain magic that unfolds in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand’s Food and Wine Country. As one of the world’s Great Wine Capitals, this sun-soaked region offers more than just incredible vintages — it’s a destination where nature, flavour, and creativity combine in perfect balance.
If you’ve ever dreamed of waking to birdsong among the vines, cycling along a glittering coastline, and dining beneath a canopy of stars, this three-day itinerary is your invitation to experience the very best of Hawke’s Bay.
Day One – Arrive and Unwind Among the Vines
Begin your Hawke’s Bay adventure with a stay that sets the tone for luxury and tranquility — glamping at Villas and Vines. Nestled among the vines, this boutique retreat offers all the romance of camping, elevated by every modern comfort. Imagine arriving to the scent of lavender on a warm breeze, a chilled bottle of local award-winning rosé waiting, and the soft hum of cicadas as your evening soundtrack.
As night falls, with a glass in hand, watch the sky fade from gold to indigo. This is Hawke’s Bay at its most serene — indulgent, unhurried, and effortlessly beautiful.
Day Two – E-Bikes, Coastlines and Cellar Doors
After a leisurely breakfast overlooking the vines, it’s time to explore on two wheels. Hop on an e-bike in Clifton and follow one of Hawke’s Bay’s iconic coastal trails — part of nearly 200km of limestone paths that weave through wetlands, farmland, and ocean vistas. The ride to Elephant Hill Winery is pure joy: the sea on one side, rows of vines on the other, and the scent of salt and wildflowers in the air.
Arriving at Elephant Hill, reward your efforts with a wine tasting overlooking the Pacific, where sleek architecture meets the rhythm of the surf. Then linger over a long lunch — every dish here is crafted to reflect the region’s bounty, perfectly matched with their elegant, coastal-influenced wines. Take your time — that’s the Hawke’s Bay way.
Return to your villa for a slow evening under the stars, perhaps with a cheese board of local produce and a final glass of something special.
Day Three – Craggy Range Restaurant
Your final day in Hawke’s Bay calls for something truly unforgettable. Make your way to Craggy Range Winery, one of New Zealand’s most celebrated wineries and a cornerstone of the region’s culinary prestige. Here, you’ll discover Craggy Range’s award-winning, three hatted, restaurant and now, tucked away upstairs, The Loft has opened as an intimate and luxuriously appointed space offering dining that is comfortingly familiar, but still worth dressing up for.
With Executive Chef Casey McDonald at the helm, Craggy Range’s Restaurant delivers an extraordinary tasting experience inspired by the land itself. Each dish is a work of art, crafted from seasonal Hawke’s Bay ingredients and perfectly paired with Craggy Range’s acclaimed wines. The view from your table — the mountain range of Te Mata Peak rising majestically in the distance — completes the moment.
It’s the kind of meal that lingers long after the last bite, not just for the flavours, but for the feeling — the connection to place, people, and passion that defines Hawke’s Bay.
In just three days, Hawke’s Bay offers a world of experiences — from vineyard glamping and coastal cycling to world-class dining that rivals anywhere on earth. It’s a place where every glass tells a story, every view takes your breath away, and every visit leaves you planning your next.