The Hawkes Bay awaits the traveller with hot, dry summers and
mostly fine  clear winters.
In the steep back country,  sheep farming is the chief occupation,
but on the fertile plains, as well as dairy and fat lamb farming
are vineyards, orchards and vegetable gardens. These supply fruit
and vegetable processing plants in nearby Hastings, and the district
is an important wine producing area.  Many of the farming families
have been here for generations as evidenced by some of the old homesteads.
Napier and Hastings are the hub of the northern area. Both were devastated by an earthquake in 1931 and the resulting rebuilding
produced Art Deco buildings of world renown. In the Bay there are a number of places of interest to visit, including the Cape Kidnappers
gannet colony.
Further south at Norsewood and Dannevirke, Scandinavian travellers will find a little bit of home where Norwegian, Swedish and Danish immigrants settled. Whether it's following a wine trail, jetboating on the rivers, fishing or exploring the excellent museum and galleries, or the  aquarium, you will find plenty of interest in the Hawkes Bay.