Hawkes Bay
Hawkes Bay and the larger area of the East Coast is an interesting area, and a
place of contrasts, with the Art Deco and Spanish Mission-style architecture of
Hastings and Napier, the main cities of the area. At 10.47am on the 3rd of
February 1931 Hawkes Bay was shaken by a violent earthquake. Both cities
were reduced to rubble. Despite the grip of a world-wide depression the
country was then in, unemployed flocked to the stricken area in search of
work, so much so the area had to be sealed off, and only those with work permits
allowed in. The resulting rebuilt city has been given an Art Deco style of
architecture now unique to New Zealand Statue of Pania A Maori Legend Art Deco style buildings typical of Napier
The Hawkes Bay is one of New Zealand’s premier wine
producing regions. It is a veritable treasure trove of
vineyards, offering wines of superlative quality, many of
which have won both national and international acclaim.
The Hawkes Bay wine region is synonymous with the
noble varieties of Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and
Merlot. Both Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling also
command high recognition.
