New Zealand Travel Blog

Hawkes Bay, known in New Zealand as both ‘Wine Country’ and the ‘Fruit Bowl of New Zealand’ these clues should make it no surprise that it is the leading producer of New Zealand red wines.  What is a surprise is  the high concentration of beautiful Art Deco buildings making twin towns of Napier and Hastings beautiful places to visit let alone great places to enjoy one of the many Hawkes Bay Festivals.

Each year Auckland community hosts a variety of Festivals & Lifestyle Events celebrating the regions cultural diversity and traditions. Here is a comprehensive list of Auckland Festivals & Lifestyle Events…

With such iconic names as the Milford, Routeburn and Hollyford tracks walk including Arthurs Pass and Mount Cook, National Parks and Fox Glacier.  The New Zealand Trails - World Heritage New Zealand Hiking Tour ticked all the right boxes - but was I up for the challenge?

After only a few weeks in New Zealand our intrepid Dutch intern, Remy de Jong,  decided to hike the West Auckland 4 Day Hillary Trail – Mid Winter. The Hillary Trail Named after the New Zealand mountaineer, Sir Edmond Hillary (The first to the top of Everest) The Hillary Trail is a tough but worthwhile 4 day 3 night wilderness hike. The 70km (43 Mile) trail is is known for its lush native forests, giant stands of mature kauri and huge dunes that backdrop the volcanic black sands that stretch along endless roaring beaches.

Partake on a delicious journey through New Zealand’s finest wine and food country, experience the 380 kilometer (240 mile) trail as it serves up a delectable array of food and wine experiences. Encompassing Hawke’s Bay, Wairarapa and Marlborough the 'Classic New Zealand Wine Trail'.  links three of New Zealand’s leading wine regions that accounts for more than 80 percent of the country’s production.