Welcome to Hawke’s Bay NZ’s Food & Wine Country
29/05/2026Few places capture the essence of New Zealand quite like Hawke’s Bay. Officially recognised as one of just 11 Great Wine Capitals of the World, this sun-soaked region is a haven for food lovers, while offering so much more beyond the table.
Blessed with fertile soils and a warm, temperate climate, Hawke’s Bay is an agricultural powerhouse where vineyards, orchards and farms stretch across a diverse landscape, from the rolling hills of Central Hawke’s Bay to the striking coastline of Napier. As New Zealand’s oldest wine-growing region, it’s home to world-class wineries, alongside a thriving scene of award-winning craft breweries and boutique gin distilleries.
Here, the journey from paddock to plate and grape to glass is a way of life. Seasonal produce, artisan makers and innovative chefs create a vibrant food culture grounded in provenance and place.
Beyond its culinary reputation, Hawke’s Bay invites exploration at every turn. Cycle the renowned Hawke’s Bay Trails, one of New Zealand’s Great Rides, linking wineries, riverbanks and coastal paths across the region. In Napier, step back in time amid one of the world’s finest collections of Art Deco architecture, while a flourishing arts scene showcases local galleries, studios and creative talent. A year-round calendar of events brings the region to life, from iconic Art Deco celebrations to festivals of food, wine, music and sport.
Known to Māori as Te Matau-a-Māu, the Hook of Māui, Hawke’s Bay is also rich in cultural heritage, with stories and experiences that connect visitors more deeply to the land.
Hawke’s Bay is more than a destination, it’s a place to explore, indulge and create lasting memories.
Top 10 Things To Do:
- Art Deco Walking & Vintage Car Tours:
Discover the World’s Art Deco Capital with Napier’s official, most experienced and longest running tour operator offering walking and vintage car tours.
- The Year-round 10am walk begins with the short film, before the 1hr guided walk. Tour duration: 1hr 30mins
- In Summer the 2pm walk begins with a guide introduction, before the 1.5hr guided walk, finishing with a 20min movie. Tour duration: 2hrs 30mins, (1 October – 31 March)
- In Winter the 2pm walk begins with the short film, before a 1hr guided Tour duration: 1hr 30mins, (1 April – 30 September)
If you are unable to take a Guided Walking Tour with an Art Deco Trust Guide, stroll through the streets of downtown Napier using the Art Deco Trust’s download Self-Guided booklet. Guide yourself at any time of the day that suits you.
The download guide is a handy illustrated guide to Napier’s Art Deco Quarter. It includes a comprehensive text and photographs revealing Napier’s fascinating 1930’s streetscape, born from the 1931 earthquake, fire and courage. This guide is intended to be viewed on a mobile phone or tablet, and not created to be printed.
Full of rich history and carefully cared for by their owners, these cars make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Vintage Cars are available as a Complete Package, Highlights Tour, Winery Tour, Private Charter or Airport Transfers.
2. – Church Road Vineyard:
It has been over 125 incredible years since the journey began on the site where Church Road now stands. Over 125 years of capturing the riches of the Hawke’s Bay region, harnessing the natural terroir and individual character of the vineyards.
In 2023, New Zealand’s oldest wine growing region, Hawke’s Bay, was named as the 11th member to join the Great Wine Capitals of the World. Thanks to its unique selection of soils and microclimates, the Hawke’s Bay region is known for producing excellent wines from a wide range of varietals, including Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris.
The accolade reflects the quality of the wine in the Hawke’s Bay and the experience on offer to visitors, whether that be long vineyard lunches, soaking up live music at events like the Church Road Live Summer Sessions or transport options like the Hawke’s Bay Cycle Trail.
Church Road TOM wines are creations of rare beauty. Produced only in outstanding vintages under the supervision of Chief Winemaker, Chris Scott, these wines represent the pinnacle of the devotion to craft and the culmination of wine-growing and winemaking expertise amassed over the last century. TOM wines include a 2019 and 2020 TOM Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot, a 2021 TOM Chardonnay and a 2021 TOM Syrah.
3. – Smith & Sheth Wine Studio:
The Smith & Sheth Wine Studio is an amazing adventure that engages all the senses. It is a one-of-kind tasting experience, in a space full of stories that becomes a portal through which they take visitors on a sensory journey.
Experience Heretaunga: Guided by your own personal sommelier and storyteller, you’ll be taken on a journey through Hastings, the heart of Hawke’s Bay wine country – sampling limited production wines from the Smith & Sheth collection. These wines become the vehicle for this regional adventure, as you explore the diversity and distinctiveness of the Hawke’s Bay sub-regions.
This one-hour experience includes a tasting of four thoughtfully selected wines and exclusive barrel samples, all grown and crafted in the Hawke’s Bay. It’s a rich immersion into the people, places and philosophy behind Smith & Sheth.
Whether you’re a curious novice or a seasoned enthusiast, Experience Heretaunga offers a focused, flavour-filled glimpse into Hawke’s Bay wine… immersive, informative and always personal.
Tasting Experience By Appointment Only. Secure your booking through their website. For bookings requests within 24 hours, call 06 650 5550 to check availability. Minimum booking is for two people, maximum eight people.
4. – Gannet Safaris Overland:
Captivating champion divers and masters of the sea, gannets are true acrobats. Brace yourself for a journey that takes you from coast to cape, to the world’s largest and most accessible gannet colony in the beautiful Hawke’s Bay. Discover the mesmerising birds in an almost face-to-face experience and take in the stunning vista of the area.
For over 50 years, Cape Kidnapper’s Gannet Safaris has been the only tour to take you overland, bringing you up close and personal with these magestic seabirds and their thriving environment for nesting and breeding.
Starting off at their Te Awanga base, a fleet of 4×4 vehicles will take you through pristine coastline, a working farm and native bush to New Zealand’s largest, privately owned nature reserve. The guided safari will take you on a stunning discovery tour to the top of the Cape Kidnappers’ Gannet Colony where you will encounter over 20,000 gannets. See them in their natural habitat – nesting, preening, dancing, swooping and diving into the sea right before your eyes.
Open from 1st September – 30th April, including Christmas Day! Tours run twice a day, at 9.30am and 1.30pm.
5. – Mates Travel – Maori History Tour:
Step into the heart of Te Matau-a-Māui (Hawke’s Bay) on this authentic cultural journey. The tour offers a rare opportunity to connect deeply with the land, people and rich heritage of Māori culture through expert storytelling and visits to significant sites.
Walk in the footsteps of ancestors who shaped Napier and gain a profound understanding of Ngāti Kahungunu, one of New Zealand’s largest iwi. Experience intimate stories, sacred legends and historical events, which bring the past vividly to life.
This deeply immersive tour isn’t just sightseeing, but a powerful connection to Māori identity, tradition and spirituality. Perfect for those seeking a meaningful and memorable cultural experience with expert guides offering rich historical context.
Pick up and drop off at the National Aquarium in Napier. Enjoy comfortable transport with a Māori guide as you explore Ōtātara Pā Historic Reserve. You’ll journey through Napier, Hastings and Havelock North. Hear about the Battle of Omaranui, the legend of Pania of the Reef, and visit Ngā Pou o Heretaunga and Te Mata Peak.
www.matestravel.co.nz/tours/maori-history-tour
6. – Tākaro Trails Cycle Tours:
Explore the Hawke’s Bay Trails…with local experts! Award-winning Tākaro Trails Cycle Tours has been getting riders on the Best of the Bay for years. From beginners to seasoned cyclists, Tākaro Trails make it easy to ride, taste and enjoy.
Winery Day Rides: Discover the Hawke’s Bay Trails at your own pace. Choose from five self-guided day tours options along Hawke’s Bay’s easy, flat cycle pathways or to award-winning world-class wineries.
Multi Day Rides: Experience 2, 3 or 4 multi-day self-guided tours. Explore the Hawke’s Bay trails on easy, flat cycle pathways and visit some unforgettable places by bike. Takaro Trails are your local specialists in ‘cruisey’, multi-day cycling. Choose a self-guided tour with a DIY focus or take the Full Package, which connects it all together for you.
Hawke’s Bay Uncorked: Is a guided 5-day tour new in 2026. This isn’t your average cycling holiday. Hawke’s Bay Uncorked is the only all-inclusive, small-group e-bike tour of New Zealand’s premier food and wine region.
Pedal, Pinot, Eat, Repeat. Over five flavour-filled days, you’ll cruise scenic trails, taste award-winning wines, connect with new friends and relax in comfort, with the region’s best-kept secrets at your handlebars. Hawke’s Bay Uncorked includes 4 nights accommodation, 4 daily all-inclusive meals and wine tastings, 4 days fully supported (10 pax max).
Casual Bike Hire: Explore the Hawke’s Bay Trails your way with a casual E-bike bike hire in Napier. Enjoy the fabulous cycle trails your way, ride as long as you want, wherever you want with completely professional service and total support.
7. – The National Aquarium – Little Penguin Encounter:
Get up close and personal with the Aquarium’s world-famous Little Penguins. Learn all about the Penguin of the Month and take part in hand-feeding them in their exhibit!
This encounter also includes general admission to the aquarium.
You’ll get to experience what goes on behind the scenes, discovering all about the day-to-day care of these character-filled little birds. And you’ll also learn about the rescue and rehabilitation centre at the Aquarium. After your encounter, journey through the aquarium and discover a range of sea life and native icons the kiwi and tuatara.
Please note: The penguins are free to choose whether they come to be hand-fed each day, please bear this in mind on your encounter. The Aquarium requires all participants to wear covered shoes (fully enclosed – no Crocs) that have grip for uneven surfaces to ensure your personal safety in the habitat.
Times: 1.00pm daily. Duration: Approximately 45 minutes. Participants: Maximum of 4 people (minimum age 6 years). Children 14 years and under must be accompanied by a paying adult (18 years or older) that is part of the encounter. Bookings: Are essential and subject to availability/confirmation.
The National Aquarium of New Zealand is located on Napier’s Marine Parade, an easy 15mins walk from Napier’s city centre or a brisk 5-minute cycle along the waterfront.
www.nationalaquarium.co.nz/visit/little-penguin-close-encounter
8. – Hawke’s Bay Farmers Market:
The Hawke’s Bay Farmers Market opened in 2000 and is one of the oldest and largest Farmers Markets in NZ. Every Sunday it comes to life offering a complete shopping experience!
The market is a place where the regions finest growers and artisan producers supply their wares so you can see, touch, smell and taste the goods, before buying directly from the source. Meet the growers and producers as you wander at your leisure around this traditional Farmers Market, discovering the diverse range of fresh produce and genuine artisan products grown and produced in Hawke’s Bay.
With the popularity growing year on year, it is not only a wonderful family place for locals, but now a year-round must-do for visitors. And what’s not to love about the market with its friendly relaxed atmosphere, stunning tree-lined grounds of the Waikoko Gardens, busker music in the background for the crowds who mingle with their morning juices and locally roasted coffees.
The Hawke’s Bay Farmers Market include an extensive range of nearly 50 stallholders who are all selling their own locally grown, seasonal flowers and fresh vegetables, berries, figs and fruit, locally raised meats, artisan jams and preserves, specialty coffee roasters, freshly baked artisan breads and pastries, boutique cheeses and sweet treats.
There are also butchers, sandwich makers, delicatessen produce, Asian street food, hemp foods, authentic French crepes, fresh dairy produce, smoked fish and dips, freshly squeezed juices, beer and cider, top quality Hawke’s Bay wine, hand-crafted spirits and olive oils.
Hawke’s Bay Farmers Market is open every Sunday morning, rain hail or shine, 8:30am – 12:30pm. Located in the Waikoko Gardens at Tomoana Showgrounds.
www.hawkesbayfarmersmarket.co.nz
9. – Central Hawke’s Bay Beaches:
The district is home to six stunning, scenic beaches. With the rugged Ruahine Ranges holding vigil in the west and miles of white sand beaches snaking around each bend on the east, Central Hawke’s Bay will surprise and delight even the most seasoned travellers.
It stands to reason then, that 48 hours in Central Hawke’s Bay is best spent seeing as many of these stunning landscapes as possible. And this recipe for a delicious Hawke’s Bay day begins by traveling south from Napier or Hastings.
Departing Napier or Hastings you’ll drive south on SH2 for 70kms to Waipukurau. At the roundabout in town it will be signposted for Pōrangahau. This 45km stretch of road in turn leads onto Te Paerahi (Pōrangahau Beach). Enjoy a stroll along this vast white sand beach that stretches for miles, and is a mecca for surfers, divers and fishing enthusiasts.
Return to Pōrangahau township for a lunch at The Duke…a down to earth tavern where the friendly welcome is matched only by the high quality pub grub.
Weave north through Central Hawke’s Bay’s five other beaches. Time a visit to Blackhead Beach for low tide to discover the incredible Te Angiangi Marine Reserve or visit Aramoana Beach, where the McHardy Woolshed, built in 1906 and lovingly restored, stands guard on the beachfront. Pourerere Beach is a popular spot for day trippers as it offers great fishing, diving and surfing, while Mangakuri and Kairakau Beaches are smaller, more rustic beaches that are extremely picturesque.
www.hawkesbaynz.com/itineraries/explore-itineraries/central-hawkes-bay-country-to-coast
10 – Mōrere Hot Pools:
Rare in the world of hot springs, Nga Hua o Mōrere produce 250,000 litres a day of hot ancient sea water. Known for its therapeutic values, the water is piped to a series of public and private hot pools.
It is definitely worth taking a walk on any of the various walks in the Mōrere Scenic Reserve, from 10-minute walks up to three hours. Especially famous for its nikau palms, the dense virgin rainforest is home to a wide range of native birds.
Visitors are also encouraged to extend their trip to the area, and stay across the road at the very welcoming Mōrere Lodge.
Nga Hua o Mōrere hot springs is located 40kms north-east of Wairoa, 52kms south of Gisborne and 15kms north of Nuhaka. Opening Hours: Monday 10am-5pm, Tuesday and Wednesday closed, Thursday to Sunday 10am-5pm.
Best Places To Stay:
1 – Mangapapa Luxury Accommodation:
Elegance, seclusion, relaxation… three words which describe this stunning luxury boutique hotel and accommodation. Surrounded by landscaped century old trees, gardens and orchards, Mangapapa Hotel offers the finest luxury accommodation in Hawke’s Bay with its 12 magnificent suites.
Together with the renowned restaurant, day spa and wellness sanctuary and facilities such as the pool and lawn tennis court, Mangapapa is Hawke’s Bay’s ultimate luxury country estate…a destination in itself!
The hotel boasts 12 spacious stunning light filled rooms, all unique in their own individual way. Comprising eight 1-Bedroom Suites and four Double Rooms, Mangapapa guarantees there is a room for everyone to fall in love with when experiencing luxury accommodation. Several suites thoughtfully cater to guests with limited mobility needs.
Mangapapa Restaurant celebrates in showcasing the finest of local ingredients. Surrounded by lush, landscaped gardens, dine in the beautiful restaurant and enjoy a delicious, refined 5-course set menu created by a talented team of chefs.
The Day Spa & Wellness Sanctuary is a perfect place to relax. Whether you are staying in-house or you are a day spa guest, a professional team of beauty and massage therapists provide a wide range of relaxing treatments to pamper you in the dedicated health and wellness facilities.
2 – Black Barn Retreats:
Black Barn Vineyards offers a collection of 16 luxury accommodation retreats perfect for nightly vacation rentals. Each lodge offers an exclusive experience that is entirely yours for the duration of your stay. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful escape or a base for exploring this stunning region, Black Barn Retreats provide a unique blend of comfort and elegance.
Nestled in prime locations throughout the vineyard and beyond, each accommodation retreat boasts a unique character and original style, ensuring that no two stays are ever the same. From charming cottages surrounded by vineyards to modern lodges with breathtaking views of Hawke’s Bay, every option is meticulously designed to enhance your stay.
Each retreat features spacious living areas, fully equipped kitchens and luxurious bedrooms, making them ideal for both short getaways and extended vacations. Each is self-contained, ensuring privacy and convenience.
Hawke’s Bay itself is a region renowned for its natural beauty, world-class wineries and vibrant arts scene. Staying at Black Barn places you in the heart of the region, just 30mins from Napier Airport with easy access to local beaches, biking and walking tracks, attractions, and an array of award-winning restaurants and cafés.
Whether you’re enjoying a glass of their wine in your retreat, dining at Black Barn Bistro, exploring the countryside or indulging in the culinary delights, Black Barn Retreats offers an unforgettable experience.
3 – Wallingford Homestead:
Escape to timeless elegance with a Wallingford Homestead stay, where heritage charm meets contemporary comfort. Nestled in Central Hawke’s Bay, this historic homestead accommodation offers nine beautifully appointed rooms, including luxury suites with private en-suites.
Guests enjoy access to manicured gardens, a modern pool pavilion, open fireplaces and serene country views. Recognised as a leading boutique lodge in New Zealand, Wallingford is ideal for romantic escapes, private events or relaxing retreats. As a Luxury Accommodation destination, they proudly offer an accessibility suite with a fully equipped disabled bathroom. With a Frommer’s 3-Star rating, Cuisine Award recognition and consistent 5-star guest reviews, your stay promises exceptional quality.
Indulge in a truly luxury dining experience at Wallingford Homestead. The restaurant’s seasonal menus celebrate estate-grown and locally sourced ingredients, thoughtfully paired with fine regional wines.
Join them for an exclusive Winemaker Dinner, where renowned NZ vintners present curated pairings in an intimate setting. Whether you’re planning a food and wine getaway or seeking a one-of-a-kind culinary escape, Wallingford promises an unforgettable taste of New Zealand’s best.
4 – Art Deco Masonic Hotel:
Napier’s best located Boutique Hotel, on the waterfront with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, Masonic Hotel is an Art Deco jewel offering unique, characterful accommodation options.
Right in the heart of 1930’s Napier, Masonic Hotel’s location is perfect for exploring Art Deco Napier. Boasting 43 stylish hotel rooms, suites and a 2-bedroom self-contained apartment, with all the conveniences you would expect of a modern hotel. The history, Art Deco architecture and individuality of the rooms add a unique ambiance and style to this accommodation.
The balcony accessed from hallways and select guest rooms is available to all guests and offers an outstanding panorama of the Pacific Ocean. Guests can also relax in and enjoy the Guest Lounge, and enchanting and elegant space located just off the hotel lobby.
Art Deco Masonic Hotel guests enjoy a choice of bar and dining options including The Rose, the hotel’s friendly little Irish Pub, open everyday from 11am. The Rose serves a selection of beer and wines, lunches, dinner and snacks in between. Here you can mingle with the locals, enjoy hearty food and regular weekly events.
Also on the ground floor of the hotel you’ll find two independently owned and operated restaurants – K Kitchen & Bar serving a fusion of European cuisine that is open 7 days from 8am for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and Origami Restaurant & Patisserie serving a range of Japanese-inspired dishes and freshly-made pastries.
5 – Porters Boutique Hotel:
Luxury 4.5 star boutique accommodation located in Havelock North Village, not far from Hastings and Napier. Step into Porters Boutique Hotel, a world of luxury, comfort and relaxation.
Unwind in elegantly appointed guest rooms, complete with plush, classic furnishings and adorned with original local artwork. Enjoy attentive service within a stylish, intimate space that reflects the beauty and grandeur of the breathtaking Hawke’s Bay region.
Porters Apartment: Is located within the Village Exchange and offers sophisticated accommodation for discerning travellers. With floor to ceiling living room windows offering views towards Te Mata Peak and Mt. Erin, the apartment features 3-double bedrooms with individual en-suites, an open plan dining and living room along with fully equipped kitchen and laundry facilities. Decorated with high-end furniture, and gorgeous natural wood tones, the apartment gives off a warm but sophisticated atmosphere.
Porters Rooms & Suites: Experience the ultimate in luxury comfort in beautifully decorated, spacious guest rooms and suites. Porters Boutique Hotel offers superb comfort and quality for business travellers visiting Hawke’s Bay.
Malo Restaurant & Lounge is located within the hotel. Honest food with a sophisticated, modern twist and an emphasis on local, seasonal flavours. Malo offers charge back and room service during open hours to hotel guests. Open 7 days from 11am until close.
Best Food & Drink Establishments:
1 – Central Fire Station Bistro:
A very warm welcome to The Central Fire Station Bistro, a special dining experience within one of Napier’s most impressive Art Deco buildings. Sam Clark, Head Chef and Owner, creates stunning but simple food from the freshest local and sustainable grown produce. He’s enthusiastic about working with the seasons and drawing from nature to create beautiful but uncomplicated dishes that burst with colour and flavour.
Celebrating local produce, The Central Fire Station Bistro ever-evolving menu puts beautiful Hawke’s Bay produce at the heart of what they do. It is the bistro’s belief that the region’s fertile soil and abundant sea delivers the very best New Zealand has to offer. Working closely with small, independent suppliers to present outstanding seasonal, fresh and delicious French and Italian-inspired food.
Opening an eatery with his partner, Florencia Menehem, was a long held ambition for Sam, and after several years running kitchens at some of Auckland’s best restaurants, the dream came true. The Central Fire Station Bistro has quickly become a must-visit for locals and visitors alike, and a true highlight of the regions outstanding food offerings.
2 – Craggy Range: The Loft Restaurant
Two distinct, yet deeply connected dining experiences, each celebrating the vibrant bounty of Hawke’s Bay. Both spaces are united by a sense of warmth, exceptional hospitality and a true taste of the region.
Their flagship restaurant offers a refined yet relaxed dining experience, celebrating the very best of the wider region. Led by Executive Chef Casey McDonald, the regionally inspired menu highlights the incredible produce from this region, perfectly paired with Craggy Range wines.
It is the recipient of Three Hats and named Winery Restaurant of the Year, and Casey Chef of the Year at the Cuisine Good Food Awards 2025. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week.
Enjoy spectacular views of Te Mata Peak, with the outdoor terrace reserved exclusively for dining guests – a perfect spot for a pre- or post-meal drink. The menu is complemented by a curated wine list featuring Craggy Range wines from current and past vintages, locally brewed beers and seasonal cocktails.
The Loft at Craggy Range is an experience that feels less like dining out, and more like being let in. Tucked away upstairs, The Loft is an intimate and luxuriously appointed space offering a unique dining experience that is comfortingly familiar, but still worth dressing up for. The Loft space also welcomes larger groups for shared lunches and is available for private dining experiences.
3 – Black Barn Bistro:
The philosophy of Black Barn Bistro starts with you, the diner. They want you to feel welcomed, relaxed, at home and when you leave, satisfied and happy. To achieve this, they want to tempt you with a carefully constructed menu of classics, reinterpretations and at times, combinations of ingredients that you might not have tried before.
Everything on the menu has been hand-made by Executive Chef Rognar Christensen’s team, and more often than not, it will be the simplest of these dishes that have taken the most time, care and attention. When at all possible, everything will be provided by small, passionate producers and growers from the region.
Rognar believes this is not just desirable – it’s a duty. They can grow exceptional produce, but only if Black Barn Bistro supports the people who are taking the risks and putting in the hard work.”
This same philosophy stretches to their drinks list. Of course, all the Black Barn favourites are there, but so are some stellar wines from lesser known but exceedingly talented winemakers – again, all from Hawke’s Bay.
4. – Mission Estate Winery Restaurant:
Hawke’s Bay is New Zealand’s oldest wine region and one of the world’s 11 Great Wine Capitals. With a warm, dry climate and varied soils, it’s ideal for premium wine. Mission Estate planted vines here in the 1850s and now grows Chardonnay, Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon in Taradale and the Gimblett Gravels.
From sunlit terrace lunches to intimate evening dinners, Mission Estate Restaurant is one of Napier’s premier dining destinations. Enjoy inspired seasonal menus, award-winning wines and warm hospitality…all set within the timeless charm of New Zealand’s oldest winery. With only the freshest local produce used, the style of cuisine is contemporary fine dining with an International influence. All the menus feature vegetarian options, and have a dedicated vegan menu for those who prefer plant-based meals.
Napier born Executive Head Chef, Ricky Littleton, brings global inspiration and local expertise to the Mission Estate kitchen. After rising through the ranks in New Zealand, his career took him to Hong Kong, where he refined his style across a range of international cuisines. Since becoming Executive Head Chef in 2018, Ricky has led the Mission team with a focus on bold, seasonal flavours and beautifully crafted dishes, which reflect both his global experience and his Hawke’s Bay roots.
www.missionestate.co.nz/pages/restaurant
5. – Cellar 495:
More than just a wine bar, Cellar 495 combines neighbourly warmth and hospitality with world-class wine expertise at Hastings’ central wine bar, bistro, tasting room and wine shop – all led by the world’s 495th Master of Wine, Michael Henley.
The wine selection represents the finest from around the globe, served alongside seasonal cuisine that captures the spirit of New Zealand. Wine might be the star of the show, but Head Chef, Carlita Campbell offers a casual, relaxed dining experience with a menu perfect for mixing and grazing with your wines of choice.
The dishes have a bistro feel, emphasising fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Start with a few selections and let the flavours guide your afternoon or evening as you savour the best of the region in a warm, inviting setting.
Once a month, Cellar 495 Winemaker Dinner Series brings together celebrated winemakers, vignerons and wine merchants from around the country to share the wines they love and the stories behind them. Each dinner features a four-course set menu, thoughtfully matched with wines handpicked by the guest host. It’s a chance to get behind the label, ask questions and enjoy a truly memorable night at the table.
