YHB newsletters

Visiting Hawke's Bay made easy -
itineraries, events, accommodation

Hawke’s Bay is stylish but still country, unlimited activities, great people to enjoy. Excellent accommodation accompanied by delicious wine and food. All close at hand – within 30 minutes from everywhere.

Read on for essential information for the discerning traveller to Hawke’s Bay. We will make it easy for you to see Hawke’s Bay as a destination and win accolades from your clients.

News Feature

Cape Kidnappers Golf Course 27th in the World!
Hawke’s Bay’s Cape Kidnappers golf course has continued to rack up international plaudits by becoming the highest debuting course to feature in the prestigious Golf Magazine’s Top 100 courses for 2005. The magazine ranks it 27th in the world.

It was the second time this year the Tom Doak –designed course, developed by Julian Robertson, has been placed in the top 100 by a major golfing publication.

Cape Kidnappers was one of only two international courses to debut in the top 50 of this year’s ranking. The magazine noted, “Cape Kidnappers might be on the top of our list if a spectacular setting was our only criteria. Few courses in the world are worth both a $USD160 green fee and a day’s journey to get there but Cape Kidnappers is one.”

YHB would just like to note the course is actually just 30 minutes scenic drive from Hastings, Napier or Havelock North, Hawke’s Bay’s main centres.

Upcoming Events November 2005

Cathay Pacific 10th Italian Film Festival 2005
16 November - 30 November 2005

The Cathay Pacific Italian Film festival is now the largest single culture film festival and the largest Italian cultural event in New Zealand.

The 2005 Cathay Pacific Italian Film festival, the 10th consecutive event, celebrates the latest and best of contemporary Italian film. The festival this year has twenty feature films, the greatest number so far. Short films screen in conjunction with features for the first time and the festival screens for two consecutive weeks in every location.

Classics at Sunset
19 November 2005

The Hawke’s Bay Regional Orchestra will host a fun filled afternoon and exciting evening concert at the beautiful outdoor amphitheatre at Black Barn Vineyards! Renowned for its acoustics, site lines and atmosphere, audience members will sit in comfort and enjoy the close uninterrupted views of the stage and the whole of Hawke’s Bay as their backdrop while enjoying Hawke’s Bay’s finest wine and music. An exciting array of events including an exclusive wine tasting with Black Barn wine maker in the cellar showcasing the special release of a limited 2005 Sauvignon Blanc, pre concert dinner in the Growers Market, Divine Desserts during the concert interval, art exhibit and demonstration by nationally distinguished Hawke’s Bay artist Sue Schaare, performances by Hawke’s Bay accomplished youth musicians, and a few other surprises. Dinner, dessert and wine available.

Take Five Winemakers Dinner
19 November 2005
Take Five food courses with Five Winemakers from Five Wineries. Come and see some of Hawke's Bay's top Winemakers for an informal night of fun and fine food. Wineries are Brookfields, Kemblefield, Sacred Hill, Trinity Hill and Ngatawara. Take five is situated on Marine Parade close to accommodation and the city centre.

Ballet - The Nutcracker
26-27 November 2005

Royal NZ Ballet gives Ballet's Christmas classic a new lease of life.

What's Hot in Hawke's Bay

A Gourmet Experience

Spring is a fantastic time in Hawke’s Bay, local produce is bountiful, the freshest fruits – strawberries and cherries and the crispest vegetables like green and purple asparagus. When complimented with the award wining local wines it’s no wonder Hawke’s Bay is known as New Zealand’s gourmet food experience.

And now Hawke’s Bay is blessed with locally produced cheeses.
Te Mata cheese Company are artisan cheese producers using cows, sheep and goats milk to handcraft fresh and moulded cheese at their boutique factory near Havelock North. Their visitor centre is now open allowing visitors to see cheeses being made, learn about cheese styles, taste a range of cheese and purchase cheese and related gifts. Visitors are also able to enjoy their café providing platters of cheese, locally roasted coffee or wine.

Two Hawke’s Bay packages to enhance your clients experience and remember normal commissions apply.

Package 1 - Ref - 0020

Behind the Label Wine Experience
A unique personal encounter with the wines and people of Hawke's Bay.

Package includes:

Behind the Label Wine Experience for two people:

• Personally hosted and guided by Hawke's Bay Wine Specialist Geoff Wilson

• A 'grape to glass' journey through the winemaking process

• Meet the personalities behind some of the region's award winning wines

• Private tasting of rare Hawke's Bay wines

• Tour of up to three wineries including a Gimblett Gravels winery

• Walk amongst the vines

• Collection and return to Greenhill for private tasting of a selection of rare, award winning Hawke's Bay wines

• Tour duration 5 hours (afternoon to suit)

Two nights luxury accommodation at Greenhill.

Pre dinner drinks and canapes each evening.

Four course dinner featuring seasonal Hawke's Bay produce daily.

Choice of continental, cooked or combined breakfast each morning.

Complimentary Hastings Golf Club green fees subject to course availability.

Use of all lodge facilities.

Price based on double occupancy is $1,510 per person for a King Room or $1,760 per personal for a King Suite. Prices include GST.

Package is subject to availability 1 April 2005 - 31 March 2006.

Package 2 - Ref - 0021

All inclusive rack price is $1190 double occupancy. Enjoy two nights of luxury in the romantic Chiparus Suite at "Art Deco" Style Cobden Villa. Clients can relax in the spa tub with a complimentary bottle of local wine or unwind from a full day's travel in the double shower steam room. Gourmet breakfast included and a museum tour and lunch for two with a bottle of reserve wine at Church Road Winery. A four hour overland safari to Cape Kidnappers with Gannet Safaris Overland to the largest and most accessible mainland colony of gannets in the world, is also provided.