Rolling Vines & Coastal Lines: A Camper’s Escape Through Hawke’s Bay

Rolling Vines & Coastal Lines: A Camper’s Escape Through Hawke’s Bay

Hawke’s Bay is a region of contrasts—long, golden beaches meet perfectly ordered vineyards, while Art Deco streets sit just a short drive from quiet inland valleys. It’s one of New Zealand’s easiest regions to explore by campervan, with short driving distances, plenty of campgrounds, and a food and wine scene that rewards slowing down.

For those traveling by camper, this itinerary is designed as a seamless journey, and with 35 free campsites and 30 paid campgrounds to pick from, road tripping the region is easy!

This itinerary is built for easy movement between coast, city, and countryside, with enough flexibility to linger wherever the light, wine, or weather pulls you.

Flexibility Note: This loop works in either direction and slots neatly into a wider North Island road trip via Taupō, Gisborne, or Wellington.

Hawke's Bay's coastal drives are breathtaking

Jump to a Day

Navigate your Hawke’s Bay campervan adventure:

🌿 Day 1: Havelock North — Vines, Views & Village Life

🏛️ Day 2: Napier — Art Deco Streets & Seaside Energy

🌊 Day 3: Coastlines & Trails — Limestone Paths & Waipatiki Bay

🚗 Bonus Day: Central Hawke’s Bay — Country Roads & Alpine Escapes

The Hawke's Bay interior provides its own road trip magic

🌿 Day 1: Havelock North — Vines, Views & Village Life

Wine Country Wanders & Hilltop Horizons

Approx. 30–50 km driving | Base yourself in Havelock North

Ease into Hawke’s Bay with a slow day among vineyards and rolling green landscapes. Havelock North is the region’s relaxed hub—walkable, café-filled, and surrounded by some of the country’s most respected wineries.

Start with a climb or drive up to Te Mata Peak, where short walking tracks lead you to sweeping views across vineyards, farmland, and out to the Pacific. It’s the best way to get your bearings in the region.

Te Mata Peak offers one of the best views in the country - even if it's a little cloudy!

If you’re keen to swap vineyard views for a short bush walk, take a detour inland to Maraetotara Falls—a lovely waterfall and peaceful swimming spot tucked into native forest, just 30 minutes from Havelock North

From there, drop into wine country. The cellar doors are close together, making it easy to hop between tastings without rushing.

Highlights include Craggy Range Winery, Black Barn Vineyards, and Askerne Estate Winery. For a scenic coastal sip and cycle option, link together tastings at Elephant Hill Winery and Clearview Estate Winery.

This is a region built for long lunches and unplanned detours—so let the day stretch out.

Stay: Havelock North Holiday Park — peaceful, green, and close to everything

Eat & Drink (Havelock North)

• Breakfast: Maina — modern, fresh, and locally loved
• Lunch: Birdwoods Gallery Café — sculpture garden meets nostalgic charm
• Dinner: Craggy Range Restaurant, Black Barn Bistro, or Elephant Hill for coastal dining
  Relaxed vibe: Mijita — bold Latin flavours and a lively atmosphere

🏛️ Day 2: Napier — Art Deco Streets & Seaside Energy

Architecture, Coffee Stops & Coastal Walks

Approx. 30 km driving | Havelock North → Napier

A short drive brings you into Napier, one of the world’s most distinctive small cities. Rebuilt in the 1930s after a major earthquake, its Art Deco architecture defines the entire city centre.
Join a guided Art Deco Trust Tour or explore independently—either way, the pastel façades, geometric detailing, and vintage style make this city feel like a living museum.

Napier - the Art Deco capital of New Zealand

Have a morning stop at Baked by Central Fire Station Napier, known for its fresh pastries and excellent coffee. Come back to the same spot in the evening and you'll find Central Fire Station Bistro, offering a premium dining experience.

From there, head toward the waterfront and cycle or walk the coastal paths. Napier is part of a wider network of trails stretching over 200km through vineyards, wetlands, and coastline. Bike hire is easy with Takaro Trails or Napier City Bike Hire.

Be sure to check out the Centennial Gardens and if you're looking for a harder work out, explore the Bluff Hill Lookout and Walk.

Stop for a casual lunch at Mister D—a local institution known for creative dishes and its famous doughnuts.

Optional Detour: Cape Kidnappers
If you’ve looking for an adventiure out of the city in the afternoon, drive out or book a tour to Cape Kidnappers for one of Hawke’s Bay’s most iconic coastal experiences. The dramatic cliffs and sweeping ocean views lead to one of the largest accessible gannet colonies in the world, making it a standout wildlife stop in the region.

The Cape Kidnappers gannet colony is an an amazing natural spectacle, of both wildlife and coastal views

As evening arrives, Napier shifts into a relaxed but vibrant dining scene.

Stay: Kennedy Park Resort Napier — well-equipped, family-friendly, and close to the city

Eat & Drink (Napier)

• Breakfast: Baked by CFS — pastries worth planning your morning around!
• Lunch: Mister D — playful, inventive, and consistently popular
• Dinner: Goldie’s Napier or Vinci’s Pizza — both relaxed, local favourites

🌊 Day 3: Coastlines & Trails — Limestone Paths & Waipatiki Bay

Forest Tracks, Quiet Bays & Wild Swimming Spots

Approx. 60–100 km driving | Napier → Coastal escape

Today is about getting out of the city and into Hawke’s Bay’s quieter edges. Head north along the coast and you'll find plenty of stops for food, beaches, walks, and swim spots.

Highlights along the way include Westshore Wildlife Reserve, Crab Farm Winery and Tangoio Beach

One of the best ways to explore the region is by e-bike, using the extensive limestone trail network. These routes link inland valleys with coastal stretches, offering an easy, scenic way to cover ground at your own pace.

For a full nature escape, aim for Waipatiki Beach, a sheltered bay surrounded by native bush. The campground here is one of the region’s best low-key stays—ideal for a night right beside the ocean.

Waipatiki Beach’s calm waters and native bush setting

Spend the afternoon swimming, walking the coastal tracks, or simply settling into camp with the sound of the ocean.

Stay: Waipatiki Beach Campground — beachfront camping in a quiet, natural setting

Eat & Drink (Coast + Napier fringe)

• Breakfast: Grab supplies in Napier before heading out.
• Lunch: Picnic stops along the trails or coastal lookouts.
• Dinner: Camp-cooked at Waipatiki or return to Napier for options like Vinci’s Pizza or Goldie’s Napier.

🚗 Bonus Day: Central Hawke’s Bay — Country Roads & Alpine Escapes

Long Names and Quiet Beaches, or an Alpine Adventure?

If you’ve got an extra day, head into Central Hawke’s Bay—a region of quiet farmland, uncrowded beaches, and charming rural towns as you head along SH2

A quirky highlight is the legendary visit to the world-famous long place name site! Please feel free to tag our socials with your attempt at saying it out loud!

From there, follow the coast and inland roads through small communities and open landscapes. This area is perfect for slow driving, spontaneous swims, and café stops in towns that rarely feel busy.

Sunrise Hut Track (Ruahie Forest Park)

For those looking for their fill of alpine terrain, head to the mighty Ruahine Forest Park and tackle the Sunrise Hut Track.

Sunrise Hut Track is one of Hawke's Bay's top long walks

This can be done as full-day hike, or do a night at the hut so you see the famous sunrise! The track is well formed and suitable for familes, and climbs through beech forest and open ridgelines, with sweeping mountain views at Sunrise Hut. It’s a completely different side of Hawke’s Bay—quiet, rugged, and far removed from the coastline and vineyards.

Good to know:

• Full-day return hike (We recommend camping over night at the hut)
• Early start recommended
• Weather can change quickly in the ranges
• 6.4km one way
• 2-3 hours one way

🗓️ Markets & Local Finds

• Ahuriri Neighbourfood Market
• Hawke's Bay Farmers' Market
• Napier Urban Farmers' Market
• Ōtāne Village Artisan Market
• Winery events and tastings often run year-round across the region

Napier Urban Farmers Market

✅ Tips for a Smooth Trip

• Driving: Distances are short—Hawke’s Bay is ideal for slow travel
• Wine stops: Book cellar doors in advance during peak season
• Cycling: E-bikes make vineyard hopping and trail riding easy
• Camping: Waipatiki is a standout for coastal camping nights
• Pace: This region rewards slowing down more than ticking off stops
• Check out a full list of Food and Beverage Highlights in Hawke's Bay

🌿 Hawke’s Bay: Easy Roads, Long Lunches, Quiet Shores

Hawke’s Bay doesn’t demand a rush. It unfolds through vineyard roads, coastal curves, and café stops that turn into long afternoons. Whether you came for the wine, the cycling, or the coastline, it’s the kind of region that quietly convinces you to stay one more night.