Central Hawke's Bay
The towns and villages of Central Hawkes Bay provide enchanting traces of early settlement to the region.
The area has plenty of historic homesteads and stately gardens to wander through. Along Highway 50 view spectacular rhododendrons in the large gardens near the village of Onga Onga and explore the crafts at Tikokino. Visits to historic homesteads, wild east coast beaches, bushwalks in the Kawaka and Ruahine Ranges and trout fishing are all exciting options for visitors.
Waipukurau is the rural service town for the district and just eight kilometres northeast is Waipawa, where the Waipawa and Tukituki Rivers meet renown for excellent trout fishing. Waipukarau with a population of 4000, is a thriving rural town with all the amenities you would expect. There are golf courses, a sports complex, a theatre, gallery, cafes and restaurants. From Waipukurau's airfield you can see gliders and hot air balloons soar skywards in the warm thermals and you can visit potters, the art village of Otane, painters, weavers and the centrally located Electra Art Gallery.
On the Central Hawkes Bay coast you can ride a horse, snorkel, dive, catch fish, waterski, surf along the beach or explore the Te Angiangi Marine Reserve. A walk is a great way of exploring the coast between Blackhead and Paoanui Point. At low tide many types of bird take advantage of rich feeding areas.
Porangahau is a unique coastal experience famous for its seafood. Located just 44 kms from Waipukurau, it also has the longest place name in the world: Taumata whakatangi hangakoauau o tamatea turi pukakapiki maunga horo nuku pokai whenua kitanatahu which translates into English as "The hilltop ,where Tamatea with big knees, conqueror of mountains, eater of land, traveller over land and sea, played his koauau to his beloved".
Stay in country or historic B&Bs where you can tuck yourself away from the world and enjoy the relaxed rural lifestyle.
More Information
Central Hawke's Bay Visitor Information Centre
Phone: +64 6 858 6488
Email: info@centralhawkesbay.co.nz
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