Hawke's Bay Recreation

A premier New Zealand food and wine region, Hawke's Bay is a foodie's heaven stocked with fine wine, fresh produce and gourmet dining destinations.
Looking for general recreation information?
 

Golf and cycling are popular as are wilderness adventures like trout fishing and rafting.

Hawke's Bay | Tourism New Zealand

Upcoming events | Hawke's Bay Tourism

Sport and recreation

The Hawke's Bay Regional Council provides a range of recreation facilities including sportsgrounds, parks and gardens. Your local community center may also run many different activities and groups for the community to join.

The Napier Aquatic Centre page has information about the facilities and prices of their swimming pools in the area.

Hastings District council has a wide range of recreation facilities, from neighbourhood playgrounds to pools and water theme parks to sports grounds.

Napier Aquatic Centre

Hastings leisure facilities

Hawke's Bay community centres | Citizen's Advice Bureau

Sports clubs and social groups

New Zealanders enjoy a huge range of sporting activities - the Sport New Zealand website lists everything from Aikido to Zen Do Kai!  Check the site to see what’s available in your area and how you can get involved.  Joining a club or team is a great way to meet people.

Find a sport | Sport New Zealand

Clubs in Hawke's Bay | CAB

Outdoors

There are many opportunities to stretch your legs, clear your lungs and get close to nature on the walkways and tracks you’ll find wherever you go in New Zealand. Check the Department of Conservation site to find the great walks available in the Hawke's Bay region. There's also plenty of parks and open spaces around town. Check out Napier Council's page for more information.

Walks in the Hawke's Bay | DOC

Parks and reserves | Napier Council

Parks | Hastings District Council

Playgrounds

Hawke's Bay offers plenty of opportunities for children to play in safe playgrounds, including a number of skateboard parks. Check these sites to find the one nearest to you

Playgrounds | Napier Council

Playgrounds | Hastings District Council

Hunting and fishing rules

Check the Department of Conservation (DOC) and Fish and Game NZ websites for full information to enjoy the region's recreational hunting and freshwater fishing opportunities. The Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) has information about the rules of fishing in the sea. 

It is very important to be aware of restrictions as there can be serious penalties for breaching them. 

Hawke's Bay | Fish and Game NZ

Hunting in Hawke's Bay | DOC

Hawkes Bay and central area fishing rules | MPI

Dog regulations

New Zealand has various laws about looking after and controlling dogs. Councils each have their own bylaws. You can check what you need to know with your local council.

Dog owners | Napier Council

Animals | Hastings District Council

Animal control | Wairoa District Council

Cycling

The Hawke's Bay features great tracks through beautiful scenery. Find out more about the tracks available in the region at the Hawkes Bay Trails website.

Hawke's Bay | Cycle trails

Art and culture

Museums and galleries

There are a number of museums and art galleries to visit in the Hawke's Bay region. You'll find details of each on the NZ Museums website and the Hawke's Bay Tourism site.

Hawke's Bay | NZ Museums

Art, Design and culture | Hawke's Bay NZ

Shopping

Many of the shops in Napier are in the compact inner city

Shopping centres | Napier NZ

Shops | Havelock North NZ

Markets

There are many community markets around the region selling crafts, second hand goods, and in particular delicious local produce.

Hawke's Bay Farmers' markets

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