Facts - Hawkes Bay, on the East Coast of the North Island, takes its name from the large semi-circular bay extending from Cape Kidnappers to the Mahia peninsula. Hawkes Bay has a population of around 150,000, with the majority of people living in the two main cities in the region, Napier and Hastings, both of which were affected by the devastating earthquake of 1931.
Longest place name - In the Guinness Book of Records for being what is believed to be the longest place name in the world (with 85 letters), the Maori name for Hawkes Bay is ‘Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipuka-kapimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuaakitanarahu’. This reputedly translates to: "the place where Tamatea, the man with the big knees, who slid, climbed and swallowed mountains, known as 'landeater,' played his flute to his loved one." With beautiful landscapes, forests, mountains and one hundred kilometres of golden beaches, the region is renowned for its warm, dry climate and great outdoor living. The region is one of the country’s largest pip fruit growing areas and is also home to one of only two mainland gannet colonies in the world. With so much to see and do, Hawkes Bay offers plenty to keep all the family entertained on holiday.
Napier - Napier (‘Ahuri’ in Maori) was rebuilt after the 1931 earthquake and is now known as New Zealand’s Art Deco City. With over 2,200 sunshine hours a year, Napier is a year-round holiday destination. The National Aquarium boasts a unique stingray design building and a myriad of sea creatures and mini golf, miniature trains and an indoor playground will all keep the children entertained when they are not enjoying swimming or the many beaches in the area.
Hastings - The main centre of commerce and industry in the region, Hastings is the largest urban area in Hawkes Bay. Hastings is known as the ‘fruit bowl’ of New Zealand because of its fruit and wine industry, its beautiful parks and gardens Hastings also has lots of family attractions, including Amazing Maze, Pernel Fruitworld and Hawkes Bay Museum, not forgetting the leisure park, Splash Planet, New Zealand’s first full themed water park.
Gisborne - Gisborne is situated in Eastland, on the East Cape, and not in Hawkes Bay. However the city is just three hours drive up the coast from Napier and is the first city in the world to see the sun each day and the region’s Maori name aptly means ‘the coast upon which the sun shines across the water’. This photo was taken on the dawn of the new Millennium as thousands flocked to Gisborne to be amongst the first people in the world to see in the year 2000. It was in Gisborne that Captain Cook made his first landing in New Zealand, naming the area Poverty Bay because of his inability to find fresh provisions. Nowadays, Gisborne has plenty to offer the holidaymaker with warm summers and mild winters, beautiful beaches and a relaxed lifestyle.
HAWKES BAY and EASTCAPE FAMILY ACCOMMODATION We've researched dozens of accommodation options for your family travel to New Zealand. Whether you're heading for a hotel, campground, holiday park, motel, holiday home, self catering apartments or kiwi farmstay, we list options that welcome famiiles. Check out our great 'family stuff' pages for heaps of extras offered by the accommodation on these pages. NOTE Where nightly rates have been specified, these are minimum prices based on accommodation for 2 adults plus one extra. Prices do vary, depending on the time of year, length of stay and seasonal offers. This is a guide only. All establishments recommend booking ahead. We advise you to personally contact establishments for up to date information to suit the accommodation needs of your family. 

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Hawkes Bay Hotels
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Hawkes Bay Bed and Breakfasts