The east coast of Central Hawke's Bay is home to six stunning beaches

An easy 20 minutes' drive from Waipawa, Kairakau Beach is Central Hawke's Bay's northernmost beach. The settlement here is tucked under looming cliffs and the beach peeks out to greet you as you drive past the lagoon. Over the hill from Kairakau Beach, Mangakuri is a smaller, slightly more rustic and natural, but no means less beautiful. Mangakuri has beautiful white sand and is a lovely spot if you like a beach without the hustle and bustle.

Pourerere Beach is next and with its miles of golden sand, proves to be one of the most popular spots for day-trippers, surfers and sunseekers. It also offers great fishing, diving areas and safe swimming in its lagoon.

Further south is Aramoana Beach, also known as Shoal Beach, which is steeped in history with the McHardy Homestead standing tall as you drive in. Blackhead Beach is a fantastic spot under an hour's drive from Waipukurau. Home to Te Angiangi Marine Reserve, which spans between Blackhead and Aramoana Beach, there are lots of rockpools to explore and underwater creatures to meet.

Last in the line-up is Te Paerahi Beach (also known as Pōrangahau beach), which stretches out for miles. The golden sand beach is perfect for surfing, surf casting, to fly kites, swim or simply soak up some sunshine. It is also home to some incredible fishing and diving spots too.

Journey the road less travelled

Winding its way through the foothills of the Ruahine Ranges, State Highway 50 showcases spectacular Central Hawke’s Bay countryside.

Stunning in every season this driving route – a favourite of vintage car enthusiasts – comes alive under the colours of autumn and in spring, when roadside paddocks are filled with bouncy lambs. State Highway 50 takes you past several Central Hawke’s Bay jewels, including Gwavas Garden and Homestead and Ashcott Homestead. These great dames of Central Hawke’s Bay were both built more than 130 years ago and offer a glimpse of the grand beginnings of this region. The gardens at both venues are exquisite, as are the iconic sights of Tikokino Peonies and Taniwha Daffodils during spring.

Detour just off State Highway 50 to discover another gem, Ongaonga Historic Village. Arriving here is like stepping back in time. Awash with historic buildings and with a fabulous museum filled with machinery, tools, history and photos from the region’s early settlers, Ongaonga is a fabulous diversion worth exploring.

To the west lie the Ruahine Ranges and a wealth of walking tracks to explore, with highlights including A'Deanes Bush, Monckton Scenic Reserve, and the stunning Sunrise Hut.

Waipawa is New Zealand's oldest inland European settlement. 

Dotted along Waipawa's main street are a number of boutique shops and cafes. You’ll also find the Central Hawke’s Bay Museum which offers a nostalgic glimpse of life back in the day. Waipawa is the hub of The Limestone Loop – a driving route through Ōtāne, Waipawa and Tikokino, that's a showcase of wine, shopping, culture, cafes, and history. Waipawa is also home to some of Hawke’s Bay's best rainbow and brown trout fishing spots. 

Ōtāne, located just off SH2 between Hastings and Waipawa, is a small township with a big heart. The town is fiercely promoted by those who live and work there. The Sunday Ōtāne market is a great way to kick off exploring Central Hawke’s Bay, held from 9am – 1pm on Sundays and features local produce, plants, arts, crafts, vinyl records and more! Afterwards, enjoy a coffee and a pie at Henry's Family Pies housed in the old Ōtāne Public Library - a beautiful art deco building.

East of Ōtāne, the small settlement of Patangata is home to a quintessential rural pub, the Patangata Tavern - well worth the short drive, or stopping in after a day at a Central Hawke's Bay beach.

Waipukurau is the biggest town in Central Hawke’s Bay

With a vibrant main street, Waipukurau is home to a great selection of local shops and cafes and is a perfect base to start day trips and get out and explore the area. 

Centred in and around Waipukurau, the Ngā Ara Tipuna trail brings the history of the rohe and its people to life. The trail combines traditional design elements with contemporary materials and processes, digital storytelling, and storyboards at significant sites, with a starting point at Pukekaihou Pā - a short walk from the centre of town.

For the kids, the Russell Park playground is a terrific source of entertainment and is handily located to a primary access point for the Tukituki Trails limestone cycle paths. For a relaxing afternoon, a short 10-minute drive up the road to the historic Oruawharo homestead offers a fabulous high tea in lush garden surrounds.

Standing tall at the southern entrance to Waipukurau is Pukeora Lookout with expansive views overlooking the Waipukurau township, Tukituki River and beautiful Central Hawke’s Bay countryside. To locals it’s just ‘Pukeora’, which translates as 'hill of health'. It’s a great spot for photographers and selfies, with visitors capturing the picturesque landscape and locals showcasing their home town.