Napier + Te Mata Peak

Today we explored Napier and the surrounding area of Hawke’s Bay! We started with a 30 minute drive out to Te Mata Park. We saw lots of orchards along the drive including cherry, apple, and fig. Some of them were completely enclosed by a net to keep the birds out. We also passed a Croquet Club! It started raining as soon as we parked at the hike so we decided to get breakfast first at Peak House which was just up the hill from the hike. Such a cute spot with a great view! We had vegan toasties and a sausage roll. We also tried kawakawa which is a traditional Maori healing tea. The rain stopped and the clouds were clearing so we started off on the Te Mata circuit hike. The Te Mata park and its peaks were formed when the sea floor lifted almost two million years ago. You could see shells on the ground in many spots. The walk went through eucalyptus groves, redwood groves, and then up over the peak with awesome views. We drove back into Napier and walked the Marine Parade coastal walkway into town for a Guinness and to check out the local museum to learn more about the 1931 earthquake. The down town was much livelier during the day with all the cruise ship passengers around! From there we walked up to the top of Bluff Hill for a view of the harbor and Hawke’s bay. We walked back into town for dinner at The Everest Nepalese resturant before a final walk through the main street on our walk back to the hotel.Les mer