Play in our backyard and experience the best of rural New Zealand

Hawke's Bay's first Marine Reserve, Te Angiangi Marine Reserve, was established in 1997 from Blackhead Beach to Aramoana. It is well worth walking this area of sea and foreshore in which all marine life and their habitats are protected.
Visit Porangahau and view The Longest Place Name in the World, Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu. It is the name given by the local Maori people, Ngati Kere, to a hill in celebration of the ancestor Tamatea Pokai Whenua.

Central Hawkes Bay boasts six golf courses within the district, from Waipukurau's eighteen hole course to the picturesque nine hole Ongaonga course.  Reasonable green fees, friendly locals and some superb views make for many sociable encounters.

Wander into Electra Art Gallery in Waipukurau. They display and sell a wide variety of works by local and well-known New Zealand artists. The modern Civic Theatre on Northumberland St wears a coat of paint in a carnival of colour created by a French artist, Tanguy Flot. The theatre also has a fine restaurant. On Ruataniwha St is a metal sculpture, The Eye of the Hawke, created by Hawke's Bay artist Linda Trubridge, and A Trilogy in Stone by Sue Wilson. Around the corner on Railway Esplanade is our unique bus shelter created by Riks Terstappen another reknowned Hawke's Bay artist.

A variety of artists residing in Central Hawke's Bay have work studios open for viewing. Take the time to view Positively Stone Aged, Jan Gosling's inspired sculpture from white South Island stone.  Sign d'Art Studio exhibits Sue Higginson's local and New Zealand landscapes, and Cefyn Gauden's Studio at Pukeora Estate lets you into Cefyn's world of intense colour and rythym.  Trenrose Paeonies Art Gallery in Tikokino shows off Rosemary Rendle's work plus other Central Hawkes Bay artists and Perry Davies The Stockroom displays contempory art and furniture, situated in the historic c1911 Ongaonga building .

The Central Hawke’s Bay Aero and Gliding Club is the proud owner of a 1936 de Havilland Tiger Moth. People come from around the country and all over the world for a flight in this vintage plane. Hot air balloons also feature in Central Hawke's Bay's skies and provide a stunning view of the town and surrounding area.

Treat yourself to the diversity of Tikokino's country gardens, from large woodlands to cottage gardens, historic homes and a farm museum.

Waipawa's skateboard park and the BMX track at Russell Park, Waipukurau, can provide challenges for the kids. Waipukurau's indoor pool complex, with an adjoining gym and indoor stadium, is a superb facility. Many sports events and different activities take place there throughout the year.

Check out what live theatre is currently in season. The region's theatre groups put on regular plays and musicals.

Historic homesteads dating back to the time of the original settlers now offer home stay accommodation; others, such as Oruawharo Homestead, are available for viewing. Pick up a map and brochure from the Ongaonga General Store and take a walk through historic Ongaonga village to view the elegant Edwardian buildings, nineteenth century cottages and the most beautiful architecturally-designed butcher shop in New Zealand.

Central Hawke's Bay is renowned for its walks, from the coastline to the gentle foothills of the Ruahine Ranges. Central Hawke's Bay's reserves, cared for by the Department of Conservation, will take you through the best remaining areas of lowland native vegetation, great for leisurely strolls, picnicking, or bird watching. Trout fishing in Central Hawke's Bay rivers is also legendary.

You may wish to view some of the area’s magnificent nineteenth century homesteads and stroll through private farmland and stands of native bush on the Sea, Sky & Bush Walk . These scenic and historic farm walks take place annually over three-days in early March. For those venturing into the Ruahine Ranges, brochures, maps and hut passes are available from DOC and the Visitor Information Centre in Waipukurau. Many of the tracks are suitable for day walks and for experienced trampers there are many options beyond Armstrong Saddle.

Take the children and animal lovers to a petting farm, view orchards and vineyards and complete your sightseeing tour with a relaxing glass of local wine.

Museums in the area offer a visual history lesson. CHB Settlers Museum in Waipawa is open throughout the week and the Ongaonga Museum Complex is open Sundays from 2pm - 4pm.
For further information contact the Visitor Information Centre, Waipukurau, phone: (06) 858 6488.