Getting there

Planes

Air New Zealand (www.airnewzealand.com) operates domestic flights between Hawke’s Bay (Napier–Hastings) Airport (06 835 1130) and Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, as well as flights to and from Oz. The airport is eight kilometres north of Napier, within easy reach of Hastings and Cape Kidnappers.

Boats

Cruise vessels from companies such as Princess, Royal Caribbean and P&O often stop at the Port of Napier.

Automobiles

This part of the North Island isn’t serviced by the Overlander train, so driving really is the only way to get around. The usual car hire suspects are based at Napier Airport, but driving from Auckland – about 450 kilometres away – is definitely the scenic option.