On this page 6 sections
What makes a good first date
Keep it public, easy and short enough that it can end politely, with the option to keep going if it's going well. Napier and Hastings are about 20 minutes apart, so pick one area for a first date rather than driving between them.
Napier
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An Art Deco walk
Napier city centre on Google Maps
Napier was rebuilt in the Art Deco style after the 1931 earthquake. Wander the streets yourselves or join a guided walk.
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Marine Parade
A long seafront with gardens, the Pania of the Reef statue and plenty of places to sit.
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National Aquarium of New Zealand
Something to look at the whole time, which takes the pressure off. Good on a rainy day.
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MTG Hawke's Bay
The region's museum, art gallery and theatre, right in the middle of Napier.
Hastings and Havelock North
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Hawke's Bay Farmers' Market
Sunday mornings at the showgrounds in Hastings. Graze your way around the stalls together.
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Te Mata Peak
Drive or walk up for one of the best views in the region, over the plains to the sea.
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Coffee in Havelock North
A small village centre full of cafés, good for a relaxed coffee date.
Wine and day trips
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A cellar door tasting
Around the region on Google Maps
Hawke's Bay is one of New Zealand's main wine regions. Pick a winery with a café, and sort out a sober driver first.
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Hawke's Bay Trails by bike
Around the region on Google Maps
Flat cycle trails link the coast, the wineries and the villages. Hire bikes for a relaxed day out.
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The gannets at Cape Kidnappers
Tours run out to one of the world's largest mainland gannet colonies, usually in the warmer months. Book ahead.
Tips for dating in Hawke's Bay
- Meet in the middle. One of you in Napier, the other in Hastings? Matcha's meet in the middle planner suggests a café, bar or restaurant about halfway between you, open when you want to go, without either of you sharing where you live.
- Plan for the sun. Hawke's Bay is one of the sunniest regions in the country, so bring water and a hat on outdoor dates.
- Sort transport before wine. If the date involves a tasting, plan a sober driver, a tour or bikes.
- Use the flat. Napier and Hastings are flat, so walking or biking between spots is easy.
Common questions
What's a good free first date in Hawke's Bay?
Try an Art Deco walk, Marine Parade or Bluff Hill Lookout. They cost nothing, so add a coffee or an ice cream and you've got an easy first date.
What can you do on a rainy first date in Hawke's Bay?
Try National Aquarium of New Zealand or MTG Hawke's Bay. They work whatever the weather.
Where can you go for an evening first date in Hawke's Bay?
For an evening date, try dinner in Ahuriri.
How do you pick a first date spot halfway between you in Hawke's Bay?
Use Meet in the middle in Matcha. Choose coffee, drinks or food and a time, and it suggests a café, bar or restaurant about halfway between you, without either of you sharing where you live.
Photo: The Marine Parade viewing platform in Napier by Pseudopanax (CC BY 4.0), cropped.