The Hawkes Bay region, on the North Island's eastern coast, has some of New Zealand's highest sunshine hours, creating the perfect climate and conditions for the region's award winning wines and food. And the beautiful oceanfront city of Napier has one of the world's most significant collections of art deco architecture.

The area was at the origin of New Zealand's wine industry, and is now the second largest wine producing region in New Zealand (after the Marlborough district ). With more than 30 award-winning vineyards, the region has achieved world-wide recognition for its quality red wine.

The Hawke's Bay region is home to several Maori tribes (iwi). The Ngati Hineuru, Rangitane, Ngati Kahungunu, Whatuiapiti, Ngati Kere, and Taiwhenua o Tamatea people can all be found in Heretaunga (as the region is known to Maori)

Maori people were attracted to the area by its fertile valleys and coastline, where food was abundant.

Maori legend has it that the Te Mata Peak and the hills that stretch south to Kahuranaki are actually the body of an ancient Maori chief named Te Mata o Rongokako. Supposedly a giant, he fell in love with the daughter of another chief, and was asked to perform a series of tasks in exchange for her hand. He completed all but one of these tasks. His final challenge was to eat through a hill, however he choked to death on a rock and now rests where he fell!

As one of New Zealand's premier food and wine regions, Hawke's Bay is a food lovers paradise. Award winning wines, amazing fresh produce from the land and ocean, and a wide range of quality dining establishments ensure a wonderful experience.

Within Hawke's Bay are various sub regions, each famous for its own particular blend of wine. While there you might like to visit the Triangle, Gimblett Road, Ngatarawa, Te Mata, Maraekakaho or Esk River. Guided tours are freely available (and recommended rather than driving yourself) and are a great way to sample the best wines of the region.

More than half of the region's 70 plus vineyards offer cellar door experiences, giving you a huge choice of where to eat and drink. With everything from traditional architecture to modern establishments, you are spoilt for choice. An interesting tour option is a cycle tour of several wineries. The flat landscape and warm climate make this an enticing option for those of you wanting to see the region in an environmentally friendly way.

Although best known for its merlot and cabernet sauvignon, Hawkes Bay is also receiving increasing recognition for its white varieties such as chardonnay.

Local establishments make a point of featuring their local produce, and the local farmers markets are a great way to sample regional delicacies. The markets are held in Napier on Saturdays and on Sundays in Hastings. Take your time to browse the many stalls and pick up a delicious bargain.

When you combine fine food and wine with a sunny climate, you have the perfect setting for a luxury getaway.

The Farm at Cape Kidnappers is a multi award winning luxury lodge, encompassing a stunning world class golf course, all set on a working, 6,000 acre sheep and cattle farm. Cape Kidnappers was voted 'world's best' by readers of the United Kingdom's Daily Telegraph in 2008 (scroll down the page to view a video about Cape Kidnappers).

And if you would like to stay "on vineyard", several wineries offer boutique lodgings in the vines. The region also has a growing range of luxury cottages and lodges for rent.

Want to search for accommodation? Through our partnership with Trip Advisor we can give you access to a huge range of accommodation options. And you can read customer reviews so that you can make an informed choice before booking. Click on the following link to search for Napier Hotels.

For a special treat, how about an early start for a hot air balloon flight over the region. Time stands still as you drift serenely over fields, vineyards, and rivers, and your view is framed by the surrounding mountains and ocean.

For something a little more thrilling, take a helicopter flight to a winery for lunch and a wine tasting, or fly to a remote location for a spot of rafting or trout fishing.

And if you can't make it to Napier in February, don't fear. Daily Art Deco walking tours of the city centre showcase the best of local architecture and give a wonderful summary of Napier's history. You can even see the sights on a vintage car tour.

Hawkes Bay is also well known for its strong artistic community, and is home to many recognised artists, who are always happy to welcome you into their studios and galleries.

* Hawkes Bay region has the world's second longest place name: Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipukaka-pikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu.

* Napier has one of the world's highest concentrations of Art Deco architecture.

* Napier is home to one of only two McDeco McDonald's in the world.

* Dinosaur remains discovered in Hawkes Bay in 1975 proved that land dinosaurs had lived in New Zealand.