Known as the North Island’s fruit bowl, the Hawke’s Bay region is a beautiful spot that often flies under the radar.
This region on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island is growing steadily. People are choosing to relocate there to take advantage of the mild Mediterranean climate, the relaxed lifestyle, and the increasing job opportunities that are popping up.
From mountain ranges and beaches to plains and stunning hill country – let’s see what makes life in the Hawke’s Bay so good.
There Are Choices Aplenty
Fancy a farm on the side of a hill? Or would you prefer a little house near the beach? Or perhaps even somewhere handy to forests and rivers? In Hawke’s Bay, you can take your pick.
There are three main locations to choose from – Napier, Hastings, and Havelock North. None of them could be considered bustling – after all, there are only around 150,000 people in the entire region – so you don’t need to worry about traffic jams and queues!
Napier offers a charming seaside location, Hastings is adorned with orchards and gardens, and Havelock North’s steep landscapes provide spectacular views – and mountain biking opportunities!
The Natural Attractions Are Ripe For The Picking
With the great outdoors of Hawke’s Bay waiting for you, it’s lucky that the region’s climate is so appealing. Summers are slightly hotter and sunnier than elsewhere in the country, yet winters are relatively mild – you may get snow and frosts from time to time, but it’s not too unpleasant!
There are seven major rivers to explore, along with forests, lakes, and coasts.
That means if you like hiking, swimming, kayaking, mountain biking or any of the other active ‘ings’, then you will feel right at home. Even better, no matter where you settle in the region, these things are all only a short car trip away!
The Key Industries Are Thriving!
You may have guessed that fruit grows extremely well in this region. Well, so do vegetables – which means farming and horticulture are the primary industries.
You will also find an internationally-renowned wine industry alongside a growing tourism component. There are more than 70 wineries in the region, all with a great variety to sample in the individual tasting rooms. Many of the wineries have exquisite restaurants on site so you can pair great food with delicious drops.
Not only can you find loads of delicious fresh produce at the farmer’s markets during the year, but you can also find work in these industries.
Cherries and apples are the stars of the show, and cow and sheep farms are abundant. Not into farming? Not to worry – there are some significant employers in the health/community services sector, hospitality services, and business services.
Find A Hearty Dose Of Culture
Don’t assume that you will have to miss out on cultural attractions once you are away from the big cities. Hawke’s Bay will surprise you with what’s on offer.
The Opera House has recently been remodeled, and there are museums, art galleries, and sports facilities to check out.
Need some excitement on the weekends? Once you’re done browsing your local farmer’s market, check out one of the many events in the region, such as the annual Art Deco Weekend or the Mission Estate Concert at Mission Estate Winery.
The Education Providers Are A Plus
If you are looking for a top-notch education for your kids, Hawke’s Bay provides some of the best schools in the country.
Throughout the region, there are a huge selection of primary, intermediate, and secondary schools, including private institutions. Iona College, Woodford House, and Hereworth School in Havelock North are very well-regarded, but there are plenty of fantastic government-funded options in the region too. There’s even a tertiary provider in the form of the Eastern Institute of Technology.
Award-winning wines, a Mediterranean climate, fantastic industry opportunities and highly-rated education all combine to make Hawke’s Bay an excellent place to call home.
If you are considering relocating to Hawke’s Bay with your family, contact us for a quote today, call: 0508 227 696 or submit a quick quote form.
