Te Mata Peak

Worth the hike if you're staying near by. Great spot for views from all sides. You choose your path of rigorous, but worth the while regardless

We were on a tour of wineries with a guide and also had a chance for a quick peak from the top. To be honest I was glad someone else was driving as the road, while paved, it quite curvy and steep and in some spots not too wide causing us to pull over to the side to make room for cars on their way down. We got up there on a hot and sunny Thursday around 11 am and there were only a few people at the top. Thirty minutes is plenty long to take in the view and snap a few pictures. When conditions are right, hang gliders take off from the summit too and it is also the starting point for a mountain bike trail. Definitely worth a short visit if you are in the area.

The view is fabulous and the price is right (free). Great way to see the area. Be aware that it is a narrow, trusty road up. You'll be fine if you take it slow.

Te Mata Peak stands at 399m high and provides spectacular views over Napier, Hastings and the Hawke's Bay Hills. You can walk up it, down and around (there are six different walking tracks to choose from), you can cycle, or and if you are into mountain biking, then there are a few tracks for you too! We arrived around 9am to walk up the peak - any later and it would have been too hot. There is parking at the main entrance and a large map, which clearly outlines all the different routes. Te Mata Peak is a great way to get into nature and do something different, because, really, it is hard to stay away from all the amazing eateries and wineries in Hawke's Bay!