Wheelchair-Friendly Adventures in !

Hawke"s Bay

Why Visit?

Welcome to Hawke"s Bay, a splendid region on New Zealand’s North Island known for its wine, sun, and stunning landscapes, all accessible to visitors in wheelchicks or on scooters. Here’s how you can enjoy a barrier-free tour packed with culture, nature, and delicious stops.

### Day 1: Napier’s Art Deco Delight

Start by exploring Napier, famous for its 1930s Art Deco architecture. Park near Marine Parade and join a guided Art Deco Trust tour, which offers tailored routes for wheelchair users. Admire the National Tobacco Company Building and the ASB Bank, stunning examples of the Art Deco style. Enjoy a seaside lunch at the accessible Boardwalk, offering panoramic views and sumptuous local cuisine.

### Day 2: Winery Wonders

No trip to Hawke’s Bay is complete without visiting its renowned wineries. Head to the fully accessible Mission Estate Winery in Taradale, a 20-minute drive from Napier. Founded in 1851, it’s New Zealand’s oldest winery and offers ramped entrances and accessible tasting rooms. Savor a guided wine tasting followed by lunch overlooking the vineyards. Continue to Church Road Winery, another wheelchair-friendly spot, to delve into their wine museum, which is free for wheelchair users.

### Day 3: Cape Kidnappers and Gannet Beach Adventures

Book a wheelchair-accessible tour with Gannet Beach Adventures for a unique experience to the world’s largest accessible gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers. The tour uses customized tractors that can accommodate wheelchairs, ensuring a comfortable ride along the beach. Learn about the gannets’ nesting habits and enjoy the stunning coastal views.

### Getting Around

Hawke’s Bay is well serviced by accessible taxi services and rental vans equipped with wheelchair lifts, making transportation between sites smooth and hassle-free.

Each of these destinations has been chosen for their commitment to accessibility, ensuring that the beauty of Hawke’s Bay is open to all. Enjoy your journey through a region where the sunsets are stunning, the food is fresh, and the landscapes are always inviting.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Te Mata Peak

Why Visit?

Discover the majestic Te Mata Peak in New Zealand, a scenic wonder accessible to everyone, including those using wheelchars and mobile scooters. Known as the "Sleeping Giant" for its unique silhouette, this culturally significant site offers panoramic views of the Hawke"s Bay region and is a must-visit for nature lovers and history buffs alike.

### 1. Start Your Adventure:

Begin your journey at the Te Mata Peak visitor center, which provides ample accessible parking and restroom facilities. Here, you can gather information on the peak"s history and the accessible trails available.

### 2. Experience the Giants Circuit:

Take the fully accessible Giants Circuit, a 1.4-kilometer loop track that offers breathtaking views without the strain. The path is well-paved and suitable for wheelchairs and scooters, ensuring a smooth ride amidst nature"s splendor.

### 3. Capture the Scenery at Gates Carpark:

Head up to the Gates Carpark, a higher vantage point which you can reach via a sealed road. This spot offers a stunning, unobstructed view of the verdant valleys and the surrounding peaks. It"s an excellent location for photographers and nature enthusiasts to soak in the vistas.

### 4. Enjoy a Picnic:

Utilize the accessible picnic areas available at the main car park near the visitor center. It"s a perfect spot to relax and enjoy a meal amidst the natural beauty of Te Mata Peak.

### 5. Learn About Local Legends:

Delve into Maori mythology with the story of how Te Mata Peak came to be – a tale of love, bravery, and sacrifice involving the giant Te Mata O Rongokako. Interpretive signs around the park provide insights into this rich cultural heritage.

### 6. Plan Your Visit:

Te Mata Peak is about a 30-minute drive from Napier. The best time to visit is during the late spring through early autumn, when the weather is most favorable. Ensure your vehicle is equipped with a New Zealand Mobility Parking Permit for the best access.

This wheelchair-friendly itinerary promises all visitors an engaging and comfortable exploration of one of New Zealand’s treasured landscapes, making Te Mata Peak an unforgettable experience.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.