Award-winning food and wine, outstanding architecture, and warm balmy days surrounded by magnificent landscapes waiting to be explored – Hawke’s Bay is pure paradise.
The Rocks Motel is located next to the Ahuriri Estuary which caters for kayaking, windsurfing, swimming and sailing. There is kayak and sailing hire nearby, perfect for exploring the inner harbour and waterways. We are 50m from Napier's only safe swimming beach, Westshore. The Rocks Motel is a mere 500m walk to the Napier Sailing Club and Napier West Quay where you can enjoy many wonderful waterfront bars and cafés. Alongside fine eating establishments, the Hawke's Bay region is home to award-winning vineyards and plenty of outdoor activities.
The main attractions in the area are cycling with two of Napier's extensive cycling tracks covering the coastal walkway and the estuary wetlands within 100m off the Motel, water sports, art deco tours, vineyard tours, fishing, golf courses, gannet colony visit and heritage walks. We recommend an Ahuriri Estuary walk or trip up Te Mata Peak, stopping off at some of the impressive wineries around Havelock and Hastings. The Ahuriri Estuary is home to a varied population of birds on tidal mudflats and coastal waters – it is an ecological haven, perfect for gathering shellfish, watching birds and walking. The popular 2km track which is managed by the Department of Conservation is an easy walk that skirts around the estuary and can be accessed across the road from The Rocks Motel.
Food Guide
From casual to fine dining, degustation dinners or just a cheeky sweet treat, you are guaranteed to find something that your tastebuds will thank you for.
What’s On Guide
Come celebrate the best of Art Deco, Food & Wine, Music and Sports events, to name a few. Use the event finder below to find what events are on during your visit.
Art & Culture Guide
From gorgeous boutique contemporary gallery spaces and artist studios to museums and Napier’s stunning Seawalls mural experience, right here in the Bay.
HAWKES BAY ATTRACTIONS
From the stunning craggy slopes of Te Mata Peak and Cape Kidnappers, to the National Aquarium and the wet and wild fun of Splash Planet, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Hawke’s Bay.
Gannet Safaris
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Hawke’s Bay with a Gannet Safari, where you can witness majestic gannets in their natural coastal habitat.
National Acquarium
Explore the wonders of marine life at Napier’s National Aquarium, home to an incredible array of sea creatures and vibrant aquatic displays.
Te Mata Peak
Te Mata Peak in New Zealand offers breathtaking panoramic views, making it a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Bluff Hill Lookout
Bluff Hill Walk in Napier offers stunning panoramic views of the coastline and city, making it a perfect blend of nature and scenery.
Sunken Gardens
Discover the serene beauty of Napier’s Sunken Gardens, a tranquil oasis of lush landscapes and vibrant blooms.
MTG Hawkes Bay
The MTG Museum in Hawke’s Bay is a captivating cultural hub, featuring art, history, and local heritage in a stunning architectural setting.
