Upcoming Dates of Hawkes Bay Anniversary Day
2022: Friday 21st October
2023: Friday 20th October
2024: Friday 25th October
The Province of Hawkes Bay
Hawkes Bay is situated on the central east coast of the North Island. The huge bay has a similarity to a bite taken from the Pacific Ocean coast.
The region includes Mahia, in the north of the bay, down to Porangahau in the south.
The western boundary, running north to south, goes through the ranges of Te Urewera National Park, Whirinaki National Park, takes in Kaweka Forest Park and Ruahine Forest Park.
With these uninhabited mountainous parks to the west and the ocean to the east, the region is home to some magnificent landscapes.
Two of these iconic natural features are the stunning Lake Waikaremoana and the must-see Te Mata Peak.
The main centre of Hawkes Bay is the Art Deco city of Napier.
The Anniversary Date
The Hawkes Bay province was separated from Auckland Province on November 1, 1858, and that day is recognised as Hawkes’ Bay Anniversary Day.
This regional holiday’s timing has been changed to fall on the Friday before Labour Day.
Hawkes’ Bay Anniversary Friday always falls in the middle to end of October, since Labour Day is observed on the fourth Monday of the month. An extra long weekend is therefore celebrated by the Hawkes Bay locals.
The Hawkes Bay A & P Society’s Royal Agricultural Show in Hastings serves as the centrepiece of Hawkes Bay Anniversary Day. The final day of the performance is the anniversary day.
The actual show itself includes contests for the best horses, alpacas, lambs, and other types of livestock. There are also fairs, food stands, and entertainment for the whole family.
3 Must-See Attractions in the Hawkes Bay Region
Napier’s Art Deco
Napier has a world renowned collection of art deco buildings.
Following a devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake in the Hawke’s Bay region in February 1931, the city had to be rebuilt. In the early 1930s, art deco was fashionable, and it was agreed that the people wanted a new modern city.
Wine Country
With its rich soil and warm climate, being sheltered by the western ranges, Hawkes Bay is well known for its vineyards and citrus orchards.
The first vineyards were planted in Hawke’s Bay in the late 1800s, making it the oldest and second-largest wine area in New Zealand. The north-facing hillsides, river valleys, and sea-sprayed coastline provide the optimum grape-growing country.
Cape Kidnappers
Cape Kidnappers is the headland located at the southern end of the bay. It was named following an unsuccessful kidnap attempt by the Maori, on one of Captain Cook’s crew.
The scenic cliffs of the peninsula have been created by numerous earthquakes and towers above the ocean, leaving only a narrow beach between them.
The cliffs comprise layers of gravel, silt and pumice originating from the seabed, having been gradually uplifted over thousands of years.
They are also home to the world’s largest Gannet colony.