Whatever your holiday style, the Esk Valley and wider Hawke’s Bay area will have something to offer you. Enjoy one of the wide and varied local activities during your stay.
Here are some of our favourite adventures and relaxing activities. If you would like more help or ideas to help plan your trip to Hawke’s Bay, call Justine.
Hawke’s Bay Food & Wine Experience
Gather your group for a hosted Hawke’s Bay food and wine experience at Kiwiesque Lodge.
Designed for groups staying at the Lodge, this exclusive experience brings together incredible local food, exceptional Hawke’s Bay wines, and some of the region’s most respected names in hospitality – all within the relaxed vineyard setting of Kiwiesque.
Or call Justine on 027 254 6291 to enquire.
A Taste of Kiwiesque
Private cellar door experience available by arrangement.
Start with a tasting of Linden Estate Albariño made from Kiwiesque grapes.
Enjoy a vertical tasting with winemaker Bayden, of Kiwiesque ‘Farting Kiwi’ Cabernet Sauvignon vintages starting with 2026 from the barrel back to our 1st 2007 vintage.
$250 for a group tasting.
Price includes barrel tasting plus 5 bottles of wines tastes, with local cheese.
To find out more contact Justine on 027 254 6291 or stay@kiwiesque.com.
Gordon Russell Wine Tours
When it comes to Hawke’s Bay wine, there’s no one quite like Gordon Russell. A former New Zealand Winemaker of the Year and the man behind Esk Valley’s legacy, Gordon brings decades of stories, craft, and knowledge to every glass.
We’re lucky to have him just down the road from Kiwiesque, which means guests can book a private tasting with him right here. It’s personal, memorable, and guaranteed to be a highlight of your stay.
It’s not every day you get to sip wine with one of the greats.
For more details or to book a tasting or tour with Gordon of some Hawke’s Bay’s best wineries, get in touch with Justine on 027 254 6291 or stay@kiwiesque.com.
Other recommended wine tours
As the official 12th Great Wine Capital of the World, Hawke’s Bay is home to an incredible range of wine experiences, from relaxed tastings to guided vineyard tours. Here are a few more of our favourites.

Mates Travel
Discover the flavours of Hawke’s Bay with locally guided experiences designed for those who appreciate great wine, exceptional food, and authentic connection. From relaxed tastings to curated regional journeys, our wine and food tours offer a seamless way to explore some of New Zealand’s most celebrated vineyards, producers, history and landscapes.
Contact: Jeremy 027 303 2317
The Urban Wine Tour – Exclusive Smith & Sheth Experience
The Urban Wine Tour offers a fresh twist on traditional wine tasting. This special experience introduces you to Smith and Sheth’s boutique, city-based cellar doors where creativity, craft, and bold winemaking come to life in unexpected places.
Contact: Jeremy 027 303 2317
Prinsys Tours
From intimate boutique wineries to sweeping rural landscapes — our passionate local guides offer a deeply personal way to discover the heart of this extraordinary region.
Contact: 027 224 0696
Takaro Trails Cycle Tours
Explore the Hawke’s Bay Trails with award-winning Takaro Trails Cycle Tours. Takaro Trails has lots of experience providing individuals, groups, and families everything they need to see, explore and experience the best of the Hawke’s Bay by bike.
White water rafting – Mohaka Rafting
Experience some of New Zealand’s best rafting on the fantastic Mohaka River in Hawke’s Bay, just 30 minutes away from Kiwiesque. This place was a real favourite for host Bayden over the years when kayak training for the Coast to Coast and other Adventure racing. Accommodating beginners through to advanced rafters – there is something to suit every level of ability.
Great walks
Discover stunning views, native bush and rare native birds in the Boundary Stream walking tracks, 1 hour north of Kiwiesque.
A day trip with options to:
Bell Rock
An enjoyable hike with stunning views and stunning views.
Shine Rock
Enjoy the short or long route to Shine Falls through the Boundary Stream Mainland Island Bird Reserve.
Lake Opouahi
The loop native bush track around Lake Opouahi within the Panpac Kiwi Creche.
Local beaches & hikes
Hike and beach local at Waipatiki Beach. It’s just a 20-minute drive to a small horseshoe golden sand surf beach for a swim, or take in a variety of hiking options, walk the coast, or enjoy the Nikau palm forest walk, renowned for its native birdlife. Other near hiking options Tangoio Falls and White Pine Bush Scenic Reserve tracks.
Gannet Safaris
For over 50 years, Cape Kidnapper’s Gannet Safaris has been the only tour to take you overland, bringing you close and personal with the fierce seabirds and their thriving environment for nesting and breeding.
With the vast Pacific Ocean in sight, beneath the land of the long white clouds, and surrounded by beautiful, winged wonders, discover the land, sea and sky of Aotearoa with Gannet Safaris Overland Safari.
Highly Recommend!
Pan Pac Mountain Bike Park
For mountain bikers seeking an adrenaline rush, you must experience the 44km of world class roller-coaster single-track forest trails found at the Pan Pac Mountain Bike Park.
Grocery & Farmers’ Markets
Taste Of Summer
For the freshest produce, visit the Taste of Summer fruit and vegetable shop. Situated in our microclimate that offers the earliest and sweetest summer fruit in New Zealand, tasting is believing! They have THE BEST strawberries, and on a hot Hawke’s Bay day, their real fruit ice-creams are very refreshing.
Hawkes Bay Farmers Market
Looking for a Sunday morning outing? Then you must check out the Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ Market which is open every Sunday morning, rain hail or shine. Located in the Waikoko Gardens at Tomoana Showgrounds, Hawke’s Bay.
Napier Urban Farmers’ Market
Or, if you’d prefer a Saturday morning outing – the Napier Urban Farmers’ Market runs every Saturday morning in the heart of Napier city in Herschell Street, 8.30am – 12.30pm. Visit for the very best local seasonal produce and artisan products.
Share the Kiwiesque Experience
Whatever your reason for your stay in Hawke’s Bay – we’d love to share our little slice of paradise.
















