Things To Do

Brave Brewing Co

Coolest brewery to hangout in - in the coolest part of Hastings. If you like IPAs you have to grab a Tiger Milk, one of the best in New Zealand. Patience must be observed if you wish to push Nick Sye off the Untappd leaderboard.

Shed 2 on the Quay

A beautiful spot to stop for some food and drink and to experience the best of the Ahuriri Quay. Some may remember fondly clubbing there in their late teens (although if looking for a late night dance floor I would recommend the Thirsty Whale, just a couple of doors down). You may be lucky to run into the owner Dennis Buckley, who may regale stories of his mentor Jim McIvor (Nicky's Grandfather) and his lethal tennis serve.

Ocean Spa

Much calmer and safer waters than the massive surf of the beach along Marine Parade. Lovely views from the spa pools out over Marine Parade and up to Bluff Hill. On certain days, you may be able to rub shoulders with Jack "Robbo" Roberts in the lap pool.

Hawke's Bay Farmers Market

The best Farmers market in New Zealand. A great place to meet up and see the locals on a Sunday morning. It may not be operating that weekend as the Hawke's Bay A&P show will be on in location, but an equally impressive event especially if you enjoy Tractors like Nicky.

Minton Booklovers

Best little secondhand book shop in the world. Paul, the owner, has an impressive memory of every single book on offer. Also, ask him about his experience in the NZ Navy - always an awesome guy to talk to, even if he did tell us we were in his "disloyalty club" after we moved to Auckland. Please say hi from us if you visit.

The Puketapu

The best local pub in Hawkes Bay 17 years running. Great for those American folks who want to experience a bit of country living, NZ style. As Nicky and Jake Tully will also recount, this is the official evacuation point for Puketapu School. The insane floods of 2007 brought in the army with their massive trucks to evacuate the entire school to the pub. Reservations will need to be made at the restaurant, which will be impressively busy on the weekends. If one wishes to learn more about the local history, prompt Brian Penhall on his building work on the Pub.

Westshore Beach Inn

The Dome

The Jewel in the Crown of Napier's Art Deco Scene, and across the road from the legendary Sound Shell. Ask Brian Penhall about it and he will tell you about scaffolding installations in his 50th year of building. Some say he was so efficient that he did the 4 month work of an entire scaffolding crew in just 2 weeks. DO NOT go to the Starbucks below the Dome - Nicky will judge you.

Rush Munro's Ice Creamery

Lick This

Te Mata Peak

"Best view in the Southern Hemisphere" - Nicky Penhall 2023 Seriously spectacular views and some awesome walking tracks. You can drive to the top from Havelock North, but the 30min trek up from the middle carpark is well worth it. Although Nicky will say that's a weak effort and you should've run from the Hawthorne Coffee Carpark and back, which is 13 km. This represents a key training ground for Nicky's running, under the tutelage of a local running legend and amazing guitar player - Andrew Donnelly.

Sugarloaf Reserve

Napier City Bike Hire & Tours

Pask Winery

Crazy Good Coffee

Bay Espresso Taradale

Haumoana Beach

If you want to go swimming in the ocean while in Hawke's Bay, Haumoana is the best local spot to go.

Mister D

Ahuriri Village Kitchen

Art Deco Trust

Fantastic place if you want to learn more about why Napier is "the art deco capital of the world"

Maraenui Golf Club

One of the most renowned golf courses in the Hawkes Bay. The home turf of the McIvor Family who remain unbeaten on this course since 1965. The McIvor homestead can be seen from the 12th fairway across the road on Awatoto Avenue. This is the same location that Jim McIvor passed away on in 1995 doing his favorite activity, there is a tree planted there in his memory. They do have a green fee to play a round of 9 or 18 holes.