Advice From : Hawke’s Bay Tourism – Hawke’s Bay – New Zealand
Q. Can I travel to the Hawke’s Bay region?
Parts of Hastings District and Central Hawke’s Bay, and some operators in Napier, remain operational for business, but we encourage all potential travellers, including those keen to check on family and friends, to book ahead and/or contact accommodation providers and experience operators to confirm current operating conditions.
Hawke’s Bay Airport is fully operational, however restrictions and road closures apply. Please check Waka Kotahi for most up-to-date information on the roading network. Air New Zealand has introduced a temporary service between Gisborne and Napier airports.
Hawke’s Bay’s Visitor Economy is the third largest contributor to regional GDP, and is estimated to represent 9-10% of the total employment in the region. It will, therefore, play an important role in the recovery, bringing money into the economy, and supporting jobs and businesses, including both Hastings and Napier CBDs.
We look forward to welcoming visitors back to the entirety of our region – from Wairoa in the north to Pōrangahau in the south – when the time is right.
Q. Is it safe to visit the Hawke’s Bay region?
Civil Defence has declared an emergency in Wairoa, Napier, Hastings and Central Hawke’s Bay, and some areas in these districts remain without power or reliable communications.
Some roads in and around the region remain closed, while others are designated for essential/critical workers only. Please check Waka Kotahi for further information and follow instructions, including when essential travel-only applies. Areas impacted by flooding may be contaminated by silt, which contains contaminants that could be harmful.
However, parts of Hawke’s Bay remain safe and operational for business. We encourage potential travellers, including those keen to check in on family and friends, to book ahead and/or contact your accommodation providers and experience operators to confirm current operating conditions before departing for Hawke’s Bay.
Q. How can I get to Hawke’s Bay?
Hawke’s Bay Airport is fully operational and Air New Zealand is flying to Hawke’s Bay from Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch daily.
A number of roads in and around the region remain closed, including both State Highway 2, between Napier and Gisborne, and State Highway 5, between Napier and Taupo. For full roading updates, please visit Waka Kotahi.
Please be aware some roads are for essential/critical travel and workers only. Please ensure you take your time and allow for diversions.
Q. When should I plan to visit Hawke’s Bay?
Parts of the region are open for business now, so if you do have a reservation or have plans to visit, please check with your accommodation providers and experience operators. The operators who can safely open will value your support.
While Civil Defence has a declared emergency in place for the full region, the situation on the ground is changing rapidly, so please return here for updates.
If you would prefer to postpone your visit to Hawke’s Bay, mid-late Autumn is beautiful, and June is a fantastic time to visit with Winter F.A.W.C! Food and Wine Classic running throughout the month.
Q. How many tourism operators have been impacted by the flooding?
Hawke’s Bay Tourism is conducting a detailed audit of operators, with emphasis on who is operating as normal.
Many businesses are getting back to business, with more coming online each day. We recommend you reach out directly to your accommodation and experience providers for updates.
Q. Is accommodation available or is it being used for emergency accommodation?
Parts of the region, including accommodation providers, are open for visitors now.
However, there is an increased demand for accommodation in Hawke’s Bay at the moment so we recommend visitors book ahead, ensuring operators can be prepared for your arrival.
Please be aware, some accommodation providers may be prioritising displaced residents and/or essential workers.
Q. I have booked a holiday in Hawke’s Bay in the next few weeks. Should I cancel?
Parts of Hawke’s Bay remain open for business, but we encourage potential travellers, including those keen to check in on family and friends, to book ahead and/or confirm with accommodation providers and experience operators. Businesses who can operate safely will value your support.
For those visitors who make arrangements not to visit, we look forward to welcoming you when the time is right. Your support will play an important part in Hawke’s Bay’s recovery, bringing money into the economy, supporting jobs and businesses.
Q. I want to cancel my trip – will I get my money back?
We recommend you check with your travel agent or review the cancellation policies of each individual provider. We encourage you to check insurance policies as well.
Q. What is happening with Cruise?
Napier Port in agreement with Napier City Council advised that cruise ship calls would not call into Napier for the week ending Sunday 26th February 2023. The decision will be reviewed on an ongoing basis with other stakeholders.
Q. What is Tourism doing to support the response and recovery?
Many businesses that play key roles within the Hawke’s Bay Visitor Economy are working hard to support fellow businesses hardest hit and those helping with the immediate response.
Hospitality businesses are delivering meals to affected communities and volunteers, while others are contributing both financially and with time and energy to the clean-up. Industry peers in other regions, including Wairarapa and Auckland, have created fundraising opportunities to contribute financially to the region’s recovery.
Q. What support do Hawke’s Bay Visitor Economy businesses need right now?
After three years of dealing with the ups and downs of the Covid pandemic, the impact of Cyclone Gabrielle, during what ought to be one of our busiest months, will be significant.
Businesses that cannot trade or have had business severely affected by Cyclone Gabrielle and/or the subsequent impacts, may need financial support to get through. Hawke’s Bay Tourism is working to advocate on their behalf
