I moved to New Zealand/Aotearoa from Brazil and went straight to Invercargill/Waihōpai in September 2017, initially alone then my family joined me after the kids finished school 3 months later. Moving from the hottest part of Brazil to Invercargill was a significant challenge, besides all the changes, it was cold. However, the city embraced us and kept us warm for 4 years.
After 4 years in the winter… I mean Invercargill, we decided that it was time to move again. In November 2021, we made our way from Invercargill to the beautiful and sunny Hawke’s Bay/Te Matau-a-Māui.
What a change!!! Hawke’s Bay New Zealand is basically formed by 3 main towns: Napier, Hastings and Havelock North. It is amazingly sunny and warm, and there are the most beautiful views and beaches that I have seen so far, good wines and vineyards, and a place for the most popular bicycle wine tour that connects over 200 km of flat and easy-riding cycle trails to more than 30 cellar doors and numerous artisan producers.
Hawke’s Bay is the ‘New Zealand Art Deco’ capital; every year in February the architectural style and outfits on the streets honour the 1930’s decade – the decade that the city was devastated by a big earthquake. I recommend visiting the region at this time and enjoying the festival and a glass of good wine.
Hawke’s Bay offers not only wine, but the stunning Te Mata Peak and Cape Kidnappers with bike trails/walk trails and beaches like Haumoana, Waimarama and Ocean Beach to be explored in the summer. There is something for all ages to enjoy in this region.
I have been here for only 7 months, so pretty new in the Hawke’s Bay and I have a lot to explore. We cannot wait till the next summer.
Photo: Te Mata Peak by André Luiz Cruz.