'We are now back in California with wonderful memories of our month long stay in New Zealand. The highlight of the trip will always be the time we spent at Havelock House with you and Jeff.

You were very helpful in giving us suggestions as to places to see and enjoy. I think we did everything on the agenda and I don't believe we could have possibly made better use of our time..'

Suggested Hawke's Bay Itineraries

If you are planning a visit to Napier or the Hawke's Bay region of New Zealand, you need three days to make the most of what is on offer. May we suggest:

3 night break

DAY 1 - arrive mid afternoon - having stopped at a winery en route for lunch at Mission Estate the oldest winery in New Zealand or a platter lunch at Selini. On arrival at Havelock House, enjoy complimentary tea and homemade cakes while you unpack and relax. Browse the guides and books in your room. Before dinner, take a short drive up Te Mata Peak and enjoy the views and go for dinner at Vidals Winery, Pipi Cafe Havelock North village, or Diva Bistro.

DAY 2 - after a relaxing breakfast - wait to be collected for your wine tour of Hawke's Bay. When you get back, relax in your room with a glass of Hawke's Bay wine - if you don't want to go out prepare what you have bought in the small guest kitchen. In the evening borrow a DVD from the extensive library or in winter, cuddle up in front of a roaring log fire.

DAY 2 alternative - self guided our of the Hawke's Bay wineries, relaxing lunch at the Mission, Black Barn, Elephant Hill or Clear View. Visit Wool World in Clifton, and learn about the importance of the wool industry in this part of New Zealand ,call in to Clifton cafe which has wonderful views over the Ocean - take a tour to visit the gannets overland or along the beach on a tractor and trailer or drive to Ocean Beach or Waimarama for a walk along the sandy beach.

DAY 3 - After a relaxing breakfast drive into Napier along the coastal road, stopping at Clive and taking a short walk along the coastal path or visit one of the local artists' galleries wide choice in the Hawke's Bay Arts Trail, or carry on into Napier and park on Marine Parade - visit the National Aquarium and Opossum World or the Hawke's Bay Museum and Art Gallery. Stop for a coffee or drive up Bluff Hill for great views over Port of Napier; head to the centre of Napier - Tennyson Street for the Art Deco walk leaving at 2pm. After the walk wander round Napier's shopping area or visit the New Zealand Wine Centre or the old port of Napier at Ahuriri where there are many restaurants, antique shops and bars overlooking the water.