Central Hawke’s Bay Spring Fling Festival in Hawke's Bay / Gisborne

There’s no better time to visit Central Hawke’s Bay than in spring.

As gardens awake from their wintery slumber, daffodils bloom and lambs frolic, the district comes alive with events for the annual Central Hawke’s Bay Spring Fling Festival.

From gorgeous lunches and walks at the district’s historic homesteads to coastal farmland treks, boutique markets, floral workshops and cooking masterclasses, Spring Fling is a wonderful showcase of the district in spring.

A hidden gem, Central Hawke’s Bay’s charm is irrepressible at this time of year. And whether your passion is food, wine, gardens, history, markets, or the great outdoors, Spring Fling has a unique experience waiting to be discovered by you.

Highlights in this year’s programme includes the Central Hawke’s Bay Garden Trail, which will showcase 13 gardens. Spend two days delighting in some of the region’s most beautiful gardens – from rambling rose gardens, bountiful edible gardens, organic vegetable gardens and lush native gardens, to gardens that feed you and heal you, and nurture your soul.

All things Herbs Masterclass is a delicious deep dive into the dynamic world of herbs, with herbologist Julia Sich and Malo Head Chef Bert van de Steeg, all set in the tranquil surrounds of Mangarara Eco Lodge; while A Floral Moment is set to be a beautiful exploration of the slow flower movement at the historic Aramoana Homestead.

Annual favourites, including the Omakere Coastal Hill Country Walk, Taniwha Daffodils, Gwavas Homestead and Garden Tour, Ongaonga Village Fair and Waipawa Duck Day, are again ready to delight visitors and locals alike.

However you choose to enjoy the Spring Fling, Central Hawke’s Bay will welcome you with genuine hospitality to this spectacular part of Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand’s Food and Wine Country.