Coast New Zealand Season 2 Episode 4 Hawkes Bay

Coast New Zealand is back with season 2 and this time it explores the stunning Hawkes Bay region in episode 4. Nestled on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island, Hawkes Bay boasts a rich culture and history, which is highlighted in this episode.

The journey begins with host Neil Oliver visiting Cape Kidnappers, home to the largest mainland gannet colony in the world. Neil takes a helicopter ride to get an aerial view of the colony, which is a sight to behold. With over 20,000 pairs of gannets, the colony is a spectacle of noise and activity as these graceful birds go about their daily business.

From the coast, the show takes you inland to The National Aquarium of New Zealand where host Miranda Krestovnikoff explores the fascinating marine life that call Hawkes Bay home. Miranda meets a team of experts who work around the clock to care for injured marine animals, and she even gets to witness a whale necropsy, a rare opportunity to learn about the biology and anatomy of these majestic creatures.

Next up, the show takes us on a scenic tour of the wine country that made Hawkes Bay famous. Neil visits some of the region’s oldest wineries and learns about the history of viticulture in New Zealand. He also gets a taste of the region's award-winning wines and meets the people who are passionate about producing world-class wines in Hawkes Bay.

The program also dedicates some time to the rich Maori culture of the region. Neil meets local Maori people who share their heritage and traditions, including a unique ceremony called a pōhiri, which involves exchanging songs and dances. The episode also explores the impact of the arrival of Europeans on the Maori culture, including the establishment of Christian missions in the region.

Finally, the show travels to the western side of Hawkes Bay, where Neil visits the Te Mata Peak. This iconic peak offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including the patchwork of vineyards, the rugged coast and the distant mountains. Neil also visits an art deco architecture town of Napier which is known for its beautiful art deco architecture that was rebuilt in the 1930s after a catastrophic earthquake.

Overall, Coast New Zealand season 2 episode 4 is a cultural and scenic journey through the Hawkes Bay region. With its rich history, stunning landscapes, and diverse wildlife, this episode showcases the many reasons why Hawkes Bay is a must-visit destination for any traveler to New Zealand.