The Sunny Hawkes Bay

Vineyard view, Millar Road, Hastings, 2007, Ajr.

My cousin says she is moving back to Hawkes Bay. I'm envious. This gorgeous sunny strip of coastline on the North Island's East Coast is a wine and food lover's dream. It's where you'll find well over 40 vineyards - some of them among New Zealand's oldest - and so many boutique food producers you'll need to stay weeks to sample them all. Factor in beautiful beaches, orchards and some of the best boutique accommodation in New Zealand and you'll understand why it's one of my favourite provinces. When I passed through a few months back during my Frommers' research I woke up to this stunning view at Millar Road - a classy two-cottage heaven that overlooks a wide spread of vines and persimmon orchards with the ocean twinkling in the distance. The Collinge family have created something special - accommodation that oozes comfort and good design. Their collection of top contemporary New Zealand art, the exquisite bed linens and accessories from Napier's Esther Diamond designer range and...well, those views, make it one of my favoured choices for an ultimate hideaway. And they have a really groovy website as well - www.millarroad.co.nz