Looking to visit the amazing Te Mata Peak at sunset? In this post, we’ll go over the how to get to Te Mata Peak, the best time to visit and how to best capture this beautiful destination and its history.
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I think you’ll agree with me when I say that New Zealand has some amazing peaks. Te Mata is definitely a part of that category and if you’re planning a visit here and want to know everything about it, look no further. All the information you need along with images to show you exactly how beautiful this spot is, is below.
HOW TO GET TO TE MATA PEAK AT SUNSET
There are couple of ways to get up to Te Mata Peak for sunset. The first is driving. You will find in New Zealand that there are only a few of the smaller mountains now that allow you to drive up, luckily for us Te Mata Peak is still one of them! The other options are to either bike or walk and if you are driving, just be wary that there are limited parking spaces so try get there early.
Both times I have visited I have driven up but the walk would be amazing if you allowed yourself enough time.
If you do decide to walk all of the different options of walks and the information you will need is on AllTrials here.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
In my opinion the best time to visit Te Mata Peak is at sunset. Sunrise is equally beautiful but there is something about that afternoon glow.
If you have read any of my other posts, you would know that I absolutely love sunrises for the quiet and getting up early helps to avoid the crowds but there is a certain ‘vibe’ about being at Te Mata Peak at sunset. And with many different spaces to roam there is plenty of room for everyone.
My suggestion on the best way to enjoy sunset at Te Mata Peak would be to order pizza from Pipis Pizza in Havelock North, take a picnic blanket, find a space and enjoy the view.
CAPTURING SUNSET AT TE MATA PEAK
Capturing photos at the top of Te Mata Peak is a breeze for sunset.
In terms of lighting, due to having a 360 view of the Hawkes Bay from the peak you, as the saying goes, ‘have the pick of the crop’. No matter what your lighting style is–backlight, sidelight or frontlight, all of these are options.
Also, as I mentioned earlier there is plenty of space for everyone and that means if you go for a little walk beyond the carpark you will be able to find a spot where there will be no one else in your images.
THE HISTORY
The history in New Zealand is rich and in order to do this place justice I feel it is only fair to redirect attention to websites that have expert knowledge. Not only for Te Mata but the region it sits in.
If you want to know more about the history of Te Mata before your visit click here.
OTHER ACTIVITIES AROUND TE MATA PEAK
There are many activities around Te Mata Peak that I would recommend but I would highly suggest the following two:
The most obvious one being a day visit around the wineries. Here are some of my favourites:
- Askerne
- Church Road
- Trinity Hill
- Te Mata Estate
- Craggy Range
A way to see some of your favourites in the region would be a bike tour. One that comes highly suggested is the Napier, Cape Coast Winery Bike Tour on Get Your Guide.
Another activity that I highly rate and great if you’re up for a day trip is heading to Bell Rock. It will take you roughly and hour and a half drive from Napier to reach but is well worth the visit. Bell Rock is a 7.1km loop trail and since it’s a bit further north the trial is quite quiet (especially if you visit early morning like we did).
Most people when visiting Bell Rock also visit Shine Falls. Unfortunately this walk has been closed for some time now and its reopening is yet to be announced.
Te Mata Peak at sunset is definitely worth visiting and I hope after reading this post it will encourage you to see it for yourself or at least informed you more about what to expect and how to plan your visit.
Please note that there has been significant damage to the area due to the floods at the beginning of 2023 so if you can support local during your visit, this would be very much appreciated.