Hawke's Bay househunters are having to shell out more for a property, according to the regionwide trend.

Business is booming in Hawke's Bay, with residents and visitors splashing out during the first month of the year.

Spending by international tourists in Hawke's Bay last December hit a six-year high, new figures show.

New airlines, new flight routes and lower costs are motivating more and more Hawke's Bay residents to travel, a leading Napier travel agent says.

Timber and pulp company Pan Pac Forest Products has shut down part of its mill north of Napier because of rashes and other ailments, which staff and neighbours fear are caused by emissions.

Hawke’s Bay is known for its fine wines. In this summer series, Roger Moroney profiles our best-known wineries.