Why we want to go to Hawkes Bay

Cape Kidnappers, Hawkes Bay. Photo / Supplied

Summer is when the seaside settlement of Napier and its cousin down the road, Hastings, come to life. Here are some of the best events happening in Hawkes Bay over the next few months.

1. Scare yourself stupid

The crew from Dead Hill Napier Prison experience. Photo / Glenn Taylor

If you love having a good old-fashioned fright, head along to the Dead Hill Scare Tour through historic Napier Prison this Saturday. The guided tour through the 'haunted' prison comes complete with blood-curdling screams, ghost and zombie sightings and an inkling of how the prisoners were treated in the 1800s.

During the hour-long tours you'll learn about notorious prisoners such as the charmingly named Eye Eater, and the former executioner, Tom Long. Bookings essential, $25pp, R16.

2. Great big melting pot

A who's who of some of New Zealand's finest female entertainers join forces for Under a Starry Sky at the Black Barn Amphitheatre on Saturday, February 13.

Singers Margaret Urlich, Annie Crummer, Sharon O'Neill, Shona Laing and Debbie Harwood will be joined by one of our finest comedians, Michele A'Court, for a night of wine, humour and three decades of chart-topping tunes. Book now: $65pp, one child free (12 and under) if accompanied by a paying adult.

3. Step back in time

Last year'sTremains Art Deco Festival had a featured Automobilia. Photo / Warren Buckland

This year's famous Tremains Art Deco Festival is on in Napier from February 17-21. More than 40,000 people flood into the city to take part in 125 1930s-themed events, including outdoor concerts, vintage car parades, fashion shows and dining experiences.

New at the 2016 festival is the Prohibition Party, evoking the underground nightlife of Florida during the prohibition period: think moonshine, gambling and live music. The party's location and password will be advised at the time of booking.

4. We love cricket

New Zealand Black Caps captain Brendon McCullum. Photo / Brett Phibbs

The next international cricket team after Sri Lanka on the Black Caps' schedule is Pakistan, and McLean Park, Napier, hosts the second ODI on January 28. It might be one of the last times you get to see Brendon McCullum play for New Zealand, and expect to see newbies Henry Nicholls and Mitchell Santner in action.

Plus, the Pakistan tour is the first in five years for pace bowler Mohammad Amir since his five-year spot-fixing ban. Book now.