Eskdale is a rural settlement in the Hastings District and Hawke's Bay region of New Zealand's North Island. It is located north of Napier on State Highway 5, near the mouth of the Esk River. The valley has many vineyards, wineries, orchards and fishing spots. The local Eskdale War Memorial Church was designed by James Chapman-Taylor, and dedi…Eskdale is a rural settlement in the Hastings District and Hawke's Bay region of New Zealand's North Island. It is located north of Napier on State Highway 5, near the mouth of the Esk River. The valley has many vineyards, wineries, orchards and fishing spots. The local Eskdale War Memorial Church was designed by James Chapman-Taylor, and dedicated to Percival Moore Beattie, a local man killed during World War I.