Havelock North

Havelock North offers a great variety of boutique shopping, award winning restaurants and artisan food stores.

Havelock North (five minutes east of Hastings) has grown rapidly but has retained its 'village' feel. On any warm spring or summer Saturday morning you can collect your fresh food delights from the Village Growers Market held at Black Barn Vineyards. Afterwards wander back into the Village where the cafe culture is alive and kicking, as is the art scene, with several galleries and studios. The village is also a hive of activity on any Friday and Saturday night with bars and restaurants all within easy walking distance of each other.

The surrounding area is also home to some of New Zealand's top wineries including Te Mata Estate, Craggy Range, and new comer Elephant Hill.

Havelock North has many impressive old residential homes including Duart House, and is also home to three elite boarding schools, Hereworth School, Iona College and Woodford House.

Havelock North is the home to:

• Te Mata Peak
  Rising 399 majestic metres above sea level, the peak dominates the fertile plains and provides simply stunning 360 degree panoramic views of the Heretaunga plains, Cape Kidnappers, right across Hawke's Bay to Mahia, the ski slopes of Mt Ruapehu and out towards the Ruahine Ranges. You might even see hang gliders or paraponts taking off from the launching pad. Definitely not to be missed! While you are here take one of the many walks through the giant Redwoods which create a woodland cathedral.

• Keirunga Gardens
  Comprising 17 hectares of formal gardens and parkland. Grouped around a central courtyard, the original Keirunga Homestead buildings provide a home for the learning and practice of many arts, crafts and leisure pursuits, and provide idyllic settings for outdoor festivals, concerts and drama productions. A highlight of the gardens is its miniature railway and train.

• Arataki Honey
  A sweet experience - Tucked away at the foothills of Te Mata Peak is the delightful Arataki Honey Visitor Centre – where you can watch thousands of bees making honey at the largest honey producer in the southern hemisphere. Enjoy learning about the bee, taste the honey they make and how important honey bees are to our valuable land based industries and environment.

• Cycle/Walkways
  Get off the beaten track with more than 130kms of cycleways you can see everything from mountainous lookouts and beautiful lowland rivers to endangered wetland wildlife and sweeping coastlines. Download a cycleway map.

A short distance from Havelock North you'll discover:

• Tukituki River Valley
  Take a leisurely drive along the picturesque Tukituki river which offers some of New Zealand's best trout fishing, and a stunning vista of colours in autumn to Ocean and Waimarama beaches and the Maraetotara Falls. 

• Maraetotara Falls
  Take a leisurely 10 minute walk along a shady track to the falls, then another 20 minutes downstream amongst limestone scenery with historic hydro-station viewing along the way. A great opportunity for a swim and picnic. A great trip for all the family! More information >>

• Cape kidnappers and the Gannets
  An absolute must do is to take a trip out to see the largest mainland gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers. The trip is all part of the experience, whether being towed by vintage tractors along the picturesque beach or by going overland, and learning all about the history of the Bay along the way and just being overwhelmed by the sheer beauty of the views and the amazing nests of the gannets! How do they know which row/line/their spot is in? Best time to visit the colony is between November and February.

• Ocean Beach
  One of New Zealand's best kept beach secrets – golden sand, crystal clear water, great surf and few people, and with just a handful of bach's it oozes Kiwi beach lifestyle.

• Waimarama Beach
  Like a guardian and protector Bare Island stands at sea out from the beach of Waimarama, with its wide sweeping expanses of golden sands and deep blue sea, making this a popular spot for visitors. The small settlement is steeped in rich Maori history. 

• Hakikino
  A visit to Waimarama is not complete without visiting Hakikino, the mighty fortress, it is a land of mythical stories, legendary deeds, and profound spiritual traditions.

• Boulders at Karamea
  From the southend of Waimarama Beach walk along the coastline for about 45 minutes until you reach the collection of perfectly round or oval shaped boulders that almost feel like they have fallen out of the cliff face. A magnificent feature in a variety of different sizes - many of which look like dinosaur eggs! What an amazing collection of nature's creations! Plan your walk for low tide. 

• Red Island
  From Waimarama past the Karamea Boulders the walk to Red island, along one of the most spectacular coastlines, takes about 2 1/2 hours and can only be done at low tide. The island takes its name from its volcanic origins, and is a complete contrast to the adjacent white sand beach and the grey sandstone cliffs. At low tide a causeway extends to the island, enabling easy access to explore the island and view the brightly coloured red, green and turquoise rocks. The walk requires a moderate degree of fitness as it involves traversing boulders and rocks to get there, but the rewards of getting there and having a swim are worth the effort.  A great day out!

For more information just ask our reception or reservations team.

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