10 Best Things to Do in Havelock North

1. Walk to the Summit of Te Mata Peak

Get some of the best views in Hawke’s Bay from the top of the 399 m (1,309 ft) Te Mata Peak. Rising above the Heretaunga Plains, the peak offers panoramic views across Havelock North, Hastings, Napier, Hawke’s Bay and the surrounding vineyards.

You can drive straight to the summit or explore Te Mata Park using seven colour-coded walking loops of different lengths and difficulty levels.

Popular options include the short Pīwakawaka Loop, the 2.7 km (1.7 mi) Big Redwoods Track and the longer Rongokako Trail, which climbs through native bush and open ridges towards the summit.

Mountain bike trails also cross the park, so stay alert at shared sections and track intersections. Get more information in our 10 Walks in Northern Hawke’s Bay You Can’t Miss.

Location: 7 km (4 mi) south of Havelock North

© Kirsten Simcox - Hawke’s Bay Tourism

2. Get Your Art Fix at the Birdwoods Gallery

Discover the art and tastes of the Hawke’s Bay region at Birdwoods Gallery. The gallery showcases New Zealand and African art and craft, including stone and metal sculptures, ceramics, textiles, jewellery and basketry.

Wander through the outdoor sculpture garden before settling into Birdwoods Café for coffee, lunch, cake or a traditional high tea.

Families will love the old-fashioned sweet shop, where jars of pick-and-mix confectionery add a nostalgic touch. The gallery is currently open from 10 am to 4 pm, with reduced winter opening days and closure on public holidays.

Location: Middle Road

© Pexels

3. Check Out the Arataki Honey Visitor Centre

If you have done your grocery shopping in any New Zealand supermarket, no doubt you will have seen Arataki Honey on the shelves. It’s made right here in Havelock North!

Learn about the largest beekeeping operation in the Southern Hemisphere at The Arataki Honey Visitor Centre with interactive displays, observation hives and tastings. What’s more, the Visitor Centre is free.

Located on Arataki’s original site established in 1944, the centre features self-guided displays where you can watch a working bee colony in action (keep an eye out for the queen bee). Free tastings let you compare several New Zealand honey varieties, while interactive activities keep children engaged.

The adjoining shop stocks honey, beeswax products, skincare and gift items, though there’s no pressure to purchase. The centre operates year-round and is suitable for families.

Location: Arataki Road

© Arataki Honey - Hawke’s Bay Tourism

4. Do Some Wine Tastings at the Local Wineries

Havelock North is surrounded by some of Hawke’s Bay’s most famous wineries. Stop by Craggy Range Winery for a guided wine experience beneath Te Mata Peak, with tastings focused on premium single-vineyard wines. The adjoining restaurant makes it easy to combine a tasting with lunch or dinner.

Black Barn Vineyards offers both guided tastings and self-guided wine flights featuring estate-grown wines, including limited releases that may only be available at the cellar door; their reopened bistro adds seasonal vineyard dining to the experience.

Find out more about the nearby wineries in our 10 Wonderful Wineries in Hawke’s Bay.

Location: Surrounding Havelock North

© NZPocketGuide.com

5. Shop, Eat and Drink in Havelock North Village

Pick up some souvenirs and just enjoy wandering around this quaint town lovingly nicknamed “The Village”. Havelock North’s compact centre is brimming with boutique stores selling New Zealand fashion, jewellery, books, gifts and homewares, alongside speciality food stores and gourmet products.

Most shops are clustered around Te Mata Road, Joll Road, Napier Road and Havelock Road, making it easy to explore on foot. You’ll also find an art gallery scattered among the independent retailers.

The village café scene is perfect for a relaxed coffee and baking break, or settle in for brunch in a sunny courtyard.

Come evening, the dining options range from casual bakeries and takeaways to refined restaurants showcasing seasonal Hawke’s Bay produce (plus wine bars and cocktail spots, naturally).

Location: Havelock North

© Ulrich Lange on Wikipedia

6. Visit Keirunga Park

Sure, wandering around a park isn’t an innovative idea, but Keirunga Park definitely has something worth checking out. The Keirunga Park Railway follows an 846 m (2,776 ft) track through Keirunga Gardens, travelling through tunnels, across viaducts and around scenic rock faces by miniature steam locomotive! It’s a great option for kids (and kids at heart).

Public running days are normally held on the first and third Sunday of each month from 11 am to 4 pm, weather permitting. Rides are inexpensive, making this one of the best budget-friendly activities for families and train enthusiasts.

The gardens themselves are free to explore and provide open lawns, mature trees and peaceful walking areas. The railway is operated by volunteers, so services can be cancelled because of rain, maintenance or staffing.

Location: Keirunga Park

© Elliott Brown on Flickr

7. Explore Hastings

A mere 10-minute drive along Havelock Road will bring you to one of the bustling centres of Hawke’s Bay, Hastings. The city has a lively mix of heritage architecture (Art Deco, Spanish Mission and Stripped Classical styles, many dating from after the 1931 earthquake), public art, shopping and family attractions to explore.

Follow one of the free Central Hastings Heritage Walks to discover these historic buildings, then browse the changing contemporary exhibitions at the free Te Whare Toi o Heretaunga Hastings Art Gallery in Civic Square.

Families visiting during summer can also head to Splash Planet water park.

You’ll also find cafés, restaurants and Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ Market on Sundays.

Find out more in our 20 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Hastings.

Location: 5 km north of Havelock North

© Hawke’s Bay Tourism

8. Visit Ocean Beach

Escape to the coast at Waipuka/Ocean Beach, a long stretch of pale sand backed by farmland and coastal hills. The beach attracts surfers, families and walkers, although the exposed conditions can create strong waves and rip currents (surf lifesavers patrol during parts of the summer holidays, so swim between the flags when they’re on duty).

If you’re up for a longer walk, the 7.5 km (4.7 mi) shoreline route to Waimārama is worth considering. Check the tides before you go, allow around 4 hrs 30 mins return.

Find out more about the nearby beaches in 9 Beautiful Beaches in Hawke’s Bay.

Location: 19 km east of Havelock North

© Phillip Capper on Flickr

9. Take a Road Trip to Waimārama

Get off the beaten track and discover the peaceful town of Waimārama. Set alongside a beautiful white-sand beach, Waimārama is rich in Māori culture and offers stunning views towards Motu-o-Kura (Bare Island).

Spend the day swimming, surfing or fishing, or simply relax beside the Waimārama Domain where you’ll find a playground and family facilities near the surf club.

For a deeper connection with the area, book Ngā Taioro o Waimārama (Echoes of Waimārama). This locally hosted cultural experience includes storytelling, Māori games, haka, poi and guided visits, with programmes customised for families and private groups.

Location: 27 km (17 mi) southeast of Havelock North

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10. Check Out the Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ Market

Another reason to venture to nearby Hastings; the Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ Market is regarded as one of the best farmers markets in New Zealand. The market operates year-round at Waikoko Gardens, offering seasonal fruit and vegetables, artisan bread, local meat and eggs, cheese, honey, preserves and ready-to-eat treats like fresh coffee and breakfast options.

Everything sold is grown, raised or produced locally in Hawke’s Bay, giving you the chance to buy directly from the farmers and makers themselves.

It’s a relaxed way to gather picnic supplies or simply browse the stalls while soaking up the garden setting and community atmosphere. Entry is free, and the market runs every Sunday from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm.

Location: Tōmoana Showgrounds, Hastings, 7.6 km (4.7 mi) from Havelock North

© NZPocketGuide.com