What to Do in Havelock North
Swap the hustle and bustle of the popular towns of Napier and Hastings for a quiet stay at the village of Havelock North. This small town just on the outskirts of Hastings is a brilliant base for exploring the Hawke’s Bay region. Enjoy the intimate village feel with small locally-run shops and cafes, as well as getting out to the nearby wineries, beaches, gardens and art galleries. Get inspired for your trip to Hawke’s Bay with this list of things to do in Havelock North!
While you’re in the region, don’t miss the Top 10 Natural Attractions in Hawke’s Bay.
1. Walk to the Summit of Te Mata Peak
Get some of the best views in Hawkes Bay from the top of the 399m (1309ft) Te Mata Peak. In fact, the whole area is a park with both mountain biking and walking trails to embrace the enchanting countryside scenery and pine forests. Otherwise, if you’re not feeling active, you can drive to the top. Get more information in our 8 Walks in Northern Hawke’s Bay You Can’t Miss.
Location: 7km (4 miles) south of Havelock North
© Mike Locke on Flickr2. Get Your Art Fix at the Birdwoods Gallery
Discover the art and tastes of the Hawke’s Bay region at the BirdwoodsGallery. Check out the open-air sculptures, the textiles and photographic canvases on display in between indulging in some sweet treats, coffee or something from their lunch menu at the Birdswood Cafe. Speaking of sweets, the sweet shop and ice cream parlour is a must-try too!
Location: Middle Road
© Pexels3. 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, beehives and tastings. What’s more, the Visitor Centre is free.
Location: Arataki Road
© Pexels4. Do Some Wine Tastings at the Local Wineries
Havelock North is surrounded by some of Hawke’s Bay’s most famous wineries. Stop by the Craggy Range Winery for lunch under the stunning Te Mata Peak or do a tasting at the Vidal Estate. Find out more about the nearby wineries in our 10 Wonderful Wineries in Hawke’s Bay.
Location: Surrounding Havelock North
© NZPocketGuide.com5. 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 is brimming with boutique stores from fashion to jewellers to op shops. You’ll also find an art gallery and plenty of cafes too.
Location: Havelock North
© Ulrich Lange on Wikipedia6. Visit Keirunga Park
Sure, wandering around a park isn’t an innovative idea, but the Keirunga Park definitely has something worth checking out. The Keirunga Park Railway will transport you along the hillsides of gardens by a miniature steam locomotive! It’s a great option for kids (and kids at heart).
Location: Keirunga Park
© Elliott Brown on Flickr7. 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 town has its own abundance of shops and cafes to mingle around, as well as its own set of attractions, such as the winery bike tours, Spanish Mission and Art Deco architecture, and the Hastings City Night Market. Find out more in our 20 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Hastings.
Location: 5km north of Havelock North
© Pseudopanax at en.wikipedia8. Visit Ocean Beach
Escape to the coast and enjoy this virtually untouched beach, except for in summer when the beach comes alive with swimmers and surfers. Enjoy walks on this expansive stretch of sand, as well as breathtaking sunrises. Find out more about the nearby beaches in 9 Beautiful Beaches in Hawke’s Bay.
Location: 19km east of Havelock North
© Phillip Capper on Flickr9. Take a Road Trip to Waimarama
Get off the beaten track and discover the peaceful town of Waimarama. Set alongside a beautiful golden-sand beach, Waimarama is rich in culture, which can be explored with Waimarama Maori Tours. The beach is also popular for surfing with surf club patrols running December to March on weekends.
Location: 27km (17 miles) southeast of Havelock North
© NZPocketGuide.com10. Check Out the Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ Market
Another reason to venture to the nearby Hastings, the Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ Market is regarded as one of the best farmers markets in New Zealand. Enjoy tastings, live entertainment and lots of local goods to browse. Check it out every Sunday 8.30am to 12.30pm.
Location: Hastings Showgrounds, 7.6km (4.7 miles) from Havelock North
© NZPocketGuide.comMore Things to Do Near Havelock North
