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5 Must-Do's in Havelock North

Visit Birdwoods Gallery
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, then you’ll have to put Birdwoods on your holiday to-do-list. Located just outside Havelock North, you’ll discover a delightful cafe and art gallery with a small sweet shop stocking all the old-fashioned favourites in a one-room colonial village. Take a seat inside to admire the eclectic works of art, or soak in the scenery in the garden with friends and family.

Eat, eat and eat some more
Havelock North (and surrounds) is a blessed with a wealth of dining options, from casual cafes right through to Cuisine Food Good Awards-winning restaurants. With ethnic options, modern dining, tapas, winery dining, gastro pubs, and an enviable selection of top-notch cafes, you’ll not be disappointed – breakfast, brunch, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner and dessert!

Scale Te Mata Peak
A trip to Havelock North wouldn’t be complete without a walk to the top of Te Mata Peak. Sitting behind Havelock North, the peak rises 399m above sea level and provides the perfect opportunity for exercise while taking in some breathtaking scenery. There are plenty of tracks to choose from that cater for all fitness levels, so you can choose the one that suits you best. Be sure to include a pass through the majestic Redwoods Forest – a 223-grove of 40m high California redwoods. Once you’re at the top, you’ll be afforded spectacular 360-degree views of Hawke’s Bay. Top tip: make sure you are wearing sunscreen, the tracks can be very exposed in parts, with no little to no shade at the summit of Te Mata Peak.

Boutique shopping
Shopping lovers will be right in their element in Havelock North; the small village is well-known for its fantastic boutique and specialty shopping. You’ll find everything from artisan food stores to fashion and unique homeware shops all within metres of one another. Whether you’re on a tight time limit or can spend hours meandering, Havelock North is the perfect place to pick-up presents to take home with you.

Sample stunning wines at a cellar door
With Craggy Range, Black Barn Vineyards, Askerne Winery, Smith & Sheth, and Te Mata Winery all within just a few kilometres of each other, you can sample some of the region’s – and New Zealand’s – finest wines in spectacular surrounds. Go by bike, car, or guided tour – your tastebuds will thank you, and your Instagram feed won’t look half bad either!