Havelock North: Discover Nature and Culture

Havelock North offers several specific highlights to help you plan your trip: scenery and trails at Te Mata Peak, historic houses and gardens, and art, crafts, and honey-related experiences. If you’re looking for a hotel in Havelock North, consider whether you’d like to spend most of your time outdoors, visit cultural sites, or combine different interests.

Te Mata Peak and Outdoor Trails

The 399-metre-high Te Mata Peak is in a 99-hectare park in Havelock North. It is a local historic site and a cultural landmark. Te Mata Park has an extensive network of well-maintained trails with varied landscapes, views, and gradients. Several geocaches add to what the park has to offer.

People have been flying at the Peak for more than 30 years; it is a major flying site for foot-launched gliders. The park has also been used for wedding photography and ceremonies for many years. Public toilets are available at both the main entrance to Te Mata Park and the entrance on Tauroa Road. Facilities may change, so check the details before your visit.

The Village and Regional Cycling Trails

The Karamu Stream flows through the Village. A half-kilometre walking trail follows the stream and is of particular geological and ecological interest. Boutique shops, dining, local events, and outdoor experiences are all within walking distance of one another in the Village. Havelock North is also well connected to the region’s cycling trails. If you plan to use a specific connection, check the latest route information.

Historic Houses, Gardens, and Art

The historic Duart House was built in 1882 and stands on three acres of manicured formal gardens with a croquet lawn. It is open to the public on the first Sunday of each month. Check this opening schedule before you arrive.

Keirunga Gardens is a 17-hectare park with formal gardens and parkland; it is also home to Keirunga Homestead. The Keirunga Gardens Arts & Crafts Society is based in the manicured gardens and courtyard and provides community facilities for arts and crafts in the Hastings District.

Birdwoods Havelock North showcases New Zealand and African art and crafts. These include stone and metal sculptures, textiles, collectibles, furniture, jewellery, basketware, rugs, and ceramics. Birdwoods also has a sculpture garden, a café, and an old-fashioned sweet shop. Its offerings span a range of art forms as well as a garden, café, and shop.

Honey and Local Produce

At the Arataki Honey Visitor Centre, free, self-guided visits without booking offer insights into honeybees and honey production. Observation hives let visitors explore honeybee life up close and learn about their social structure. A free tasting of 100% pure Arataki New Zealand Honey is also available. Visit and tasting arrangements may change, so check the latest details before your visit.

Black Barn’s vineyard is home to a 2,000-seat amphitheatre. Black Barn Bistro showcases the region’s finest produce; specific menu details may change. Together with the honey experiences, this offers another way to make food part of your stay.

Discover more destinations: Urewera National Park, Waipukurau, Raukawa, Porangahau, Eskdale, Fernhill, Haumoana, Wallingford

For the broader travel overview: Hawkes Bay.