Top 8 Things To Do In Havelock North, New Zealand

1. Enjoy the picturesque hike to the summit of Te Mata Peak

Te Mata Peak is an iconic formation in Havelock North whose story is just as fascinating as the trek to the summit. It is a hike that will reveal to you the full depth of Hawk’s Bay beauty, as well as that of the little town of Havelock North. The peak stands at 399 meters (1309 feet) above the sea level, and it is full of enchanting countryside sceneries and pine forests. Though you are free to trek the entire distance to the summit, the region is a designated park that you can also access using a mountain bike or you can simply drive to the summit if you think your physical strength may fail you along the way. Going on foot, however, is the best way to soak in the sceneries, while you fill your lungs with fresh mountain air. Though, the other two methods will still treat you to a memorable experience.

Te Mata Peak

Address: Havelock North, New Zealand

Opening hours: 6am - 6pm (daily)

Price: Free

2. Discover more about bees and honey at Arataki Honey Visitor Center

Bees are very dangerous insects, but they are also the producers of the sweet, thick, golden, healthy liquid that we all love – honey. Encountering them in the wild is not always a good idea, but when in Havelock North, all you need is to visit Arataki Honey Visitor Center to learn more about them. The center offers a fun and interactive environment for visitors to delve deep into the fascinating world of honey bees. During the visit, you will get valuable lessons about bees, as well as a chance to sample 10 different types of honey produced by the bees. You will not only learn about the bees and sample their honey, but at the end of the tour, you may choose to buy your favorite honey from the retail section. The center is very secure, so you don’t have to worry about getting stung. Feel free to come with the little ones as well.

Arataki Honey Visitor Center

Address: 66 Arataki Rd, Havelock North 4130, New Zealand

Website: Arataki Honey Visitor Center

Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)

3. Enjoy a unique winery experience at Craggy Range

Craggy Range has a truly unique winery experience that no visitor to Havelock North should ever miss. Craggy Range Winery is one of the country’s premier single vineyard producers located in a picturesque setting overlooking the Te Mata Peak. The staff is friendly and always eager to tell you about the family’s wine collection, the philosophy of the winery, and the various terroirs of vineyards used in the production of the Craggy range of wines. In addition to sipping some of the finest wines from the region, visiting this winery will also allow you to enjoy a fine meal at the winery’s restaurant – Terroir Restaurant. The restaurant emphasizes on local foods, and you will be assured of indulging in the finest meat, seafood and produce sourced locally, and prepared with the freshest ingredients using simple and real methods. This is a tour you can’t miss if you appreciate fine wines and great dining experience in a private vineyard cottage.

Craggy Range

Address: 253 Waimarama Road Havelock North 4294 New Zealand

Website: Craggy Range

Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)

4. Have a family outing at The Village Green

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

The Village Green is right at the heart of Havelock North, and it is a popular place with lots of amenities for both locals and visitors. Its notable amenities include grassed open spaces, three premier playgrounds, a skate park, a pavilion with large paved areas, and picnic tables among others. Fun and entertainment equipment includes extensive water play features, swings, climbing frames, slides, and xylophones. The village is always full of activities, and it is one of the most preferred spots for family day outs, especially if you traveled with young kids who would love some outdoor fun on the water slides and the swings.

The Village Green

Address: 4 Donnelly St, Havelock North 4130, New Zealand

Website: The Village Green

Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)

Price: Free

5. Go on a full-day tour of Hastings

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Hastings is one of the bustling centers of Hawk’s Bay and just about 10 minutes’ drive from Havelock North. The town has a superfluity of shops and cafes where you can mingle with the locals as you sample the culinary diversity of the region and indulge in some of the region’s best produce wines. The town is also in proximity to a myriad of attractions that you can’t exhaust in a single day. The most notable ones include the winery bike tours, the Hastings City Night Market, watching the gannets at Cape Kidnappers, and the self-guided tours of the Spanish Mission & Art Deco among others. Due to its robust nature, Hastings is also a great place to check out if you want to have a glimpse of the nightlife in this part of New Zealand.

Hastings

Address: Hastings, Hawk’s Bay

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

6. Visit Keirunga Park

There may be nothing unique about wandering in a park, but a visit to Keirunga Park is worth not missing if you traveled with kids. In addition to the green spaces and plenty of kid playgrounds, the park has a miniature steam locomotive for you to ride along as you soak in the beauty of the hillside gardens. The train ride alone is worth visiting the park if you want some great fun for the kids.

Keirunga Park

Address: 12 Puflett Road, Havelock North

Website: Keirunga Park

Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)

Price: 17 USD

7. See beautiful art at Birdwoods Gallery

The art of a region is a story of their social past and its influence in the present. By seeing such art, you give yourself a chance to know more about the society and their cultures. If you are in Havelock North, then it is highly recommended that you visit the Bridwoods Gallery and see some of the finest art the region has to offer. There are plenty of open-air sculptures as well as photographic and textile canvases that each have a story to tell. While you see the art, you will enjoy sweet treats, coffee, or some nice delicacy from the adjacent Birdswood Café. Plan a visit here if you have no plans for your mid-morning.

Birdwoods Gallery

Address: 298 Middle Rd, Havelock North 4172, New Zealand

Website: Birdwoods Gallery

Opening hours: 10am - 4pm (daily)

8. Watch the sunset over Ocean Beach

Ocean Beach is just a stone’s throw away from Havelock North. It is a virtually untouched beach, except in the summer when it tends to swell up with surfers and swimmers. The beach features expansive stretches of golden sands – a place where couples will enjoy going for a lazy romantic walk in the evenings. The sights of sunsets on this beach are nothing but magical, and they make photo backgrounds that are worth selling for millions.

Ocean Beach

Address: Havelock North, New Zealand

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

Enjoy a piece of New Zealand at Havelock North

New Zealand is always on the bucket list of millions of travelers around the globe, and this is understandably so, owing to the unique and exciting attractions it has. With so many travel destinations to choose from, settling on one can be a bit challenging. However, you will never go wrong when you start your tour at Havelock North. It is a quiet little suburb, but one with lots of interesting attractions that will ooze peace and tranquility to the weary soul.