6 reasons to spend summer in Havelock North

Swimming Spots

Whether you prefer salt water or fresh water, you can find your perfect swimming spot from Havelock North. Beach lovers should head straight for Ocean and Waimarama beaches. These two beaches are jewels in Hawke’s Bay’s crown and beloved by walkers, swimmers, surfers and families alike. Lifeguards patrol both beaches from November to March, ensuring swimmers are well looked after.

Fresh water fans should head to Maraetotara Falls. Just a short drive from Havelock North, Maraetotara Falls is a hugely popular summer spot. There is a great swimming hole at the base of the waterfall, and if you’ve got time – walk the Maraetotara Historic Walk, you won’t be disappointed!

Hawke's Bay Trails

The Hawke’s Bay Trails are 200km of undulating limestone trails that depart from Havelock North and crisscross much of the region, connecting award-winning wineries, unique cafés, quaint country pubs and artisan outlets. Two fantastic options from Havelock North are the Waimarama Trail to Craggy Range and the Landscapes Ride to the Te Awanga Coast.

Both rides take in incredible landscapes, cellar doors and river views, while the Landscapes Ride also takes riders to the edge of the Cape Kidnappers Peninsula.

Scale the Peak

Whether you walk, bike or drive, the views at the top of Te Mata Peak are spectacular. Visitors can see Napier and Māhia Peninsula to the north and east, hill country to the south and east, and the Ruahine, Kaweka and Maungaharuru ranges beyond the fertile Heretaunga Plains. Mount Ruapehu is often visible in the distance.

The peak is enjoyed every day by hundreds of walkers and bikers who make the most of the extensive network of trails. Little legs are catered for as well, with some easier walks around the California Redwoods (also a fantastic picnic spot) and at the children’s BMX track.

Dine Out

Dining out in Havelock North is easy. Choosing where to go is hard! If you’re looking for a winery, then you have plenty of choice from sun-drenched alfresco dining at Black Barn Bistro to a full degustation at Craggy Range Restaurant.

Birdwoods Gallery, Café and Sweet Shop on the outskirts of Havelock North is another fantastic destination dining option. Birdwoods offers one of the Bay’s most picturesque settings in which to enjoy tea, coffee and lunch service. And once you’ve finished lunch, make sure you pop into the old-fashioned sweet shop for a treat to take home.

Al fresco events

Havelock North excels at outdoor events, making the most of the long summer season to stage boutique gatherings at locations in and around the village.

Most famous is the Black Barn Amphitheatre, with its concert season typically running from about November to April. Venture a little further into the Tukituki Valley in November for Harvest Hawke's Bay featuring many of the region's finest wineries and eateries in a spectacular riverside olive grove setting.

At various points throughout the year, the village itself is the venue for market days and seasonal celebrations. Check out Love Havelock North for updates

Gannets at Cape Kidnappers

The Cape Kidnappers gannet colony is the world’s largest, most accessible mainland gannet colony and your chance to get close to these incredible birds.

Visitors can get within a few feet of the primary gannet colony, which sits atop the sheer and barren cliffs of Cape Kidnappers/Te Kauwae-a-Māui. Take an overland tour experience with Gannet Safaris Overland where you will travel in 4x4 vehicles across pristine coastline, working farmland, through native bush and to New Zealand’s largest privately-owned nature reserve.

Viewing the gannets is possible from September to April before the gannets migrate to warmer climates.

Havelock North