Havelock North - heart of wine country

the village

Known locally as ‘The Village’, Havelock North has retained its ‘village’ character and strong sense of community while growing and becoming part of the wider district of Hastings and province of Hawke’s Bay.

The Village is now one of Hawke’s Bay’s premier attractions with its boutique shopping, cafe culture and unique atmosphere.

It is the gateway to some of the best wineries in New Zealand and a 10-minute winding drive takes you to the Te Mata Peak lookout with 360-degree views over limestone cliffs and across the Heretaunga Plains. On a clear day, especially in winter, Mt. Ruapehu can be seen over the Ruahine Ranges. Hang gliders leap from here at 399 metres above sea level.

Founded in 1860, Havelock North has a proud history founded on the hard work of a handful of New Zealand pioneer families. Now the streets of Havelock North bear the names of these families – Tanner, Joll, Chambers and more.

Some of Hawke’s Bay’s most interesting history was forged in the foothills of Te Mata Peak, shown now by the many historic homes hidden in the scenic valleys of Havelock North.

Retaining that early history was threatened by the 1931 earthquake but, like the rest of Hawke’s Bay, Havelock North reisdents picked up their lives, rebuilt and made the town better than ever.

“The Village” is now one of Hawke’s Bay’s premier attractions with its boutique shopping, cafe culture and its unique village atmpsohpere. It is the gateway to some of the best wineries in New Zealand and a drive up “The Peak” provides a stunning vista of the productive Heretaunga Plains which have made Hawke’s Bay what it is today.