Birdwoods Gallery & Café

Birdwoods Gallery & Café is a special place in the heart of rural Havelock North. You instantly feel like you have stepped into another world, with beautiful sculptures in the garden, a homely café, an old-fashioned sweet shop and a gallery shop to explore. It’s easy to forget you are only five minutes from the centre of town.

Originally from Zimbabwe, owners Louise and Bruce opened Birdwoods when they moved with their children to New Zealand in 2004. Since then, it has become a well-loved spot in the region and is visited by people from around the country every year. Its unique offering and expansive grounds provide an experience that is more than your everyday lunch outing. Inhabiting the building that once was St. Peter’s Church Hall, the main café and gallery space emanates a sense of history and nostalgia, juxtaposed with the many modern and varied items for sale. 

When visiting Birdwoods, you can first make a stop at the sweet shop, where all of your childhood favourites are on offer. Gleaming and glistening in their glass jars, it’s the best kind of pick-and-mix situation. Next up, head to the café and gallery area, peruse the food cabinet where an array of decadent cakes and other treats are on display, or grab a menu, then take a seat inside or at one of the many outdoor perches. 

The food menu is forever-changing (in accordance with the seasons), with local ingredients and Birdwoods’ own vegetable and herb garden being utilised to create delicious dishes. The meals are nourishing and delicious, and no matter what you settle on, you are guaranteed to be satisfied. While you wait for your order to arrive, take some time to explore the sculpture garden and immerse yourself in nature. Or you might prefer to browse and shop in the gallery where there is a collection of textiles, artwork, craftwork and stone and metal sculptures on display. These items are sourced locally and also from Africa, where Louise and Bruce travel to most years on buying trips. 

With so many interesting spaces and things to do at Birdwoods, it is best to set aside a whole morning or afternoon to enjoy the atmosphere that has been created here.