Discover Havelock North’s neatest places to eat, drink, shop and more with our guides.

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Pretty as a picture and full of charm, Havelock North is a small village in Hawke’s Bay, yet it packs a big punch of vibrancy, things to do and stunning scenery. 

Situated at the base of Te Mata Peak, with rolling countryside to one side of the village centre and the ocean not too far away in the other direction. Thanks to its location, Havelock North makes the perfect base to explore some of the best vineyards and wineries in the country. From large well-known estates to smaller operations focusing on one or two varieties, there’s something to suit every palate and tasting preference.

In addition to being home to these many vineyards, Havelock North is also a foodie’s dream come true. Given its small size, there are an incredible number of cafés and restaurants within the small footprint of the village and just beyond its borders. Whether you are looking for that perfect cup of coffee to start your morning, a casual but delicious spot for lunch or somewhere for dinner that will blow your culinary socks off, Havelock North has you covered. 

This small village also delivers on the retail therapy front, with some of the best shopping throughout Hawke’s Bay. With everything from designer boutiques to specialist gift stores to second-hand and vintage stores that deliver the best finds. 

Havelock North has it all, proximity to gorgeous nature, a food and wine scene that is the envy of much bigger metropolitan areas and a climate that is pleasant to visit year-round. So arm yourself with our guide and enjoy your time in Havelock North. 

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12 Hours Havelock North

Wine being poured into a glass next to a woman pulling at a pizza.
12hr Hastings

Your guide to the best things to do in Havelock North, Hastings

The Figgery Cafe & Shop

Entrance to Te Mata Figs Cafe and Shop with waiter carrying coffees out to diners sitting at outdoor tables
Place Hastings
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With a Mediterranean climate at your fingertips, it would be a crime not to cultivate one of the world’s most treasured fruits.

Red Bridge Coffee

The three team members behind Red Bridge Coffee sitting outside coffee trailer with their two dogs
Place Hastings
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A special kind of magic takes over when you exit the main town and enter the Hawke’s Bay countryside, with tree-lined roads winding through rolling hills and vineyards.

Ya Bon Table

Two women talking together at a table with plates of pastries and baked goods
Place Hastings
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Apart from those living under a giant rock, every soul in Hawke’s Bay is familiar (and likely obsessed) with the irresistible baked goods from modern French bakery, Ya...

Off The Track

Contemporary and plant-filled interior of Off The Track restaurant with the light wooden dining tables and a chef cooking through the open kitchen window
Place Hastings
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Party of two or twenty, there’s a seat for everyone at Off The Track.

St Georges Restaurant

Waiter pouring glass of red wine next to a refined plate of food
Place Hastings
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Nestled in the green landscape between Hastings and Havelock North, St Georges Restaurant offers a family-owned culinary experience, grounded in a garden-to-table philosophy.

MUSE Boutique

Interior of boutique clothing store with rows of clothing next to big arched windows
Place Hastings
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A sanctuary for those who appreciate the finer things in life, MUSE Boutique has established itself as a leading name in the world of luxury fashion.

Mijita

Close up of two bright cocktails in a tall glass with mint and dried fruit garnishes
Place Hastings
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Latin American culture is synonymous with fun and flavour.

St Martha

The bright and beautiful counter at St Martha In Havelock North.
Place Hastings
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The Havelock North dining scene continues to trend positively, fuelled by its latest addition, St Martha.

Lot 2

The bright interior of Lot 2 cafe in Havelock North.
Place Hastings
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Havelock North’s Lot 2 is a laid back, unpretentious eatery that starts each day as a café, before transforming into an intimate evening destination.

Craggy Range Restaurant

A man and woman sitting at table with beautiful plates of food.
Place Hastings
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Family-owned Craggy Range is situated mere moments from Havelock North, nestled between the Tukituki River and the majestic hillside of Te Mata Peak.

Black Barn Bistro

Two black barns outside in a sunny day.
Place Hastings
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Right from the beginning, it was obvious that the warm, north-facing slopes, the stunning outlook and the close proximity to the village of Havelock North meant that Black...

Workroom

Customers sitting at high black tables inside the cafe.
Place Hastings Editor's Pick
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Hidden down a laneway off Joll Road in Havelock North, you will come across caffeine superstars Workroom.

A Place in the Sun: Best Al Fresco Dining in Hastings and Havelock North

A couple dining outside a black barn on a sunny day.
Story Hastings
Commonly referred to as the ‘fruit bowl of New Zealand’, Hawke’s Bay is something of a paradise for culinary enthusiasts and wine connoisseurs alike. The region’s temperate climate lends itself to many an outside meal, and with an abundance of charming outdoor spaces on offer, al fresco dining is a concept most locals are more than just a little familiar with.

Birdwoods Gallery & Café

The eclectic interior of Birdwoods Gallery in Hastings.
Place Hastings
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Birdwoods Gallery & Café is a special place in the heart of rural Havelock North.

Pipi Pizza Café

A flatly of pizza and wine on a pink table at Pipis Havelock North.
Place Hastings Editor's Pick
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Wandering around Havelock North, it’s hard to miss the bright-fuschia-pink facade of the pizza café and local favourite Pipi.

Smith & Sheth

The beautiful, dimly lit space of Smith and Sheth.
Place Hastings
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Smith & Sheth is the result of the passion and love of wine of renowned New Zealand Master of Wine Steve Smith and Texas investor Brian Sheth.

Mary's

A flat lay of delicious looking plates of food on a table.
Place Hastings
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Looking for a neighbourhood restaurant where the vibe is that perfect mix of casual, approachable, yet effortlessly sophisticated? Mary’s in Havelock North fits...

A Wine and Food Lover's Guide to Hastings and Havelock North

Plate of food on a terrazzo table inside Mary's Havelock North.
Story Hastings
Wine and Dine Your Way Around Hastings and Havelock North. Delicious food and a perfect glass of wine all start from the same beginning, using the highest quality ingredients. The wider Hawke’s Bay is home to some of the best produce in the country, making destinations like Hastings and Havelock North a wine and food lover’s dream. From fruit orchards to vineyards to some of the best industry minds working in the region, all work together in harmony to create a stellar hospitality scene.

Pixie Bowls

A flatly of a breakfast bowl on a white table.
Place Hastings Editor's Pick
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Entering Pixie Bowls in Havelock North feels like being transported to the streets of Bondi Beach or Canggu in Bali.

Muse Art Gallery

A bold table displaying art, sitting in front of white walls filled with art.
Place Hastings
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When Muse Art Gallery opened its doors for the first time in March 2017, there hadn’t been an art gallery in Havelock North for over six years.

Hawthorne Coffee Roastery & Espresso Bar

A barista working behind a small hole-in-the-wall window.
Place Hastings
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Morning coffee places don’t get any better than Hawthorne Coffee Roastery & Espresso Bar in Havelock North.

Giant Brewing

Customers dining inside the large open pace of Giant Brewing in Havelock North.
Place Hastings Editor's Pick
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Giant Brewing in Havelock North is the perfect place to gather with a group of mates, celebrate a family occasion, or simply enjoy some excellent local beers.

Piku

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Place Hastings Editor's Pick
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Down a cute laneway off Joll Road in Havelock North a treasure trove of eateries can be found, including Piku, the only izakaya-style Japanese restaurant and cocktail bar in...

Deliciosa

A staff member working behind a bright lit bar at Deliciosa.
Place Hastings
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A consistent favourite on the Havelock North dining scene since 2007, packing big punchy flavours into shared plates, there is a reason Deliciosa is still at the top of its...

nic&cole

The shop interior of nic&Cole Hastings.
Place Hastings
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Looking for the very best from New Zealand fashion designers in Havelock North? Then look no further: nic&cole, in the heart of the village, is the place to go and well...