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

Family-owned Craggy Range is home to not just a globally celebrated winery but also a quality restaurant, situated just outside Havelock North. Food and wine pairings are common, and there is arguably no place more picturesque than being seated amongst Craggy Range’s impressive onsite garden, with the majestic backdrop of Te Mata Peak. The garden is almost 800m² — of herbs, fruits and vegetables, all growing in preparation for harvest. The menu typically features a selection of dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients, complementing the vineyard's commitment to showcasing the best of Hawke's Bay. And even on a wet day, the restaurant is designed to maximise the view, so you can be sure that any visit to Craggy Range will be a scenic one.

The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree at Three Wise Birds Garden Bar, where the cidery is located only a stone’s throw (or should we say, core’s throw) from the orchard itself. Nestled amongst the orchard is the Garden Bar, meaning visitors can enjoy the rows and rows of apple trees as a backdrop for their drinks. Expect contemporary bar food and platters, a wide range of cider options and, throughout summer, live music in the sun.

Black Barn Bistro lies at the very heart of any Black Barn experience, featuring a simple but refined menu that celebrates Hawke's Bay produce, served in a warm, comfortable and relaxing environment. On sunny days, it’s possible to dine al fresco on the spacious deck surrounded by lush greenery, offering an outlook across the rolling hills and vineyards below. It’s the kind of place you’ll never want to leave, and with an assortment of boutique accommodation on site, perhaps you’ll never have to!

Heretaunga Street is home to one of the region’s best little wine bars, with friendly hospitality and banter, live music, comedy nights and an eclectic atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. Enjoy a curated wine list, locally crafted beers and a colourful array of cocktails, with pizza and snacks available if you want something to nibble on. Venture outside to the quaint garden bar, a calm oasis escape from the antics inside (a chance to replenish the energy stores), before heading back in for an old-school game of competitive pinball. Check online for upcoming events, as on some nights, the garden bar is where the party’s at.

A small but mighty Hastings brewery, Brave Brewing Co. is family-owned and operated and known for producing some of the country’s best craft beers, including the famed Tigermilk IPA. Centrally located in the Tribune precinct, Brave Brewing is vibrant and relaxed, offering plenty of seating between the covered courtyard and the indoor taproom — you can even steal a sneak peek at the brewing facility behind the large glass windows. Brave Brewing offers a range of hearty food, from hot dogs to chicken wings and burgers, there’s likely something that will hit the spot. The courtyard is the perfect destination for after-work drinks or catching up over dinner and good beer with friends.

Abbey Cellars’ spacious and sheltered outdoor area has resulted in it being something of a go-to come sunny weekend afternoons in the summertime. Whether it’s accompanied by a wine tasting or a beer flight (both beverages fermented/brewed onsite), pizza or a platter, you can almost be certain that there will be live music and the good vibes will be flowing. Bring your own picnic blanket set-up, or claim one of the many tables dotted about to while the afternoon away. Kids are also welcome, and the lawn game scene is sure to keep them well entertained.

Deliciosa has embedded itself as a reliable staple in Havelock North’s dining scene, consistently offering impeccable service and a fantastic food and wine experience. With a range of small and large plates designed to share and a covered courtyard out front, it’s easy to feel like you’ve been transported to Spain, Italy, or somewhere else in the Mediterranean. Every choice is a good choice when it comes to ordering dishes, and complementing the food is an extensive range of wine, cocktails and craft beers. 

Hardly a well-kept secret, Cupple has become a reliable go-to for flaky pastries and a good cup of joe. Run by Hawke’s Bay coffee roasters Firsthand Coffee and with pastries supplied by neighbouring French bakers Ya Bon, this popular cafe exudes cool vibes, from the minimalist interior and decor to the visually pleasing (and tasting) cabinet lineup. It’s no surprise that on any given morning, you’ll find regulars getting their first takeaway coffee of the day, business meetings taking place, families enjoying a moment together before school and work, and visitors who have heard that this is the place to come for their caffeine and carb fix. What’s more of a better kept secret is the courtyard out back, the perfect place to catch some morning sun whilst enjoying that delicious cuppa.

Trinity Hill is a winery situated in the heart of the famed Gimblett Gravels Wine Growing District. Whilst the cellar door is impressive in its own right (featuring five-metre-high ceilings), the real pleasure lies in enjoying a wine tasting in the courtyard out front. With views of the rather expansive lawn, plenty of outdoor games and umbrellas to ensure protection against the fierce Hawke’s Bay sun, there are plenty of reasons to request an outdoor table. And for those feeling peckish, Trinity Hill offers a selection of local tasting platters with fresh produce from the Hawke’s Bay region.

Sister café to Cupple and also operated by Firsthand Coffee roasters, Workroom Café is hidden down a laneway on Joll Road in Havelock North and specialises in all things caffeine. Being run by coffee masters means that you cannot go wrong with your coffee choice, and to go with your brew there is a cabinet of pastries from Ya Bon to choose from. Whether you want to sit at an outside table and catch up with friends (or do some work, as the name suggests), or park up in front of the glass window inside to peek through at the roasters behind the scenes. Workroom is also likely to feed that caffeine habit — from coffee-related events and paraphernalia for sale, coffee lovers will be hard-pressed to leave empty-handed.

Transport yourself to another world with a visit to Birdwoods Gallery & Café, a unique place in the heart of rural Havelock North. Its offering and expansive grounds provide an experience that is a bit more special than your everyday lunch outing: wander through beautiful sculptures in the lush gardens, then explore the old-fashioned sweet shop (that is more than just a feast for the eyes!) and gallery. When hunger strikes, peruse the array of decadent cakes in the cabinet in the homely café, or grab a menu and take a seat at one of the many outdoor tables.

Whether you are looking for a gift or to indulge in a ‘treat yourself’ moment, you are spoiled for choice at Kindred Road, a homewares boutique with an emphasis on sustainability, supporting local and unique offerings. Goods include handcrafted ceramics and glassware, soft furnishings, beauty products and an entire baby section. The in-house cafe provides a well-deserved time-out from browsing, and the courtyard is the perfect people-watching spot with all the comings and goings around the trendy Tribune precinct. Housemade lemonades, award-winning barista coffee (using locally roasted beans) and a cabinet of treats will have you back on your feet and shopping in no time!