Day trip from Napier to Havelock North

CLOTHING AND ARTISAN STORES

Let’s start with an oldie but a goodie. You need a great outfit for the special occasion tonight. A visit to Havelock North is a must. Where else to go but Havelock North with a wide selection of styles from the classic slick to elaborate frills to contemporary buzz of colour.

Papillon boutique – Havelock North, opened in 2003 is the home of slick, contemporary clothing representing a number of designer labels.

Diahann Boutique is colour, vibrancy and a touch of quirky originality in the choice of clothing marketed through their store. Relaxed informal clothing that would not look out of place at a wedding or a neighbourhood BBQ.

The Hanger Ltd – Havelock North is a framing and print store with bits and pieces on the side, scattered throughout the store. Worth popping into for gifts or something special for your home. All prints are framed here in Hawke’s Bay by Lisa at J W Picture Framing. A bit of everything from interesting one of a kind knits to framing.

Italian linen clothing is your style then you have a destination in Havelock North to target. OFI Only from italy: Italian linen clothes havelock north will appeal to women who are looking for natural fibre clothing.

And there are pop up stores, clothing outlets on the side streets that require a browse through the racks.

Havelock North is a surprising destination for culture & art, check out what is offering …

CULTURE & ART

Havelock North packs a punch way above its population of just over 3,000 people. There is a selection of goods and services that would not look out of place in Sydney or Auckland. The extensive wine tour circuit, the balmy climate and proximity to Napier all contribute to support the commercial galleries located in a small rural town.

Muse (2017) is focused on the idea of making art accessible. The collection is largely contemporary with emerging and established artists rotating through exhibitions and permanent displays. There are stacked art vertical sliding bays, displaying art to encourage visitors to linger and view the works on display. The art is multi-disciplinary from affordable woodblock prints, handcrafted ceramics, one of a king unique design objects as well as small pieces priced for people on a budget.  A great gallery destination for art lovers.

Unio Goldsmith and Gallery is a veteran of the Havelock North shopping precinct with a range of jewellery and gemstone inspired artworks on display. Beautiful New Zealand inspired jewellery with a hint of the Pacific in the design portfolio.

Of course the place has great eateries …

FOOD AND FEAST

DELI treats are a perfect way to feel as though it is a holiday. Decadent, sinful and thoroughly delicious. Just what is on offer in Havelock North to tempt the palate ranges from delis to acquire a picnic lunch or a store specialising in olive oil. And perhaps I forgot to mention a traditional sweet shop.

Birdwoods Gallery is a great food destination, a gallery, sculpture garden in a repurposed church hall. The star of the show is the traditionally styled sweet shop selling humbugs, licorice allsorts, lemon sherbet drops and everything else that harkens back to sweet nothings. If a morning or afternoon tea is a bucket list shopping treat then look no further than Birdwoods Gallery.

Te Mata Figs, figs in ice cream, chocolate, biscuits and savoury toppings plus figs to eat either as is or coated, soaked in a number of ways. Fabulous small gifts for someone special is solved at Te Mata Figs.

Telegraph Hill – the best olives in NZ has it’s home is the Hawkes Bay (Hastings). While not strictly Havelock North it is a must visit destination for foodie fans. Stock on the latest offerings, taste test your way around their extensive sampling tables, ponder over the deli offerings and plan a picnic to justify the large selection of goodies you’ve just stuffed into your carry bag.

Origin Earth is an artisan cheese factory calling to lovers of cheese and cheese based products. Naturally there is a delicious sampling selection to tempt the most jaded palate. Specialising in not homogenised, not pasteurized or stabilized it is a mecca for foodies wanting an organic back to natural process for food production.

Wine Country Craft is a rustic barn styled store with wine barrels as the material used to craft the gifts on display. A repurposed material makes for a great present for people who are only interested in recycled material. A glorious idea, lots of hard work and now a cool black barn is on the must visit circuit for serious shoppers

Deliciosa Restaurant has a seasonally rotating menu that is winning local favour making it a great stop for those who wish to sample a variety of yummy goodies on a sharing platter. The side-drink snacks are equally tempting. You have the opportunity to share or just be selfish. And there is an excellent takeaway service.

Black Barn Vineyards is a destination in itself with a great wine cellar and tasting room. The market shop is largely stocked with local artisan goods. A special feature is the open air cinema set among the vineyards and gardens. Quintessential Hawkes Bay, well known for its farmers market, festival events, restaurant and luxury accommodation.

Perhaps you need a while longer in the country town …

Stay

A touch of luxury, romance and seclusion.

If you are interested in exploring further the charm of Havelock North, Te Mata peak walks and the gardens you could not go wrong with spoiling yourself with an overnight stay at the Black Barn Retreats.

The journey is worth it.