South of Napier and Hastings you'll find the Central Hawke's Bay District, home to bucolic landscapes, historic homesteads, long stretches of coastline, weekend markets, museums and great mountain-biking.
1. Oruawharo
Visit Oruawharo in Tākapau for high tea and a tour of the sprawling 150-year-old homestead. Peter and Dianne Harris spent 20 years painstakingly restoring the historic home, saving it from demolition in 2000 after 30 years’ neglect. Today, the homestead and on-site chapel are popular for weddings and events. Book a visit to spend some time in this beautiful home and enjoy homemade savoury and sweet treats, accompanied by a range of specially blended Oruawharo herbal teas. Visitors are also welcome to explore the outbuildings and gardens.
2. Pōrangahau Beach
Pōrangahau, or Te Paerahi Beach is a wild and beautiful stretch of coastline. Visit for an invigorating beach walk rather than a sunbathing session.
You may see hardy locals going for a dip, but with wild winds making wilder waves, swimming is best left to the brave.
There’s something about fresh, salty air that always seems to work up an appetite, so make sure you stop in at Flotsam and Jetsam in Pōrangahau village for coffee and homemade treats, or across the road the Duke of Edinburgh pub for a pint and some post-beach fish and chips on your way home.
Pōrangahau’s other claim to fame is that it’s home to the hill with the longest place name in the world: Taumatawhakatangihangakōauauotamateaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupōkaiwhenuakitānatahu.
3. Rānui Farm Park
Rānui Farm Park, about 20 minutes south of Waipukurau, is a mountain bike enthusiast’s dream, with over 30km of trails ranging from beginner to advanced level. The park is located on a working farm, so the tracks are open on weekends only. On the first Sunday of each month, check out the ‘Sunday Fun Day,’ where you can not only ride the mountain bike trails, but have a go at archery, paintball, the 70 metre water slide or the giant flying fox.
4. Central Hawke's Bay Museum
In the historic Bank of New Zealand building on Waipawa’s main street, you’ll find the Central Hawke’s Bay Museum. Displays showcase the fascinating local history of the area, which, in 2017, is celebrating 150 years since it was first settled, making Waipukurau and Waipawa some of the oldest inland towns in New Zealand.
5. Ōtāne Markets
Sundays are market days in Ōtāne. From 9am – 1pm pop in to visit the bustling local market where you can stock up on fresh produce, plants, arts and crafts and delicious eats.
Make sure you leave room for a coffee from McCauley's cafe in the beautiful art deco building that used to house the public library.
