Precinct Discover the delights of New Zealand’s Havelock North
WE CROSS THE DITCH AND VISIT SOME OF THE NORTH ISLAND’S HIDDEN SHOPPING GEMS
SURROUNDED BY the breathtaking beauty of New Zealand’s Hawke’s Bay on the North Island’s east coast, the delightful village of Havelock North is in the midst of a mini renaissance. Buoyed by a supportive and fiercely loyal community, the last couple of years have produced a cluster of new boutiques and cafes that highlight the best the region’s growers and artisans have to offer.
STOP 1 | Annabelle’s
Stepping into this cocoon of white transports you straight to the beach house of your dreams – and that of owner Annabelle Plowman, too. “My style and how I want my home is pretty much everything in this shop,” says Annabelle. “All white and natural, organic pieces.” Having recently upgraded from a pop-up space to this larger, permanent storefront, Annabelle has curated an assortment of curios and one-off pieces from her buying trips to Asia. With plans to include Morocco, India and Africa in her future itineraries, Annabelle’s love of things coastal is obvious. “It’s all about finding that one little piece everyone can bring into their home,” she says.
Must-haves: Cluster shell-hanging ornament, $20* (NZD$19); teak paddle bowls, from $20* (NZD$19) each.
Visit: 5E Havelock Road,
+64 6875 8360.
Open: Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm; Sat-Sun, 10am-2pm.
Bookmark: annabelles.nz.
STOP 2 | Muse Art Gallery
Local artist Kaye McGarva had been searching for somewhere to exhibit her own pieces, and at the same time recognised the village had been without a visual arts gallery for years. “I had heard lots of messages about taking control of your situation and making things happen for yourself, so I guess that led me to think about opening a gallery,” says Kaye. This contemporary, light-filled showroom was the result, aiming to make art more accessible and engaging. Between May and October, the gallery’s front window area plays host to the Winter Exhibition Programme – an “art world speed-dating” showcase of a new artist every two weeks taking over the exhibit to do with whatever they please.
Must-have: For the indecisive art lover, try the gallery’s art-leasing services and test out one of the stockroom works for size.
Visit: 5 Havelock Road,
+64 6877 7413.
Open: Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm; Sat-Sun, 10am-2pm.
Bookmark: museart.nz.
STOP 3 | Cauliflower
Everything for sale in Nicola and Peter Coulter’s colourful spot is made in New Zealand with a large majority made within Hawke’s Bay – some just out the back in the couple’s sewing nook. “We both design and make,” says Peter. “Nicola creates all the textiles, and the furniture, spoons and small items are mine.” The store is a fabulous collection of useful and unfussy necessities to choose from. “Our style is fairly plain and functional, and that’s why we liked the name Cauliflower,” says Peter. “It’s a vegetable that really is as beautiful as any flower, with hidden depths.”
Must-haves: Calico tablecloths, from $41* (NZD$43); carved timber salt dishes, $8.60* (NZD$9) each.
Visit: 3/10 Napier Road. Open: Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm; Sat, 10am-4pm; Sun, 10am-2pm.
Bookmark: cauliflower.co.nz.
STOP 4 | Cadeaux
This cosy and inviting space is where you’ll find something for everyone. A mainstay in Havelock for more than 20 years, current owner Stephanie Mossman had worked in the store part-time before buying it four years ago. “I always loved this shop and used to spend a lot of money here, so it made sense!” says Stephanie. Kitchenware and collectables from the likes of Le Creuset and Orla Kiely sit with New Zealandmade handicrafts and beauty products, making it necessary to take a second look at every shelf to make sure you haven’t missed that perfect new addition or gift.
Must-haves: Real World ‘Soothe’ sea kelp and peppermint bath salts, $23.40*/300g (NZD$24.50); black raspberry and vanilla bath foam, $36.70*/500ml (NZD$38.50).
Visit: Shop 2, 7 Joll Road,
+64 6877 4797.
Open: Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm;
Sat, 9am-4pm; Sun, 10am-3pm.
Bookmark: cadeaux.co.nz.
STOP 5 | Wright & Co
A little slice of the city in the village, this local favourite is the ideal place to linger and be absorbed into its beautifully designed interiors. The enticing menus cover breakfast right through to dinner, and are all brimming with the freshest ingredients, grown just a stone’s throw away. “It’s really important to us to showcase what we have here in Hawke’s Bay as we’re so lucky and spoilt here with the local produce,” says Eshla Wright, director and co-owner of the cafe.
Must-haves: The ‘Primal Starter’ – chorizo with sautéed kumara, streaky bacon, poached eggs and Te Mata brown mushrooms, $22* (NZD$23), or the housesmoked salmon on a multigrain waffle with lemon crème fraîche and New York pickled cucumber, $21* (NZD$22).
Visit: 10 Joll Road, +64 6650 3664. Open: Cafe Mon-Sat, 7am 2.30pm; Sun, 8am-2.30pm. Restaurant Thurs-Sat 6pm-late.
Bookmark: wrightandco.nz.