Holly Trail

A 30C summer’s day was the best way to kick off the Hawke’s Bay Holly Trail.

The trail raises thousands of dollars for the Cranford Hospice every two years, and the 2018 event will be its 10th anniversary.

To mark the special occasion there would be a few new elements.

The trail’s traditional Spring Fete, which for a donation of $5 (for Cranford) is open to the general public, will be staged at the Village Green in Havelock North for the first time. There will also be an opening night “Toast to the Tenth Trail” gathering at the Birdwoods Gallery where the Prima Volta singers will be among the entertainment.

The trail involves 10 captivating and inspiring homes within a 20-25km radius of Havelock North and those who purchase tickets are invited to walk through admiring their garden havens.

The locations are often kept secret for the extra element of surprise.

The Holly Trail raised an exceptional $270,000 in 2016, much to the delight of Cranford Hospice representatives.

In the inaugural event in 2000 it raised just $40,000.