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Visit Central Hawke's Bay
- Bex
- Sep 24
- 4 min read
A Visitor's guide for great things to see and do in Central Hawke's Bay
Tucked between the country hills and rugged coastlines, Central Hawke’s Bay is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. Just a short drive from Hastings or Napier, this laid-back region is full of charm and character, from historic settlements and scenic outdoor spots to a strong line-up of quality local businesses. Whether you’re road-tripping with the family, escaping for the weekend, or simply passing through, Central Hawke’s Bay is well worth the stop.
For Luxury Lakeside Accomodation- Backpaddock Lakes
Escape to the serene beauty of rural Hawke’s Bay at Backpaddock Lakes Villa. This newly restored five-bedroom retreat offers luxurious lakeside living, where each morning begins with sweeping views of the water. Relax in open-plan elegance, unwind in beautifully styled interiors, and embrace the peaceful surroundings. Just 10 minutes from Waipukurau, this tranquil getaway blends the comforts of home with the charm of nature.
Find Backpaddock Lakes:
312 Speedy Road, Ashley Clinton
For Breakfast- Espresso Cove
Housed in Waipukurau’s quaint Railway Station, Espresso Loco is a local favourite. Serving all your breakfast favourites with a cup of hot Havana coffee, it’s perfect for an easy morning stop before heading out to explore Central Hawke’s Bay.
Find Espresso Loco:
7 Bogle Brothers Esplanade, Waipukurau
For Quality Homewares- TenKu Collective
Add timeless style to your home and wardrobe with beautifully curated homewares and fashion from TenKu Collective Store. Stocking trusted New Zealand brands alongside unique international finds not readily available in Aotearoa, this chic boutique is also the perfect place to pause for a great coffee and a wee sweet treat.
Find TenKu Collective
96 Ruataniwha Street, Waipukurau
For Some History- CHB Museum
Step back in time at the Central Hawke’s Bay Museum in Waipawa. Housed in an historic 1880s bank building, this free-entry museum showcases settler life, Taonga Māori, and more. It’s a great activity for the whole family and a fascinating window into the region’s rich past.
Visit CHB Mueseum:
23 High Street, Waipawa
For Lunch- The Paper Mulberry Café
The Paper Mulberry Café is an iconic Central Hawke’s Bay landmark, set in a charming century-old blue church building on the way into town. It serves fresh, flavourful lunch dishes and excellent coffee, all enjoyed amidst funky décor and a curated collection of local artworks.
Find The Paper Mulberry:
89 State Highway 2, Pukehou
For Home & Body Fragrances - George & Edi
Step into the heavenly scented world of GEORGE & EDI in Waipukurau. Discover luxurious handcrafted candles, diffusers, room sprays, and body care, all made with natural ingredients and phthalate-free fragrances. Whether it’s a little indulgence or the perfect gift, these creations are elegant, timeless, and truly fragrances to fall in love with.
Find George & Edi:
125 Ruataniwha Street, Waipukurau
For a Wardrobe Refresh- Diahann Boutique
Diahann Boutique specialises in timeless and contemporary women’s fashion. With over 50 years of experience, they offer expert styling advice and a curated range of high-quality brands, from casual wear to statement pieces, perfect for a wardrobe refresh or a special occasion.
Find Diahann Boutique:
97 Ruataniwha Street, Waipukurau
For a Relaxing Weekend- Riverstones Retreat
A peaceful, self-contained riverside cottage on the banks of the Tukituki River, designed for rest and reconnection. Hosting up to four guests, it features two cosy ensuite bedrooms, a full kitchen, and a private patio to soak in the rural surroundings. Optional extras include fly fishing, seasonal produce, and intuitive energy healing.
Find Riverstones Retreat
198 River Road, Otāne
For a Wellness Experience- The Galactic Soul Studio
The Galactic Soul Studio is the personal working space of multidimensional artist and energy healer Michele Courage. This peaceful, light-filled studio offers wellness through soulful art workshops, intimate gatherings, and one-on-one galactic energy sessions. Each experience is supported by Michele’s powerful light-encoded artwork, created to activate healing and deep inner alignment.
Find The Galactic Soul Studio
At Riverstones Retreat, 198 River Road, Otāne
For a Sweet Treat- Rubylicious Cakes
Rubylicious Cakes is a sought-after sweet spot that draws customers from all over Hawke’s Bay. Famous for cupcakes, indulgent cookies, real fruit ice cream, and bespoke celebration cakes, everything is handcrafted by Ruby using only quality ingredients. Step into her Funfetti-pink store and discover a treasure trove of delicious treats to devour or savour.
Find Rubylicious Cakes
44 Ruataniwha Street, Waipukurau
For Interior Inspiration- Guthrie Bowron
If you’re looking for interior inspiration, visit locally owned and operated Guthrie Bowron Waipukurau. Kaylan and her team provide expert design advice alongside a beautiful range of paint, wallpaper, flooring, and window furnishings. It’s the perfect place to spark fresh ideas for your own space.
Find Guthrie Bowron
109–111 Ruataniwha Street, Waipukurau
For Gift Shopping- Index Waipawa
For thoughtful gifting and beautiful everyday finds, Index in Waipawa is a must-visit. This stylish boutique showcases a curated mix of unique women’s fashion, locally made crafts, and elegant accessories, making it the ideal place to discover a special keepsake or treat yourself to something lovely.
Find Index Waipawa:
8 High Street, Waipawa
For Award Winning Sausages- Waipawa Butchery
Waipawa Butchery is renowned for its award-winning meats. Their Patangata Station beef patty was named Category Champion as the best in New Zealand, alongside medal wins for their cheese kransky and lamb and mint sausages. Customers can shop in-store or online.
Find Waipawa Butchery
72 High Street, Waipawa
For an Unforgettable Dining Experience- Wallingford Homestead
Wallingford Homestead offers an unforgettable dining experience in a grand country setting. Guests savour seasonal slow-food feasts by chef Chris Stockdale, crafted with locally foraged ingredients. With luxurious accommodation, indulgent massages, and truffle experiences, it’s a refined destination for relaxation, exceptional food, and rural elegance.
Find Wallingford Homestead
2914 Porangahau Road, Wallingford
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