Activities
Discover an abundance of activities both within the serene confines of Mt Vernon Villa and amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Hawke's Bay. Tee off at world-class golf courses, sample exquisite wines at nearby wineries, or cast your line for trout in pristine rivers—there's something for every enthusiast. Embark on scenic cycling routes, traverse picturesque hiking trails, and experience the accessible gannet colony up close, immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the region.
Back at Mt Vernon Villa, indulge in leisurely games of croquet on lush lawns, perfect your serve on tennis courts, or take a refreshing dip in the pool. Afterward, wander to quaint cafes nearby for a taste of local flavours. Alternatively, indulge in the convenience of Mt Vernon Villa's modern kitchen for a delightful culinary experience within the comfort of your own retreat.
Experience the tranquility of yoga at Mt Vernon Villa with private or group lessons. Our serene surroundings offer the perfect backdrop for rejuvenating sessions, leaving you refreshed and balanced.
Whether you seek relaxation or adventure, our estate offers the perfect blend of tranquility and recreation for an unforgettable retreat.
Waipawa
The Civic Theatre
14 Northumberland Street
+64 (0) 6 858 9600,
Watch the latest movie will be the perfect entertainment. The Roaring 40’s Takeaway opens from 4.30pm for burgers and chips and Tickets Café & Wine Bar is open until 7pm with excellent food and wine.
Electra Gallery
Ruataniwha Street, Waipukurau
+64 (0) 6 858 8388
Firmly established on the Art Trail of NZ showcasing regional art and craft to support Hawkes Bay artists.
Margaret-Mary Farr Artist
+64 (0) 27 248 4193
Will invite you to her home for viewings or she can arrange an art tour of the region. By appointment only.
Settlers Museum Waipawa
+64 (0) 6 857 7288
This is a very well laid out museum that has wonderful displays of our history and one will find a visit surprisingly interesting and informative.
Waipukurau
Fly Fishing
The Tukituki river is renowned for excellent fly fishing and some of the best spots are within 2 km of Mt Vernon.
Wild Trout Adventures
+64 (0) 27 277 8449 | +64 (0) 27 657 1614
info@wildtroutadventures.co.nz
Gary Harlen and his wife, Janice offer half, full and multi day fishing guide packages.
Dave Hern
+64 (0) 27 242 8290
Fishing Guide Dave Hern 027 2428290 is an excellent guide and angler.
Polo
Wanstead Polo
+64 (0) 2 189 3 144
Grounds are 20 minutes away at Lake Station, Lake Station Road, Wanstead. During summer months there is usually polo every Saturday except when they are away for tournaments. Chukkas here are country polo at its best and visitors are most welcome.
Hawke’s Bay Polo Club
Bennett Road, Waipatu
+64 (0) 21 0851 2218
One of the oldest clubs in New Zealand established in 1894. Chukkas are played every week, weather permitting on Wednesday and Saturday.
Totara Valley Park
Blackburn Road, Onga Onga
+64 (0) 21 027 1367
Polo lessons are available from 25 minutes from Mt Vernon Villa in a picturesque setting. They cater for absolute beginners to experienced professionals and will come to Mt Vernon Villa to conduct lessons by arrangement.
Golf
Waipukurau Golf Club
+64 (0) 27 365 0108 | +64 (0) 6 857 7905
A picturesque 18 hole golf course, just 10 minutes’ drive from Mt Vernon and situated on gently undulating old river terraces with mature tree-lined fairways and immaculate greens.
Cape Kidnappers Golf Course
446 Clifton Road, Te Awanga
+64 (0) 6 873 1018
Features 18 holes of golf designed by world renowned golf architect Tom Doak. It is a par 71 golf course and has been rated in the top 50 in the world with its spectacular views of the Te Awanga.
Wine and Golf Tours
Bay tours
Wine and Golf Tours
+ 64 (0)6 845 2736 | 0800 868 742
With a focus on premium producers and behind-the-scenes winery tours, Bay Tours aim to showcase some of the best award-winning wineries that have put Napier and Hawke’s Bay on the world wine map. Experience an insider’s look at some of the region’s best wineries and savour gourmet food platters of the finest local artisan products. They offer many packages including an exhilarating scenic flight across Hawke’s Bay. Their fleet of cars range from chauffeured limousines to luxury minivans.
Cycling
Takaro trails
+64 (0) 6 835 9030
Award-winning Takaro Trails cycle tours has over 10 years’ experience providing individuals, groups, and families everything they need to see, explore and experience the best of the Hawke’s Bay by bike.
Coastal Wine Cycle
+64 06 875 0302
Young, dynamic and fun and love cycling, wines, the ocean, beach rivers, fields, orchards, long lunches, and of course sunny days with friends and family to enjoy them. They have awesome bikes and locations for cycling.
Hot Air Ballooning
Balloon Flight Specialist
info@balloonflightspecialist.com
Cruise over treetops with spectacular panoramic views from higher elevations. There is little feeling of movement as you gently drift with the wind. Balloon Flight Specialists can arrange a family flight, birthday surprise or marriage proposal. Everything is possible.
Wineries
Hastings, Havelock North & Te Awanga
Te Mata Vineyard
Black Barn Vineyard
Craggy Range Vineyard
Elephant Hill Vineyard
Clearview Estate Winery & Restaurant
Taradale Region
Mission Estate Winery
Church Road Winery
Moana Park Winery
Crab Farm Winery
Vidal Estate Winery
Esk Winery
Alpha Domus Winery
Gimblett Gravels & Bridge Pa
Trinity Hill Vineyard
Stonecroft (organic)
Kids’ Activities
Mountain Bike Park
Nichols Road, Waipukurau
Ranui Farm Park is a working sheep and beef farm with purpose-built mountain bike tracks through rolling hillsides and gentle bush tracks. Guests can enjoy scenic walks. There is a large playground for the kids including a sandpit, 70m waterslide, 80m flying fox, archery, paintball targets and a golf-pitch and chip. Bring a picnic and spend the day or try the wholesome food at the café. They complete the experience with a petting zoo and a café as well as a range of Mountain bike tracks that go up rolling hills, down through native bush and across farmland. Located 15 minutes drive from Mt Vernon Villa.
Gannet Beach Adventures
475 Clifton Road, Te Awanga
+64 (0) 6 875 0898 | +64 (0) 0800 426 638 | info@gannets.com
Come on a fun, eco-experience tour and discover the magic of Cape Kidnappers by tractor. You will see majestic cliffs, natural and geological wonders of the area and visit the largest mainland gannet colony in the world with 20,000 Gannets at the peak time. This is a four hour mild adventure, travelling along the rugged coastline from Clifton to Cape Kidnappers. The tour site is an hour drive from Mt Vernon Villa.
Back Paddock Lake
314 Speedy Road, Ashley Clinton
+1 (0) 027 418 2792 | hello@backpaddocklakes.co.nz
Created for kids to run wild and families to enjoy am authentic lakeside experience like no other. There are two wakeboarding cable systems, kayaking, paddle boarding, sailing and you can also wander the wetland lake exploring the native bush and wildlife. The main lake was carefully designed and has a top class slalom course. 15 minutes drive from Mt Vernon Villa.
Pukeora Paintball
Ashcott Road, Waipukurau
+64 (0) 0212 762 060
Offer adrenaline fuelled games for families or “Shoot’em’up” with your mates, on one of the best fields in Hawkes Bay, just 8 minutes away. The finale is a Prize giving BBQ! Photos will be taken and emailed later. Bookings essential.
Annual Events
Art Deco Festival in February with vintage car parades, live concerts, dining experiences, outdoor concerts
Outfield Festival celebrates music, food, art and community (located by the beachside Te Awanga)
Nest Fest summer music festival at Havelock North’s Black Barn
Kidnappers Country Music Festival
Mission Concert at Mission Wine Estate
Hawke’s Bay Arts Festival held at Pukeora Estate
Hawke’s Bay Food & Wine Festival
Horse of the year show (March)
Dewar Cup Polo (February or March)
Nearby Towns
Ongaonga
Just off State Highway 50 between Dannevirke and Hastings is the Ongaonga Museum which is a step back in time. The museum is only open on a Sunday afternoon and run by a bunch of avid local volunteers. There is a selection of historical buildings, including an old tramping hut, butcher shop and a colonial cottage. You can have a great chat with the chap who volunteers there doing restoration work and knows everything about the various buildings. You can ride on a penny farthing and then wander up to the few historical shops that make up Ongaonga.
Napier
The fishing port of Napier has many enjoyable bars and cafes along the wharf. This is a nice lively area with many character port buildings renovated for modern use.
Hastings
Hawke’s Bay Farmer’s Market is open every Sunday from 08:30-12:30pm. The best market in the region for beautiful organic fruits and vegetables, breads, pickles, preserves, meat and more. Hawke’s Bay Showground, Kenilworth Road, Hastings
Otane
This is a quaint little village just of State Highway Two north of Waipawa. There is flea market in the weekends where you can fossick for treasures or by some produce.
For further information on things to do visit the efficient Hawke’s Bay tourism website