Live like a local!
Stay for a few days or longer and enjoy all there is to do at Paratu Farm and in the surrounding area. This page has all our recommendations. We're most happy to help you plan your activities! Relax and enjoy... 

Richard, Jo and the friendly farm dogs

Free Activities on the farm

• Enjoy self-guided farm walks with a couple of walking trails to choose from, ranging from a 20min short walk to over an hour and a half walk.
• Indulge in a stunning sunset on our high point
• Experience the night sky and the Starlink satellites if they are in the area & the quietness
• Listen and watch for the wildlife & native birds that surround the cottage
• Create memories by taking photos of your surrounds and views
• Cuddle & feed the numerous friendly animals. Drongo the goat and his girlfriends, the pheasants, chooks, pet sheep, Hector & Henry the donkeys & of course the working dogs. In the spring there may also be lambs to feed.

Tukituki Trail

The Tukituki Trail is a 5min drive to the bottom of the road from the cottage. The trail runs between Waipukurau and Waipawa, with cycling and walking tracks along the river. Gum Tree Park is also at the end of the road for the mountain bikers.
www.tukitukitrail.com

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Activities in and around Waipukurau (12 km from Paratu Farm)

Waipukurau township (population 4,400) offers plenty of food options with two supermarkets, New World & Woolworths for all your supermarket needs.
There are also numerous takeaway facilities and The Copperpot Gastro Bar, Saffron Restaurant.
Cafes are also available for your morning tea or lunch fixes.

Spring Fling: www.thespringfling.nz 
The Spring Fling is a series of standout events throughout September, October and into early November, capturing the essence of spring time in Central Hawke's Bay!
Jo's favourite part  is being able to roam and pick bunches of all the amazing daffodils on 20acres of land. 

Movie Theatre ​
Waipukurau  has its own Movie Theatre, which does show the latest releases. Go to www.civictheatre.net.nz for the movie timetable. 

Forest of Memories Arboretum
Pukeora Hill is in Waipukurau where you will find the lovely Forest of Memory Arboretum, which has many plantings and walks.

Waipukurau

Central Hawke's Bay Spring Fling

Civic Theatre (movie theatre in Waipukurau)

Outdoor activities up to 1 hour's drive from Paratu Farm

Swim & Fish the Tukituki River (25 mins drive)
The Tukituki River can also be accessed not far from the iconic Patangata Tavern (25 mins drive). This is where you will find magical swimming spots and trout fishing opportunities.

Hiking & Tramping 
The Ruahine and Kaweka ranges have many hikes and tramps with great huts to camp in. Its approx an hour's drive to the carpark to access Sunrise Hut, Triplex Hut and the Waipawa Forks Hut. 

​Beaches
There are numerous beautiful beaches all within and hours drive from the cottage. Porongahau, Pourerere, Aramoana (Shoal), Blackhead etc. Waimarama Beach, which is possibly more popular, is a little bit further away.

Swimming in the Tukituki River

Kaweka Forest Park

Napier Beach

Interesting towns up to 1 hour's drive from Paratu Farm

Art Deco in Napier, cycling, walking, wineries (50 to 60 mins drive)
Hastings and Napier are a short 50/60min drive from the cottage. This is where you will also find many other cycling and walking trails. For more info, go to: www.hawkesbaynz.com.
There are numerous wineries, cellar doors and vineyard restaurants to take your pick from. My favourite is Elephant Hill at Te Awanga or Craggy Range winery, just out of Havelock North.
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Havelock North; great shopping, cafes and restaurants
Havelock North is a 40 mins drive from us where you will find great shopping, cafes and restaurants.

Napier - Art Deco town

Havelock North - Craggy Range Winery