Havelock North and Hawke's Bay has had a long and distinguished tradition in producing some of New Zealands finest foods. One of the largest food processing plants in the Southern Hemisphere, Heinz Watties is based in Hastings, a 5 minute drive from Havelock North. Sir James Wattie's famous homestead, Mangapapa is now an up market luxury hotel situated minutes from Havelock North. In the past century, this area has become home to many of the country's largest fruit, vegetable and meat companies as well. To complement the large scale industry, many small producers have carved a unique niche with their specialised food businesses including Village Olive Oil Press, Arataki Honey, Te Mata Cheese factory and The Strawberry Patch to name but a few in and around Havelock North. These wonderful artisans take a hands-on approach and offer the food lover many delights to discover. With the abundance of foods now available along with the disperse wine producers, the area is a gourmets paradise. A visit to Havelock North, "the Jewel in the Bay", will satisfy even the most discerning palate and appetites.
