Central Hawke's Bay Homestead Trail

Four of Central Hawke’s Bay’s beautiful historic homesteads are opening their doors for the first time together, for our highly anticipated Spring Fling Homestead Trail weekend.

This is a unique opportunity to experience the grandeur, gardens and history of four of our exceptional historic homesteads - Gwavas, Chapelwick, Oruawharo and Wallingford.

The Homestead Trail runs over Saturday and Sunday, visiting two Homesteads each day, where you will enjoy wonderful hospitality and a special event at each Homestead.

Meet the wonderful hosts, with gorgeous food, wine, live music as well as history and tours, and a chance to explore gorgeous gardens and expansive grounds. The Trail weekend includes transport, so let us take care of getting you there and back with local history buffs on each bus to share some local insights and Homestead history.

An unforgettable weekend experience to enjoy a unique piece of Central Hawke’s Bay’s history, with four unique events at four exceptional historic Homesteads.

Tickets are $230 per person. Your Trail ticket includes bus transport and entry to the four Homesteads across Saturday and Sunday, with four special events at each Homestead, including morning tea and lunch each day and some drinks.
*Booking fees apply.

The Homestead Trail departs from the Waipukurau Railway Station on Bogle Brothers Esplanade in Waipukurau each day, and returns there at the end of the day.

Details of each Homestead event are below:

Gwavas Homestead and Garden
Gwavas Homestead and Garden is a place of impressive history and grandeur and one of Central Hawke’s Bay’s iconic Historic Homesteads. Gwavas sits within a 9 hectare ‘Cornish Woodland Garden’ which comes alive in the Spring, filled with wonderful blossom, rhododendron, camellia and magnolia.

While at Gwavas Homestead on the Homestead Trail you will be hosted by Phyllida Gibson, who is the fifth generation to care for Gwavas Homestead along with her husband Stuart. They will take guided tours of the Homestead and Garden, and you can enjoy a delightful morning tea at Gwavas, and a chance to explore the beautiful garden and grounds.

Oruawharo Homestead
Oruawharo Homestead is an impressive piece of New Zealand’s history, which Peter and Dianne Harris have restored back to its glory. Peter will share his wonderful knowledge of Oruawharo with visitors, a place of grand parties and aristocracy, the Homestead is a significant piece of the local history, even playing a role in an Army Mutiny. The Homestead is home to some incredibly significant furniture, art and antiques. You will be treated to a tour and shared history of Oruawharo with a delightful lesiurely lunch, accompanied by live music.

Chapelwick Homestead
Chapelwick Homestead is located near Porangahau on the Coast, with beautiful gardens, orchard and grounds. You will be enchanted by an Old English Garden Party as part of the Homestead Trail with croquet, tennis and petanque, tours of the house and gardens and a delightful High Tea.

Wallingford Homestead
Wallingford Homestead is the newest fine food destination in Central Hawke’s Bay, bringing together the beauty and produce of Wallingford’s garden and farm, together with history and grandeur of the Homestead. Enjoy a glass of bubbles or beer on arrival with a canape or two, followed by a sit down Provencal feast some of which will be prepared 'a la minute' in front of you by Chef Chris Stockdale.