Black Barn Vineyards Retreat is located in the beautiful Tuki Tuki River Valley. It is up a private driveway on farmland above the river with spectacular views of the Te Mata Peak ridge-line.

While totally secluded, it is just 10 minutes drive from Havelock North, and situated 5 kms upstream (west) from Craggy Range Vineyards.

There is great trout fishing right at your doorstep - or we can arrange a guide to take you a little further afield. You can also enjoy river swimming, kayaking and extensive walking trails.

Cape Kidnappers, recognised as one of the world's great golf courses is 20 minutes down stream, with the beautiful Waimarama and Ocean beaches 10 and 25 minutes to the east respectively.

There are wineries and restaurants all within minutes of the gate. Havelock North is a lovely village that provides everything you need to enjoy your oasis on the hill.

Over the course of the summer months there are countless activities to contemplate, many corresponding to wine country lifestyle. Wine tasting, outdoor concerts, farmer's markets, cycling and horse back riding are a few favorites and must-do's on a visit.

For example, Black Barn Bistro is the perfect place to spend an hour or two absorbing the atmosphere of Wine Country. It is in the heart of the vineyard surrounded by vines and a table on the large generous veranda lets you look right out across the region. In warmer weather a courtyard covered by a canopy of grapes is also a perfect place to enjoy lunch and a glass of wine. The menu is light, fresh and delicious. There is an emphasis on freshly grown Hawkes Bay produce, the selection changes with the seasons. If lunch is simply too much, a cheese platter and a glass of red on the patio at Craggy Range on the way home is often hard to pass up.

Black Barn's Growers’ Market has become a ‘must-do’ for locals and visitors alike on Saturday Mornings through Summer.

Open from 9 till Noon every Saturday of summer the market opens with the new season’s asparagus, strawberries and artichokes and finishes as summer comes to an end with stonefruit peppers and beans. As well as all the seasonal produce, the market is crammed with fresh baked breads, locally roasted coffee, flowers, meat, pickles, olive oil, organic veggies, lavender products etc.

We would also suggest watching local calendars for one of many endurance races that are sure to test even the avid adventurer.

Finally, it is only fair to suggest that this is a great retreat from the everyday mix which means a day of rain is often a welcome compliment to a good book and a fire.

There is no season that is not inviting to visitors of Hawke's Bay!