Top things to do in Hawera

KD's Elvis Presley Museum

Elvis lives! At least he does at Kevin D Wasley's astonishing museum, which houses more than 10,000 of the King’s records and a mind-blowing collection of Elvis memorabilia collected over many decades. 'Passion...

You can access Waihi Beach by turning into Denby Rd and descending the steep gravel track from the carpark. At low tide you can walk to Ohawe Beach (or do it in the reverse direction). All black sand, rock pools...

In a town short on decent places to eat, you can almost hear Someday sigh at its surroundings. Around 20 can fit on the mid-century chairs and at the industrial communal table, where locals chat over cake (killer...

The quirky Tawhiti Museum houses a collection of exhibits, dioramas and creepily lifelike human figures modelled on people from the region. A large collection of tractors pays homage to the area's rural heritage;...

Although staff can't tell you exactly who dubbed this NZ's best ice cream (albeit in 2013), it's a good sugar hit if you're driving through. The Zabel Gelato brand is made in Hawera using local milk, fruit and a...

In little drive-through Pātea, 27km south of Hāwera, this creative museum does its impressive new timber facade and Māori maihi (entrance bargeboards) justice with engaging, community-focussed displays on South...

The austere, 55m-tall Hāwera Water Tower is one of few noteworthy attractions in quiet Hāwera. Grab the key from the neighbouring i-SITE, ascend the 215 steps, then scan the horizon for signs of life (you can see...

For a fine lunch or dinner, try this spicy-smelling, black-and-white diner, serving decent curries in upbeat surrounds. Love the lurid murals and the 'India 12,550km' street sign.