A hidden gem, largely unknown to outsiders, Central Hawke’s Bay (CHB) has many features that make it an ideal lifestyle property destination.
This year one of the district’s property specialists has brought that appeal into full bloom.
Megan Dallimore is the PGG Wrightson Real Estate Waipukurau branch manager. A long-term local, she says the district’s overriding attractions are its easy going pace of life, and genuinely caring community.
“We have plenty of space to breathe, explore, and enjoy the outdoors. Whether it’s rivers, beaches, or mountain ranges, adventure is never far away. This remains one of the more affordable regions, providing great value for buyers across all budgets,” she says.
CHB’s two main towns, Waipukurau and Waipawa, are seven kilometres apart. Waipukurau is 108 kilometres north of Palmerston North and 50 kilometres south of Hastings.
“Thanks to fertile soils, temperate climate, and abundant sunshine, CHB has a strong foundation in farming, horticulture, and cropping. It is also a thriving hub for the equestrian community, including extensive horse trekking trails.
“We go well beyond horses, though. Kairakau and Pourerere Beaches offer stunning, unspoiled coastlines perfect for fishing, surfing, and relaxed holiday vibes. Trampers, hunters, and naturelovers will find a hidden paradise in the Ruahine Ranges, with breathtaking views and native birdlife. Ongaonga Historic Village showcases beautifully preserved 19th-century charm with a collection of historic buildings, including the original schoolhouse, jail, butcher and settler’s hut. And for fishing enthusiasts, CHB’s rivers hold incredible freshwater fishing spots, some ofwhich are known only to locals,” she says.
Megan’s personal part in the community has brought joy to many this summer. Mid last year, looking out over her five-hectare block on the Waipawa town belt, she saw more than just bare soil.
“It wasn’t the best for grass, so I thought ‘Why not plant something that makes people happy?’”
With help from PGG Wrightson’s agronomy team, and several others in the wider community, she planted a paddock of sunflowers, in a spot many locals pass while taking their daily exercise.
“It was amazing how quickly people started stopping me to say how much they loved seeing the sunflowers on their walks. This was about more than just growing flowers, it was bringing joy tothe community.”
Along with her colleagues Janeane Strawbridge and Marlene Honings, Megan decided to share the sunflowers more widely, delivering blooms to local rest homes, giving every resident aflower for their room, as well as walking the streets of Waipawa and Waipukurau, handing them out to strangers, spreading happiness one sunflower at a time.
Many asked if the sunflowers were for sale: they are not.
“This was never about money. It was always about bringing people together and making them smile.”
That said, she is taking donations, with every dollar raised going to Starship Children’s Hospital, and Megan is planning to take the sunflower project to another level next summer.
While wider Hawke’s Bay is renowned for the conditions that enable the sunflowers to flourish, and that also support the vines producing the region’s world-famous wines, Megan says CHB has a broader range of delights to tempt discerning palates.
“As well as boutique wineries, our district is home to cheesemakers, and other craft producers that fly under the radar.”
Newcomers drawn to the district’s charms are generally from wider Hawke’s Bay.
“By moving here, parents seeking to slow the pace and expose their children to a more rural lifestyle will find what they are looking for. There is so much to do, with the local river fishing, hiking, biking, the beaches, farmers’ markets, and community concerts. One particular favourite is the Waipawa Spring Festival, more often known as ‘Duck Day,’ when hundreds of toy ducks are sent down the Waipawa River. At the end of the market, it’s incredible to see so many people flock to the river to watch the racing ducks.”
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