Birdwoods

Elephants, hippos and pelicans, oh my! Birdwoods Gallery is like a mini African safari in Havelock North. Founded by Bruce and Louise Stobart after they left Mugabe-era Zimbabwe in 2004, the store/café and sculpture gallery houses work of artisans from the war-torn country they left behind. The café (which has a simple but delicious menu) and shop are inside the wooden St Peter's Church Hall, built in 1894. It's common to hear the old-fashioned sweet shop before you see it; the squeals of children filling up pick 'n' mix bags and the steady “ding” of the old-fashioned cash register are audible from the car park. 298 Middle Road, Havelock North. (06) 877 1395, birdwoods.co.nz