Founded in 1872 by Danish, Norwegian and Swedish settlers, Dannevirke is a rural town named after a famous Viking age fortification. Its Scandinavian roots are celebrated at its history museum and central square, while the surrounding region offers access to one of New Zealand’s most famous golf courses.
Things to do in Dannevirke
Discover the town’s Scandinavian heritage at the Dannevirke Gallery of History, which occupies the Old Court House in the centre of Dannevirke. Browse the old photographs, vintage agricultural machinery and artefacts or delve into your own family history with the help of a historian staff member.
One of the most prominent landmarks in Dannevirke is the Scandinavian-inspired windmill in Copenhagen Square. It’s a short walk from a Viking-themed playground and the Dannevirke Fantasy Cave, which is a wonderland filled with fairies.
Escape to the rugged surrounds of Ruahine Forest Park, which encompasses the steeply-rising Ruahine Range. Follow one of the hiking trails through a dense native forest and sub-alpine shrublands to the summit ridge for exceptional views of the Hawke’s Bay plains and Tongariro National Park.
Make a day trip to the spectacular headland of Cape Kidnappers, which protrudes into the Pacific Ocean to the south-east of Hawke’s Bay. In addition to being a breeding site for over 3,000 pairs of Australasian gannets, it’s home to the Cape Kidnappers Golf Course that’s been hailed as one of the great modern marvels in golf course design.
Getting around Dannevirke
Dannevirke is around 3.5 hours’ drive from Wellington International Airport or 1.5 hours from Hawke's Bay Airport in Napier. The town is small enough to explore on foot, but having your own vehicle is best for exploring the surrounding sights.