It is surrounded by numerous orchards and vineyards, and its industry is based around its fruit and wine production, and a horticultural research centre.

Havelock North itself is primarily residential and rural-residential housing, with only a relatively small and compact industrial and commercial centre.

As a result, a large majority of its 15,000 residents commute each morning to the nearby cities (Hastings or Napier) for work.

This is due to the town being situated at the base of the prominent landmark Te Mata Peak, a 399-metre outcrop, which according to local Māori legend is the body of the giant Te Mata o Rongokako,[4] and the depression in the land visible behind his head according to the myth is where he tried to bite through the mountain range which filled his stomach turning him to stone.

The Te Mata aquifer that feeds Havelock North is very similar to Hastings in quality, but has slightly elevated calcium levels.

[6][7] Havelock North was founded as a planned Government settlement following the purchase in 1858, from Māori owners, of land previously known as 'Karanema's Reserve'.

Its founders originally envisaged a larger town for the site, but when the Wellington–Napier rail line went through the area in 1874 it took a direct route some distance from Havelock North, and Hastings became a more logical choice for residents.

Early survey plans of Havelock North show ferry landings where boats would sail up and down the river to collect and deliver supplies.