Hastings

Travel Guide
Hastings
Let the heart of Hawke’s Bay entertain you with art and 1930s architecture, locally grown red wine and stone fruit, and a wildlife experience at the world’s largest gannet colony.

Hastings is central to all the varied cultural and outdoor delights of Hawke’s Bay. The sea and Te Mata Peak surround the city, and a picturesque backdrop for historic Art Deco and Spanish Mission buildings. With its own opera house, several art galleries and studios, and a warm sunny climate, Hastings is the perfect place for a diverse experience of New Zealand life. 

The climate and rich soils surrounding the city are perfect for growing grapes, stone fruit and vegetables, so gourmet dining is guaranteed. The Hawke’s Bay region is known for its red wines. You can visit vineyards, chocolate producers, strawberry and asparagus farms as you cycle the Hawke’s Bay food trail.

For those who prefer a hike, Te Mata Peak provides a stunning view over Hastings and the ocean. Ascend through ancient Redwood trees, gaze over valley wetlands, and enjoy the view from the  peak, where from a clear day you can see right to the snow capped peaks of Mount Ruapehu. Join a Maori tour guide to enhance your visit to Te Mate Peak by learning the legend of the giant who tried to eat his way through these mountains.

There is a similar Maori creation myth for the area at Cape Kidnappers, which is said to be a jaw bone used to hook up New Zealand’s north island. It’s also home to the world’s largest mainland  colony of gannets. You can take a tractor and trailer tour along the beach, with an incredible view of the cliffs, to the place where the spectacular sea birds nest and hunt. 

The rare rainy day is an opportunity to tour the Hastings City Art Gallery, and museums in nearby Napier just over 10 miles (20 kilometres) away. Explore Napier’s Art Deco buildings to find antique bargains, and walk along the 1930s style boulevard by the sea.

Where to stay in Hastings

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Flaxmere

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Flaxmere and surrounding area, you can visit Hawke's Bay Racecourse and Splash Planet.

Flaxmere
Hastings featuring flowers

Frimley

If you're spending some time in Frimley, Frimley Park and Hawke's Bay Regional Sports Park are top sights worth seeing.

Frimley
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Akina

While Akina isn't home to many top sights, Hawke's Bay Racecourse and Hawke's Bay Opera House are some notable places to visit nearby.

Akina
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Mayfair

Though Mayfair may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Splash Planet and Hawke's Bay Racecourse.

Mayfair
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Parkvale

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Parkvale and surrounding area, you can visit Splash Planet and Hawke's Bay Opera House.

Parkvale
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Longlands

Though Longlands may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Hawke's Bay Racecourse and Te Mata Peak.

Longlands
Apple Motor Inn
Apple Motor Inn
3 out of 5
409 Railway Road, Hastings
The price is RM267 per night from 4 Apr to 5 Apr
RM267
per night
4 Apr - 5 Apr
Stay at this 3-star motel in Hastings. Enjoy free parking, WiFi, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Hastings City Art Gallery and Hawke's Bay Exhibition ...
6.6/10 (232 reviews)
"It was easy to check in and check out. Plenty of parking. Staff were smiling and accommodating. What was annoying was that the building wasn't soundproof. The toilet flushing was so loud that one can hear conversations in the room next door. No airconditioner in the room."

Reviewed on 25 Feb 2024

Apple Motor Inn
Hastings Top 10 Holiday Park
Hastings Top 10 Holiday Park
3 out of 5
610 Windsor Avenue, Hastings
The price is RM296 per night from 4 Apr to 5 Apr
RM296
per night
4 Apr - 5 Apr
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly holiday park in Hastings. Enjoy free parking, 2 spa tubs, and WiFi. Popular attractions Splash Planet and Hawke's Bay Opera ...
7.8/10 Good! (145 reviews)
"It was great ,back to basics but has everything you need . Only thing that it lacks is any cooking pots and pans . Other than that it was amazing . Clean , kids had a blast . Was great to escape the work world for 2 nights"

Reviewed on 14 Mar 2024

Hastings Top 10 Holiday Park
Quest Hastings
Quest Hastings
4 out of 5
304 Eastbourne St E, Hastings, Hawke's Bay
Fully refundable
The price is RM518 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
RM518
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Hastings. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Hawke's Bay Opera House and Hawke's Bay ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (40 reviews)
"Reception was closed when we arrived but clear instructions on how to get our key. On departure Reception person was excellent and helped us understand a misunderstanding with the parking fee even allowing us to park for free."

Reviewed on 23 Mar 2024

Quest Hastings
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Nautilus Napier
The Nautilus Napier
4 out of 5
387 Marine Parade, Napier
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Napier. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the spacious rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,756 reviews)
"The property is close to town for easy walking. Dining options are close by. And the view from the balcony is fabulous!"

Reviewed on 5 Mar 2024

The Nautilus Napier
Quest Hastings
Quest Hastings
4 out of 5
304 Eastbourne St E, Hastings, Hawke's Bay
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Hastings. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Hawke's Bay Opera House and Hawke's Bay ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (40 reviews)
"Reception was closed when we arrived but clear instructions on how to get our key. On departure Reception person was excellent and helped us understand a misunderstanding with the parking fee even allowing us to park for free."

Reviewed on 23 Mar 2024

Quest Hastings
Quest Napier Serviced Apartment
Quest Napier Serviced Apartment
4.5 out of 5
176 Dickens Street, Napier
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Napier. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Municipal Theatre and Daily Telegraph ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (847 reviews)
"Close to town. Could walk to everything. Room was excellent clean and comfortable"

Reviewed on 15 Mar 2024

Quest Napier Serviced Apartment
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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