Bring your appetite to Hastings and relish the local food and wine opportunities. This major agricultural centre promises to excite your taste buds.
The Hastings District takes in a large and diverse area, and is the engine room of the regional economy. The city centre has evolving enclave of open spaces to chill out alongside a growing number of restaurants, cafes and bars.
Hastings has an impressive display of public artworks placed throughout its central business area. Of special significance is Ngā Pou o Heretaunga – a collection of Maori carvings (pou) that sit permanently in Clive Square. Each of the 18 pou in the collection represents an important Maori ancestor from the Heretaunga district.
Orchards and vineyards surround the urban area andyou'll find roadside stalls overflowing with pipfruit and fresh produce during the summer months. Every Sunday morning, the famous Hawke's Bay Farmers' Market turns on a delicious Kiwi shopping experience - indulge in handmade cheeses, fresh produce and artisanal meat products.
The wider Hastings region is overflowing with world-class wineries, with the Gimblett Gravels and Bridge Pa wine districts among the best known. Wines can be sampled and purchased at more than 30 cellar doors across Hawke's Bay, with the majority falling within the Hastings District boundaries.
Come summer, you'll want to find a spot to cool off. Join the locals at the fabulous Splash Planet water theme park, or make the 20-30 minute drive to one of the local beaches including the kid-friendly Ocean and Waimarama beaches.
The Hastings iWay Loop is an urban cycle route that links to the Hawke's Bay Trails for further exploration of the outlying district, including Havelock North and Te Awanga.