Hastings is located approximately 20 kilometres south and inland from the seaside city of Napier, on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island. It is the largest urban area in the Hawke’s Bay Region with a population of 65,000 residents, and like Napier, is known for its early 20th century architecture, a result of the re-building which took place after the 1931 earthquake and fire that devastated the area. Hastings is subsequently proud of its favoured Spanish Mission architecture which is highlighted by several fine buildings that are promoted as one of the town’s tourist attractions. Today Hastings is a busy town and a central hub for commerce, industry and trade in the Hawke’s Bay Region. It lies at the heart of the fertile alluvial Heretaunga Plains, an area considered to be one of New Zealand’s highest producing agricultural areas, which is reflected in the fact that Hastings is commonly referred to as the ‘Fruit Bowl of New Zealand’.
Hastings, which is built on a rather flat area of land, boasts one of New Zealand’s longest shopping strips which supports a broad variety of over 200 shops. The town has been designed on a grid style road system and contains a leafy central square with its delightful clocktower and water feature, and is complemented by many gracious parks and gardens, public art works and sculptures making it a pleasure to explore. Home to a number of Spanish Mission, Stripped Classical and Art Deco buildings, the Hastings Heritage Trail is a good way to enjoy these remaining examples of yesteryear. These are highlighted by the Hawke’s Bay Opera House, the old Post Office, the Methodist Church, Dominion Restaurant and the Municipal Buildings. The Hastings Visitor Information Centre, itself housed in the former department store of Westerman’s, can offer visitors a guided tour or supply a brochure of the heritage walk.
Hastings is located only 18 kilometres from the popular coastal city of Napier, which offers visitors several interesting attractions and activities. It is also located at the centre of the Hawke’s Bay Wine Country which ensures visitors to Hastings easy access to several well known wineries and their appealing cellar doors. In addition to its ideal location for touring the Hawk’s Bay Region, Hastings offers the added attractions of the Hastings City Art Gallery, the water theme park of Splash Planet and the colourful Hastings Farmers Market which takes place every Sunday. Located close to town is the historic village of Havelock North which nestles at the foot of the spectacular Te Mata Peak and is home to many unique buildings dating from the 1800’s, as well as parks and gardens. The peak offers well graded walking trails and good views over Hastings and Napier. Havelock North is one of New Zealand’s most important wine regions and is surrounded by orchards and vineyards making it an ideal touring location. It is also home to the small, scaled Keirunga Park Railway, where miniature steam trains will take visitors on a short and memorable ride.
The area around Hastings is a thrill seekers paradise and for the adrenaline junkies there is jet boating, hot air ballooning, paragliding and caving available, and for the less energetic, golfing, sailing, trout fishing, tramping, surfing, or maybe a visit to the Cape Kidnappers Gannet Colony, the world’s largest mainland gannet colony.
During the year several notable events occur in the area starting in January with the Harvest Hawke’s Bay Wine and Food Festival, in September visitors are invited to the Hastings Blossom Festival, and in October the Kelt Capital Spring Carnival, New Zealand’s richest open-age horse race.
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