Hastings Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Te Mata Peak showing tranquil scenes and landscape views
Hastings
Hastings showing animals
Hastings
Hastings which includes tranquil scenes

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 kilometers) 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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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
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Akina

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

Akina
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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 Hawke's Bay Opera House.

Flaxmere
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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 Cornwall Park.

Mayfair
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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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
Under The Elms
Under The Elms
Hastings
Stay at this vacation home in Hastings. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Te Mata Peak and Hawke's Bay Opera House are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (37 reviews)
Great
"This is such a good spot. Clean recently done up.warm. good modern kitchen. Super new beds. Gas fire 2 heat pumps and a gas fire.handy to havelock or hastings. Quiet neighborhood. Would highly recommend."

Reviewed on 17 Jun. 2025

Under The Elms
Apple Motor Inn
Apple Motor Inn
3 out of 5
409 Railway Road, Hastings
The price is NZ$110 per night from 23 July to 24 July
NZ$110
23 July - 24 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star motel in Hastings. Enjoy free parking, daily housekeeping, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
6.8/10 (294 reviews)
"Everything is fine and we will looking forward to seeing you next time. Thanks for everything and letting us staying in your room. GB"

Reviewed on 8 Jun. 2025

Apple Motor Inn
Cumberland Court Motel
Cumberland Court Motel
4 out of 5
Cnr Omahu Road & Maraekakaho Road, Hastings
The price is NZ$222 per night from 20 July to 21 July
NZ$222
20 July - 21 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly motel in Hastings. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and private hot tubs. Popular attractions Frimley Park and Cornwall Park ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (259 reviews)
"Large, comfortable room with jetted tub and separate shower. The hotel provided access to a gym across the parking lot with exercise equipment, pool, and sauna."

Reviewed on 20 Jun. 2025

Cumberland Court Motel
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.
Under The Elms
Under The Elms
Hastings
Stay at this vacation home in Hastings. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Te Mata Peak and Hawke's Bay Opera House are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (37 reviews)
Great
"This is such a good spot. Clean recently done up.warm. good modern kitchen. Super new beds. Gas fire 2 heat pumps and a gas fire.handy to havelock or hastings. Quiet neighborhood. Would highly recommend."

Reviewed on 17 Jun. 2025

Under The Elms
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, parking (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (113 reviews)
"Excellent"

Reviewed on 7 Jul. 2025

Quest Hastings
Sun-kissed Spa Retreat
Sun-kissed Spa Retreat
Hastings
Stay at this vacation home in Hastings. Enjoy laundry facilities, air conditioning, and a hot tub. Popular attractions Hawke's Bay Opera House and Te Mata Peak ...
Book your stay with sun-kissed-retreat!
"Shayla was so accomodating! Great communication and done everything possible to make our stay comfortable! She even sent her husband over to fix the gas for the hot water at 12am (he was there in 5 minuets)! The little goodies were a lovely touch too, the only thing i could reccommend is getting ..."

Reviewed on 25 Jun. 2025

Sun-kissed Spa Retreat
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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