Hastings - North Island, New Zealand

Hastings, 20 kms south of Napier, is the second major town in the Hawkes Bay region after Napier. Hastings was affected by the 1931 earthquake and lost a few buildings, but not to the same extent as Napier.

Art deco is the prominent style of architecture found in Hastings and the Eastvourne, Russell and Heretaunga streets have some beautiful art deco buildings. There are a few classic examples of the Spanish mission style architecture.

Many of the wineries in the heart of the Hawkes Bay region are easier to access from Hastings than from Napier. Hastings is also famous for its orchards with peaches, pears and apples being the main fruit crops. The harvest season starts in February and lasts three to four months.

Hastings Accommodation

There is plenty of casual work available on the orchard farms during harvest season. About 3 kms to the east of Hastings is trendy Havelock North at the foot of the Te Mata Peak. There are some classy B&Bs (bed and breakfasts) there.

The Visitor Centre is located at the corner of Russell and Heretaunga Streets inside the Westerman's Building. Long distance buses halt near the visitor centre. There are local bus services running to Havelock North and Napier from Hastings from corner of Russell and Eastbourne Streets.

During harvest season, it is almost impossible to get cheap accommodation as it is all occupied by farmhands for long periods. It is advisable to book your Hastings accommodation well in advance. There are a lot of cheap accommodation places.

The upmarket self catered holiday houses and B&Bs (bed and breakfasts) are found in Havelock North. There are variety of backpackers hostels, lodges and cottages available. There is a Top 10 holiday park with campsites, tent sites, cabins and powered campervan sites.

Hastings Activities

There are some interesting activities in Hastings. The Spanish Mission architecture that is famous in Hastings can be seen in an hour with the help of the Spanish Mission Hastings walk leaflet available at the visitor centre.

The Hawkes Bay Opera House is the finest example of the Spanish Mission style of architecture. The Hawkes Bay Exhibition centre opposite the corner of Eastbourne St and Karamu Rd, hosts local, national and international art shows. A visit to the Splash Planet on Grove Rd is a great trip for the whole family with its waterpark amusements and is a great place for a family picnic.

LooknbookNZ can take care of your Hastings accommodation and Hastings activities bookings and let you and your family/friends have a memorable stay and holiday in beautiful Hastings.