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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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 Opera House.

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
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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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
Apple Motor Inn

Apple Motor Inn

3 out of 5
409 Railway Road, Hastings
The price is ₹4,820 per night from 24 Jul to 25 Jul
₹4,820
₹5,606 total
24 Jul - 25 Jul
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 their 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 ₹8,763 per night from 6 Aug to 7 Aug
₹8,763
₹10,077 total
6 Aug - 7 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly motel in Hastings. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 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
Lavana Motels

Lavana Motels

2 out of 5
1400 Karamu Rd N, Hastings, Hawke's Bay
The price is ₹6,046 per night from 26 Jul to 27 Jul
₹6,046
₹6,953 total
26 Jul - 27 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Hastings. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Cornwall Park and Splash Planet are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (6 reviews)
"Off street parking is much appreciated, very fair price"

Reviewed on 4 Jul 2025

Lavana Motels
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.
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 Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (114 reviews)
"Excellent"

Reviewed on 7 Jul 2025

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 Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (948 reviews)
"The staff were the best;The upgrade was wonderful;the overall experience was just great"

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

Quest Napier Serviced Apartment
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 Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,918 reviews)
"very friendly staff. Great view very comfort bed and great shower. Good wifi too"

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

The Nautilus Napier
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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