15 Best Things to Do in Hastings

1. See the World’s Largest Accessible Mainland Gannet Colony…

… On the mainland! Hastings is a short drive away from one of Hawke’s Bay’s most iconic natural attractions, Cape Kidnappers/Te Kauwae-a-Māui. Not only does it display sensational scenery through its dramatic coastline of white cliffs full of tectonic scars and fossils, but it’s also home to the world’s largest accessible mainland colony of Australasian gannets.

During breeding season (roughly mid-August through to the end of April), thousands of seabirds gather on the exposed headland to nest, preen and raise their chicks.

The safest and most reliable way to see the colony is with Gannet Safaris Overland. Their three-hour 4WD tours travel across private Cape Kidnappers Station, passing farmland, native bush and clifftop viewpoints before arriving close to the birds.

Discover more natural wonders nearby in the Top 10 Natural Attractions in Hawke’s Bay.

Location: Clifton, approximately 19 km (12 mi) from Hastings.

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2. Do a Winery-Hopping Tour

Hawke’s Bay is New Zealand’s oldest wine region and the largest producer of full-bodied red wines in the country. With over 100 wineries scattered around the region, many with cellar doors close to Hastings, your options are pretty much endless.

The Gimblett Gravels and Bridge Pā districts are particularly convenient for tasting syrah, chardonnay and Bordeaux-style red blends.

Join a guided tour with Vines and Views or Hawkes Bay Scenic Tours and leave the driving to someone else, or cycle the mostly flat Wineries Ride if you’re feeling active.

You can also create your own self-guided route between cellar doors like Trinity Hill, Unison Vineyard, Oak Estate, Sileni Estates and Paritua. Many wineries offer guided tastings, platters or vineyard dining; turning a quick tasting trip into a leisurely lunch is always an option.

Location: All around Hastings – see the link above for winery locations. Tours offer pick-ups.

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3. Visit the Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ Market

For an affordable foodie experience, get yourself down to the Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ Market. The market is a classic Kiwi experience with markets just like this one happening all over the country every weekend.

Held in the relaxed garden setting of Waikoko Gardens at the Tōmoana Showgrounds, everything sold here is grown, raised or produced locally in Hawke’s Bay.

You’ll find stalls offering seasonal fruit and vegetables, meat, bread, eggs, cheese, honey, preserves and fresh coffee. There are also ready-to-eat breakfast and brunch dishes if you want to stay for a leisurely morning rather than just grab and go.

The Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ Market is every Sunday between 8:30 am and 12:30 pm, rain, hail or shine. Entry is free.

Location: Waikoko Gardens, Tōmoana Showgrounds, Kenilworth Road, Hastings.

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4. Walk or Drive to the Top of Te Mata Peak

Get some of the best views in the Hawke’s Bay region from the top of the 399 m (1,309 ft) Te Mata Peak. Rising above the Heretaunga Plains, the peak offers panoramic views across Hastings, Havelock North, Napier, Hawke Bay and the surrounding vineyards.

The whole area is actually Te Mata Park, with seven colour-coded walking routes to explore. Tracks range from short family-friendly circuits to longer summit climbs through native bush, open ridgelines and the impressive Big Redwoods.

Mountain bike trails also cross the park (watch out at shared sections and intersections).

Either enjoy the great outdoors by walking to the top or simply drive to the summit during opening hours.

Location: Te Mata Peak Road, Tuki Tuki, approximately 12.4 km (7.7 mi) from Hastings.

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5. Take the Hawke’s Bay Cycle Trail

Hastings and the surrounding area are well connected by cycle trails showcasing the best of the Hawke’s Bay landscapes! The network spans nearly 200 km (124 mi) and forms part of Ngā Haerenga Great Rides, with three themed routes to choose from: the coastal “Water Ride”, the “Landscapes Ride” and the vineyard-focused “Wineries Ride”.

Around Hastings, you can pedal through Bridge Pā and Gimblett Gravels on the Wineries Ride, or use the iWay network to connect with Havelock North and Clive.

Most trails are easy-going, taking you to cellar doors, along the coast or through the countryside.

For the more adventurous, there are the trails at Te Mata Peak, as well as numerous dedicated mountain biking parks. Bike and e-bike hire, guided tours and shuttle services are all available.

Learn about it all in our guide to Mountain Biking in Hawke’s Bay.

Location: All over Hawke’s Bay. See the link above for location specifications.

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6. Check Out the Pekapeka Wetlands

Wetlands are an underrated landscape in New Zealand. They are hugely valuable to the ecosystem and harbour a wealth of diverse wildlife! In short, if you like bird watching or just want to experience an alternative landscape, then the Pekapeka Wetlands are ideal.

Covering 90 ha (222 acres), this is one of Hawke’s Bay’s most important remaining freshwater wetlands. Walk along the pathways and boardwalks that weave between open water, raupō and restored habitat; interpretive displays explain the cultural significance and ongoing restoration work.

A short climb takes you to a lookout with sweeping views across the wetland and Poukawa Valley.

Keep your eyes peeled for grey teal, New Zealand shoveler, pūkeko, pied stilts and dabchicks (the secretive Australasian bittern lives here too, though you’ll be lucky to spot one).

Location: Te Mahanga Road, approximately 16.4 km (10 mi) from Hastings.

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7. Admire Maraetotara Falls

Who doesn’t love a good waterfall? If you haven’t seen enough waterfalls in New Zealand, then make sure you head to Maraetotara Falls. Take a short detour off the road between Havelock North and Waimārama to reach this beauty.

Wooden steps and a roughly 10-minute section of the Maraetotara Historic Walk lead through native bush to the cascading waterfall and its deep swimming hole. The falls are particularly popular in summer, although swimming is unsupervised and conditions shift after heavy rain, so keep an eye on the weather.

You can continue downstream along the historic route towards the remains of the former Havelock North Power Station, which was taken out by a lightning surge in 1941.

Location: Maraetotara Road, approximately 21 km (13 mi) southeast of Hastings.

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8. Take a Self-Guided Spanish Mission and Art Deco Tour

That’s right, Napier might be taking the limelight when it comes to Art Deco architecture (see below), but did you know that Hastings actually has more of these buildings in its city centre? The city boasts an impressive collection of Art Deco, Spanish Mission and Stripped Classical buildings, all reconstructed after the 1931 Hawke’s Bay earthquake.

Download the Central Hastings Heritage Walk map from the council and start your journey at the Hastings Clock Tower. Choose between the eastern circuit (around 1 hr 30 mins to 2 hours) or the western circuit (about one hour); both routes are wheelchair and mobility-scooter accessible.

As you wander, look above the modern shopfronts to spot geometric decorations, stepped skylines and Spanish-inspired details. Highlights include the Municipal Building and the wider Toitoi, Hawke’s Bay Arts and Events Centre precinct.

Location: Hastings city centre. The i-SITE is on G04/319 Heretaunga Street East.

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9. Go to the Beach

With a sunny climate and stunning coastline, Hastings is blessed with a wealth of beaches. Ocean Beach offers a long sweep of pale sand popular with surfers and walkers, while Waimārama adds a surf club and playground (with summer patrols).

Closer to town, Haumoana and Te Awanga give you shingle beaches, coastal walks and café stops, plus easy links to the Hawke’s Bay Trails.

These beaches suit exploring and picnicking more than calm swimming; Hawke’s Bay’s exposed coast brings strong waves and rip currents. Swim between the flags when lifeguards are on duty and keep a close eye on children.

If you’re keen to walk the 7.5 km (4.7 mi) route between Ocean Beach and Waimārama, check the tides beforehand and allow roughly 4 hrs 30 mins return.

Take your pick from 10 Beautiful Beaches in Hawke’s Bay for a great day out.

Location: All over Hawke’s Bay – see the link above for specific locations.

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10. Visit the Hastings City Art Gallery

To get your dose of art and culture, visit Te Whare Toi o Heretaunga Hastings Art Gallery (Hastings City Art Gallery) in the city centre. The free-entry gallery presents regularly changing exhibitions of contemporary art from Hawke’s Bay, elsewhere in New Zealand and overseas, including painting, photography, sculpture, installation and multimedia works.

Rather than maintaining a permanent collection, the gallery’s rotating programme means there’s often something different to experience each time you visit. Public events, artist talks and free creative activities for children offer additional ways to engage with the exhibitions.

The gallery sits in Civic Square beside Hastings War Memorial Library, making it easy to combine your visit with nearby public artworks and the city’s heritage architecture.

For more free attractions, take a look at the 20 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Hastings.

Location: Nelson Street, Hastings.

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11. Taste Honey and Learn About the Honeybee at the Arataki Honey Visitor Centre

If you have shopped in any New Zealand supermarket, then no doubt you will have seen Arataki Honey on the shelves! The Arataki Honey Visitor Centre in Havelock North offers free entry to learn about the largest beekeeping operation in the Southern Hemisphere.

Self-guided displays walk you through how bees communicate, pollinate crops and produce honey, while observation hives let you watch a working colony up close (see if you can spot the queen among the worker bees).

Interactive activities let you dress up as a beekeeper for photos, and you can sample several varieties of New Zealand honey at no charge.

The visitor centre shop stocks honey, beeswax products, skincare and gifts, but there’s no pressure to buy. Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm.

Location: Arataki Road, approximately 8 km (5 mi) southeast of Hastings.

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12. Pet the Animals at the Hawke’s Bay Farmyard Zoo

Hawke’s Bay is packed with activities for kids, and a highlight that’s kind on the wallet too is the Hawke’s Bay Farmyard Zoo. Spend a few hours wandering the grounds meeting sheep, pigs, calves, horses and other farmyard favourites.

You can purchase animal food to feed the residents, and kids aged two and older can enjoy optional pony rides.

There’s also a “Farmyard Express Train” that offers another fun way to explore the property.

A playground, sheltered picnic tables and barbecue facilities make it easy to turn this into a relaxed half-day outing.

For more family-friendly activities, take a look at the 15 Things to Do in Napier & Hawke’s Bay with Kids.

Location: East Road, Haumoana, approximately 13 km (8 mi) east of Hastings.

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13. Experience Māori Culture with Echoes of Waimārama

Learn about the history, traditions and contemporary lives of Waimārama’s Māori community with Ngā Taioro o Waimārama (Echoes of Waimārama).

Rather than a set daily performance, experiences are tailored to families, private groups, schools and workplaces.

Depending on your programme, you might hear local stories passed down through generations, learn haka or poi, try traditional Māori games or visit culturally significant places with knowledgeable local hosts.

Sessions can take place near the beach, river, marae or on Māori-owned land overlooking Motu-o-Kura. There are no regular walk-in times, so advance booking is essential.

See how it compares to the 10 Best Maori Tours in New Zealand.

Location: Waimārama, approximately 30 km (19 mi) southeast of Hastings.

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14. Visit Havelock North Village

The attractive village of Havelock North is only a 5-minute drive from Hastings! This walkable village is packed with independent fashion boutiques, gift shops, speciality food stores, cafés and restaurants along Te Mata Road, Joll Road and Havelock Road.

After browsing the shops, take a break at the family-friendly Village Green. During summer (from 9 am to 12:30 pm every Saturday), check out the Black Barn Growers’ Market for seasonal produce, baking and artisan foods from Hawke’s Bay growers and producers.

The Havelock Handmade Market brings crafts, gifts and locally made products to Gibson Courtyard on selected dates each month.

For more experiences, check out the 10 Best Things to Do in Havelock North.

Location: Havelock Road, approximately 5 km (3 mi) east of Hastings.

© Ulrich Lange on Wikipedia

15. Discover the Art Deco City of Napier

Just next to Hastings is the city of Napier, known as the “Art Deco Capital” of New Zealand! No doubt during your time in Hastings you will hear about an earthquake that devastated the area in 1931. The city was rebuilt with striking geometric facades and decorative motifs that now define its compact centre.

Today, you can explore these 1930s buildings and colourful streetscapes on foot with daily guided walks offered by the Art Deco Trust, departing from the Art Deco Centre at Memorial Square.

The walks cover the earthquake’s impact, the reconstruction programme and key architectural highlights. Budget travellers can grab a downloadable self-guided route, while those after something more luxurious can book a chauffeured vintage Packard tour.

Allow extra time to stroll along Marine Parade, where gardens, sculptures and waterfront landmarks complement the city-centre architecture. Book a tour with Avantogo Tours or Deco City Discoverer.

Check out more experiences in the 20 Best Things to Do in Napier.

Location: Napier, approximately 20 km (12 mi) from Hastings.

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