Hastings

• Business (228)
• Education (20)
• Entertainment (10)
• Health (13)

• Media (2)
• Recreation (10)
• Society (11)
• Travel (30)

Hastings Regional Information

Located 20 kilometres south of Napier, Hastings is a city with a population of just over 50,000. Due to its close proximity to Napier and its similarity in architectural style, the two cities are often called 'The Twin Cities' or 'The Bay Cities.' The Hastings District constitutes Hastings, Havelock North and Flaxmere.

The city of Hastings has the same historic resonance as its sister city, Napier, having been destroyed by the 1931 Napier earthquake and rebuilt in the Art Deco style of the time. There is much in the way of preserved Art Deco and Spanish Mission-style architecture in the Hastings, the most notable of which is the Westerman's Building with its bronze and leadlight shopfronts. The Hawkes Bay Opera House in the Spanish Mission-style and the paved town square, with a distinctive Art Deco clocktower.

Hastings is a centre for agriculture, commerce and industry, with much economic growth in recent times. It is a great base from which to explore nearby wineries. With over 40 wineries, you will be spoilt for choice, with a range of boutique and commercial wine making ventures. Many offer cellar door tastings and alfresco dining, allowing you to enjoy the tastes of internationally recognised wines, complemented by fresh cuisine.

If you visit Hastings in early spring, you will be in the city for the annual Blossom Festival, a celebration of spring featuring parades, arts and crafts.

A little later on, in summer, you might like to cool off at Splash Planet, a water theme park with waterslides, hot pools, go karts and mini golf. Alternatively, sample the sweet delights of Rush Munro's, New Zealand's oldest ice cream producer, who is based in the town and makes its products by hand, using 100% natural ingredients.

Navigate with our great Hastings map to stay on the right track and find what you're looking for when traveling in the region. While you're on the road, be prepared for all seasons with weather forecasts, reports and current information on Hastings weather.

For more information, visit the Hastings District information site or Hawkes Bay Tourism.