Discover Hastings’ best places to eat, drink, shop and more with our guides.
The Hastings district is the heart of Hawke’s Bay, full of natural beauty with stunning beaches and coastline, lush green valleys and peaks.
The entire Hawke’s Bay region is renowned for its wineries and incredible local produce, and Hastings Heretaunga has earned a reputation for being a city of foodies. From the world-famous (in New Zealand) farmers' market that attracts visitors from near and far each Sunday to acclaimed restaurants and cafés dotted around the main centre, to artisan producers in the fields of beer brewing, gin distilling and coffee roasting, Hastings really does have it all.
In recent years, the city has undergone significant changes and a renaissance of sorts, and with the redevelopment of several key areas around the main centre, there is a buzz and energy in the air.
The re-opening of the Toitoi: Hawke's Bay Arts & Events Centre, which incorporates the Opera House and Municipal Building, is a huge step forward in celebrating arts and culture in Hastings and providing a next-generation venue for the city. Able to host events such as international music superstars, local school productions, nationwide conferences and more, this is a space that welcomes everyone.
Other exciting developments in the main centre include the rejuvenation of the East Block, with many restaurants and boutiques migrating to this end of town, bringing with them a vibrance and contributing their unique stories to the tapestry of Hastings. The establishment of The Tribune precinct is a part of this, too, with new life being breathed into the former newspaper building, it’s now a hub of food, culture, retail and other services for the people of Hastings and visitors to the city to enjoy.
Hastings provides a fantastic lifestyle complete with beautiful surroundings nearby, an arts and culture scene that is thriving and a food and beverage scene that continues to deliver year after year. Throw in a climate that produces warm balmy days in the summer and crisp winters, and this is a city that has a lot to offer residents and visitors alike year-round.
12 Hours Havelock North
Your guide to the best things to do in Havelock North, Hastings
One of the Locals: Your Insider's Guide to Heretaunga Hastings
With long hot summers and lush countryside settings – plus top wineries and abundant orchards in close proximity – it’s not hard to understand the attraction of making Hastings and Havelock North home.
7 Fresh New Finds in Hastings & Havelock North
The more, the merrier – a sentiment that couldn’t be more fitting when it comes to the wave of new independent businesses opening in Hastings and Havelock North. The last couple of years certainly haven’t been without their challenges, but that hasn’t stopped talented locals from diving into exciting new ventures, bringing fresh energy and creativity to the neighbourhood. Whether you’re after flowers or fashion, croissants or ceviche, here are seven new faces to meet next time you’re in the sunny Hawke’s Bay region.
Dine off the Beaten Path in Hastings & Havelock North
If you’re craving a destination with a delicious reward, here are eight of our favourite “off the beaten path” spots to explore with an appetite.
9 International Food Destinations in Hastings & Havelock North
Here are nine of our favourite local eateries that will take you on a delicious trip around the world. No passport required – but remember to pack your appetite.
Explore our Directory
View AllThe Figgery Cafe & Shop
With a Mediterranean climate at your fingertips, it would be a crime not to cultivate one of the world’s most treasured fruits.
MUSE Boutique
A sanctuary for those who appreciate the finer things in life, MUSE Boutique has established itself as a leading name in the world of luxury fashion.
Ya Bon Table
Apart from those living under a giant rock, every soul in Hawke’s Bay is familiar (and likely obsessed) with the irresistible baked goods from modern French bakery, Ya...
Red Bridge Coffee
A special kind of magic takes over when you exit the main town and enter the Hawke’s Bay countryside, with tree-lined roads winding through rolling hills and vineyards.
St Georges Restaurant
Nestled in the green landscape between Hastings and Havelock North, St Georges Restaurant offers a family-owned culinary experience, grounded in a garden-to-table philosophy.
Rosina Eatery
After your first visit to Rosina, you’ll be digging up every excuse in the book to return on the daily. That was our experience anyway.
Decibel Wines
Decibel Wines is a counter-culture winery. Uh, what does that mean? They create wines that are fine but always fun, adventurous but always approachable.
Pom Pom Florals
Walking into Pom Pom Florals in Hastings is an experience of instant joy. That is, after all, the point of flowers.
OTT in the City
Is there anything more satisfying than biting into a herb-loaded bánh mì on a sunny day or warming up with a comforting bowl of phở? When it’s coming...
The Artisan Cafe
Follow the enticing aroma of freshly roasted coffee down Queen Street East and through the doors of The Artisan Cafe, a boutique micro roastery adding a great buzz to the...
St Martha
The Havelock North dining scene continues to trend positively, fuelled by its latest addition, St Martha.
Bambina Pizzeria
Alessandro Buttazzoni is a name possibly familiar to those from Hawke’s Bay, given that he is the widely experienced creator of the beloved Alessandro’s Pizza e...
Lot 2
Havelock North’s Lot 2 is a laid back, unpretentious eatery that starts each day as a café, before transforming into an intimate evening destination.
Tu Meke Don
In a happy marriage of Japanese food and Kiwi vibes, Tu Meke Don is a real family-run business, operating out of the lively Tribune precinct in Hastings.
Craggy Range Restaurant
Family-owned Craggy Range is situated mere moments from Havelock North, nestled between the Tukituki River and the majestic hillside of Te Mata Peak.
Toitoi - Hawke's Bay Arts & Events Centre
Metaphorically, but also in the literal sense, Toitoi - Hawke’s Bay Arts and Events Centre is at the cultural heart of Hastings and provides a gathering point for both...
