A Walking Wonders Art Tour of Hastings Heretaunga

Join other locals and visitors getting their carb and caffeine fix at Cupple, a cafe run by Hawke’s Bay coffee roasters Firsthand Coffee. With a large glass window peering into the neighbouring Ya Bon French bakery, you’ll be hard-pressed to turn down a freshly baked pastry, still warm from the oven. The cafe’s decor is minimalist and trendy, and the courtyard outside invites you to stay a while, making time for another croissant. 

Burn off that second pastry by venturing along to Prunus Awanui, a sculpture representing a cherry blossom, created by Philipp Meier. It was inspired by the vision of Jeremy Dwyer (mayor of Hastings in the 1980s), who rightfully believed the struggling city would one day blossom again.

Swing past the fun and interactive Hastings isite for all your information needs, as well as to taste and stock up on locally made Hawke’s Bay goodies. Whether it’s just information you’re after or a gift or souvenir, we’re sure you won’t leave empty-handed. While you are there, meander around the Municipal Building, then grab something to go from Long Island Delicatessen. With its light and bright interior, serving food of a similar vibe, expect an extensive salad bar and plenty of Ottolenghi-inspired dishes, as well as sweet treats that will no doubt leave you tempted.

On Eastbourne Street, Cinzah Merkens has designed and executed the impressive mural Te Haaro o te Kaahu ki tuawhakarere, a piece that weaves together Hawke’s Bay's agriculture, nature and ancestral roots. In an alley off Eastbourne Street, there is another piece of art worth your while, a portrait of Omahu-born, internationally recognised artist George Nuku, commissioned by Poihakena Ngawati (also known as TECHS).

What’s a city art tour without an art gallery? Te Whare Toi o Heretaunga Hastings Art Gallery won’t leave you disappointed. Working with artists and communities to grow creativity, the gallery plays host to a rotating collection of contemporary exhibitions. From here, walk through Civic Square to view Nga Pou o Heretaunga, 18 traditionally carved pou, each representing an ancestor from marae around the Heretaunga district.

Next, head west along Heretaunga Street to Leaf Lights, a series of artistic pedestrian lights created by David Trubridge that reflect the trees and orchards of the Heretaunga Plains, before turning down Market Street where opposite Bunnings lies a vibrant, botanical mural, cleverly designed by George Rose.

Stop in at Brave Brewing Co. for some well-deserved food and craft beer. A fun and relaxed brewery and taphouse, Brave Brewing is home to some of the country’s finest beer (the Tigermilk IPA is popular nationwide) and some stellar hot dogs, burgers and snacks that always hit the spot. 

Once re-energised, the surrounding Tribune precinct is a lively development housing a number of interesting and innovative eateries and stores, including much-loved hand-care brand Real World and homeware-meets-furniture shop Kindred Road. 

Finish off the evening at Cellar 495 in the Municipal Building, a wine bar that also operates as a bistro, tasting room and wine shop, before or after your pre-booked show at Toitoi; the perfect way to round out a day of exploring the arts scene of Hastings.