Your Complete Wellness Guide to Hastings and Havelock North

Getting out into green space and nature is always good for your wellbeing, and in this area, Te Mata Peak reigns supreme in iconic outdoor locations. To get your dose of wellness, take your pick of the amazing walks on offer all around Te Mata Peak Park. You can take in the valley and climb to the peak, or you can wander through the redwoods and enjoy the peace of the forest. If you have a young family in tow, the Pīwakawaka Loop track is a great option, and there’s a treat at the end in the form of a well-deserved coffee (and fluffies) from Peak House.

A wellness guide would not be complete without a mention of somewhere to nourish your body with wholesome food, and Pixie Bowls in Havelock North is that place.

Specialising in smoothie bowls, toasts, smoothies and other drinks, the focus on seasonal and superfood ingredients ensures what they produce not only tastes delicious but is incredibly good for you too. Even though it’s not technically located next to a beach, you get waterside vibes and energy from Pixie, and for a moment or two, you feel as if you could be in Bali or Bondi Beach. And if that isn’t good for your soul, what is?!

Speaking of nourishing food, wellness can creep into all aspects of your day, and this includes picking up a quick bite to eat on your lunch break. If you work in the centre of Hastings or are visiting and find yourself getting snacky, pop into Long Island Delicatessen, where the selection of options will leave you feeling satiated and satisfied.

The salad bar is always a winning choice, and the options are frequently changing to keep life interesting. Take a seat outside or head to one of the many parks or squares nearby and enjoy a picnic lunch and time to yourself before you return to your busy day.

Another beautiful outdoor spot that is good for your soul and a great place for reflection is Maraetotara Falls. This spectacular waterfall is a popular summer swimming spot, but even in other seasons, walking to the base of the falls and taking in the sights is pretty magical. This is a great activity to do as a family; park the car and enjoy the Maraetotara Historic Walk to the falls, or do it solo and bask in the peace of nature.

Escaping to a literary world removed from your own is a form of wellness and taking care of yourself. Find an inspiring gem at Hastings’ best second-hand bookshop, The Little Red Bookshop. It’s quite easy to lose hours here browsing the stacks of books and immersing yourself in a search for written treasure. The practice of reading is the perfect way to enjoy some time for yourself and recharge from a busy week.

Be good to your body and the planet with the help of Real World, a New Zealand company that is doing great things elevating the essential rituals in our homes. With an on-site factory and retail store in Hastings, Real World is committed to using only the most necessary and nourishing plant-based ingredients in its line of products. This includes a comprehensive range of items such as body wash and lotion, candles and room spray, dishwashing liquid and even pet wash.

Going to their store is a wellness experience in and of itself, as you are welcomed by heavenly fragrances and are at once mesmerised by the ethos of the brand. There’s a refillery in store, so you can pop in and top up your favourite products whilst limiting your wastage.

Alma Studio in Havelock North is a space to connect. This multidisciplinary movement studio is all about providing what you need for the moment.

Whether it is to come in and connect to your breath and meditate, release some energy, work up a sweat or simply the chance to be part of a community, there is an extensive range of classes on offer at Alma. From Pilates Mat to Heated Flow Yoga to Jumpboard Reformer, there are many unique offerings, so why not take the plunge and try a class? Your mind, body, and wellbeing will thank you for it.   

Sometimes you just need to splurge on wellness, and in Hawke’s Bay it doesn’t get any better than the luxury retreats run by Kate and Cam McLeay. Hosted at Cape South Country Escape and Wellness Retreat, the ultimate in luxurious settings, it’s an opportunity for you to take a break from your everyday routine and focus on yourself.

Retreats include a variety of activities but always focus on a blend of relaxation, meditation, nourishing seasonal food and learning. It’s your chance to truly take care of yourself and to do so in a beautiful location, surrounded by like-minded people.

Being kind to yourself and treating your skin and body with care is the ultimate in wellness and looking after your wellbeing. Gift yourself a treatment or whole spa day at Cameo in Hastings, a clinic specialising in skin, body and beauty. From bespoke facials and different massage techniques to luxurious manicures and pedicures and everything in between, you'll leave Cameo feeling refreshed, relaxed and ready to face whatever comes next in your day.

Taking some time for yourself and your wellbeing at the beach can be restorative and re-energising. Head out to one of Hastings’ best and most underdeveloped beaches, Ocean Beach, and enjoy everything it has to offer. From the expansive sandy beach to the stunning views across the coastline and the magic waves, no matter your preferred beach mode, from sunbather to surfer, you’ll be happy here.