One of the Locals: Your Insider's Guide to Heretaunga Hastings

Outdoor seating with customers at Red Bridge Coffee.
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

Hastings

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

A container cafe nestled into a green grassy knoll.
Hastings

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

A woman holding chopsticks.
Hastings

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.

A Walking Wonders Art Tour of Hastings Heretaunga

A large falcon mural painted on a wall.
Hastings

Ever since 1931, Hawke’s Bay has been ahead of the curve when it comes to art, due to the Napier earthquake prompting a rebuild that saw the city reinvent itself, Art Deco-style. Although Napier required more of a rebuild, Hastings was certainly not exempt from this wave and many of those Art Deco and Spanish Mission-style buildings still stand today.

A Place in the Sun: Best Al Fresco Dining in Hastings and Havelock North

A couple dining outside a black barn on a sunny day.
Commonly referred to as the ‘fruit bowl of New Zealand,’ Hawke’s Bay is something of a paradise for culinary enthusiasts and wine connoisseurs alike. The region’s temperate climate lends itself to many an outside meal, and with an abundance of charming outdoor spaces on offer, al fresco dining is a concept most locals are more than just a little familiar with.

Only have 12 Hours in Hastings? Here are the Best Things to do

Birdseye view of a hand grabbing a chip from a basket at Brave Hastings.
Hastings
If you have an appetite for rich culture and relish sampling local food and wine, Hastings is bursting with flavour — in every aspect. When your time in a city is limited, you need fail-safe tips to point you in the right direction on how best to spend your day. Here’s our guide on how to get the very best out of the vibrant scene in Hastings.

Get to Know the Inspiring Art and Architecture of Hastings

The peachy-orange exterior of the Hastings Municipal Building.
Hastings

There are many aspects that make a city memorable and noteworthy, not only to visit but to call home and live your life in. Hastings is no different, and as the city has grown over the years, many unique sides have emerged.

A Wine and Food Lover's Guide to Hastings and Havelock North

Plates of food on a terrazzo table inside Mary's in Havelock North.
Hastings

Wine and Dine Your Way Around Hastings and Havelock North. Delicious food and a perfect glass of wine all start from the same beginning, using the highest quality ingredients. The wider Hawke’s Bay is home to some of the best produce in the country, making destinations like Hastings and Havelock North a wine and food lover’s dream. From fruit orchards to vineyards to some of the best industry minds working in the region, all come together in harmony to create a stellar hospitality scene.

The People Behind the Places: Meet the Food and Drink Heroes of Hastings

Bottles of beers lined up on a counter at Brave Brewing in Hastings.
Hastings

Hastings and the wider Hawke’s Bay region is known for its vineyards, spectacular local produce and talented creators, culminating in an epic food and drink scene in which there are many superstars. From talented artisan bakers and epic coffee roasters to brewing legends and more, these are our favourite makers; the food and drink heroes of Hastings.

Your Complete Wellness Guide to Hastings and Havelock North

A woman standing by shelves inside Real World in Hastings looking at products.
Needing to recharge, unwind and relax? Hastings and Havelock North have some of the best activities, services and eateries to help you live your best life and immerse yourself in a well-deserved wellness moment.

From Coats to Coffee, Here's our Ultimate Shopping Guide to Havelock North

Women's clothes on racks inside The Hanger in Havelock North.
The village of Havelock North is known for having some of the best shopping throughout Hawke’s Bay and is a must-visit destination if you are wanting to indulge in some retail therapy.

12 Hours Havelock North

Wine being poured into a glass next to a woman pulling at a pizza.

Your guide to the best things to do in Havelock North, Hastings