Suggested Activities
Action packed in Hastings!
There's a vast outdoor playground that promises fun, thrills and adventure for all ages in the Hastings district from its long coastline and waterways to mountain ranges, hills and air.
Start with an Early Morning Balloon flight or cycle ride along the mountain bike pathways on Te Mata Peak, jet-boat skim wide rivers, or venture into history along self-guided Heritage Trails, soar high on a scenic flight or be whisked by helicopter to the world's largest mainland gannet colony – there are endless ways to explore this varied region.
The big sparkling waters of the bay and 30-plus rivers and streams are tempting territory for skiers and jet skiers, surfers, windsurfers and kite surfers. You can kayak gentle Tukituki River pools or inch along the coastline to Cape Kidnappers, race white rapids with the Mohaka Rafting Company or in a canoe, or dive the ocean from rocky beachheads or boat.
Mention Hastings to knowledgeable fishermen and their eyes light up. The Tukituki, Ngaruroro, Tutaekuri and Mohaka rivers or just a line thrown off the beaches afford some of New Zealand's best fishing in superb scenery.
For a list of action packed activities or for more information on what to see and do in Hastings call the team at the Hastings i-Site Visitor Centre on 0800 42 78 46 or email info@visithastings.co.nz
Wet Weather activities!
If it's a rare rainy day in Hastings (just watch the TV weather map for a few weeks to prove that the rest of New Zealand can be wet and wild while Hastings stays dry and warm) there's always retail therapy under cover in Hastings City and Havelock North.
If you're in Havelock North leave the dedicated shoppers to the boutiques and enjoy the cosy comfort of a fireside drink at an Irish pub, a latte at a coffee roasters or take in some art at one of the numerous galleries.
Watch a movie, savour wine and cheese in the arm chair comfort of the top-class boutique Cinema Gold while you're in the Havelock North Village or enjoy beautiful popcorn the cinema in Hastings City.
For a list of weather activities or for more information on what to see and do in Hastings call the team at the Hastings i-Site Visitor Centre on 0800 42 78 46 or email info@visithastings.co.nz
Low cost family fun!
There is a variety of things to see and do in Hastings, everything from a luxury helicopter rides to free attractions in the stunning parks, gardens and reserves in the district.
For more information on the low cost family fun activities or for more information on what to see and do in Hastings call the team at the Hastings i-Site Visitor Centre on 0800 42 78 46 or email info@visithastings.co.nz
Free Fun in Hastings!
There are many free activities to participate in Hastings, for example it's free to browse around Hastings city and Havelock North shops, but expect temptation everywhere!
An experience not to be missed would be the Hawke's Bay Farmers' and Village Growers' weekend markets, an exciting cornucopia of locally produced food and wine again, free to browse!
Visit more than 65 wineries in Hastings for free too but you might be tempted to stock your basement with the cellar door prices on prize winning wines!
If the kids don't appreciate the distinction between Cola and cabernet then Hawke's Bay's big outdoor 'playground' of beaches, rivers, parks, reserves and picnic spots are usually warm and sunny. That's why they've been attracting family holiday-makers for generations, long before our fantastic wine and food industries were established.
It's free to walk to Cape Kidnappers gannet colony but make sure you time it safely either side of low tide. A Rush Munro ice-cream won't break the bank and the exceptional view from Te Mata Peak is priceless. And bring your bikes – Hawke's Bay's flat, quiet country roads are great cycling territory, there's the long Rotary coastal pathway as well as rugged mountain biking at Eskdale Park.
For more information activities in Hastings or for more information on what to see and do in Hastings call the team at the Hastings i-Site Visitor Centre on 0800 42 78 46 or email info@visithastings.co.nz
