5 Must-Do's in Hastings District

Hawke's Bay Farmers' Market

You would be hard-pressed to find a market as impressive as the Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ Market. Having been a fixture in Hastings city since 2000, it’s among the largest in the county and offers an abundance of fresh produce and artisan wares from local growers and producers. Pick up your morning brew from the coffee cart and wander through the market at your own pace accompanied by live music and the bustling atmosphere of locals grabbing their weekly groceries.

Marvel at the gannets at Cape Kidnappers

Get within mere metres of the world’s largest and most accessible mainland gannet colony, perched at the top of Cape Kidnappers' iconic cliffs. Approximately 20,000 gannets will call the Cape home from September to April, hatching their chicks before taking off to warmer climates. Gannet Safaris Overland provide many tour possibilities to take you to straight to the gannets in air-conditioned comfort.

Summit Te Mata Peak

Te Mata Peak, behind Havelock North, gives 360° views of Hawke’s Bay. Visitors can see Napier and Mahia Peninsula to the north and east, hill country to the south and east, and the Ruahine, Kaweka and Maungaharuru ranges beyond the fertile Heretaunga Plains. Visitors can run, walk or mountain bike through 99 hectares of beautiful parkland on a series of well graded tracks, or drive to the top via Te Mata Peak Road.

Visit world-class wineries

You simply cannot visit Hawke's Bay without having wineries on your must-visit list. Hastings District is home to most of the region's spectacular vineyards, cellar doors and wineries, all offering world-class wine and award-winning chefs plating up culinary delights. From Elephant Hill, Clearview Estate and Te Awanga Estate on the stunning coast, and many inland favourites including in the renowned Bridge Pa and Gimblett Gravels winegrowing districts, you’ll have your pick of the bunch.

Urban exploring in Hastings city and Havelock North village

Hastings' thriving city centre is home an impressive array of things to see and do, including Toitoi - Hawke's Bay Arts and Events Centre, Hastings City Art Gallery, superb drinking and dining offerings, and a wide range of retail offerings, from big box chains, through to boutique independent operators.

A short drive away, Havelock North - known locally as 'the village' - is a bustling township offering boutique shopping, a thriving café and restaurant culture, urban cellar doors, and accommodation options ranging from cottages, B&Bs and motels, to secluded luxury lodges.

Hastings District