There's a hint of Dunedin to Hastings - a modicum of Melbourne, a smidge of Auckland's Kingsland, a nod to Wellington's Newtown.
That's because the city is amid something of a reinvention. Hastings is stripping back its many layers and revealing its beautiful Art Deco bones, a highly sophisticated food scene, and its position as a remarkably diverse small city boasting boutique breweries, first-class shopping, enticing public and private art collections, elegant eateries and myriad entertainment options.
Retail and commercial complex Tribune is often the first stop for visitors and locals alike. Spanning almost half a city block, high-end tenants include founding retail partner Real World, who manufactures and sells small batch skin care and body care products here, Brave Brewery, whose Tigermilk IPA is a local institution, and high fashion store Bazaar the Empire among them. Hairstylist to the stars Tane Tomoana weaves his magic (and fingers) on hair at Morgan Lane, Oh My Goodness fills tummies with gluten-free baking and Kindred Road offers small-run homewares and furniture alongside a café with seating in the sun.
Turn the corner to Heretaunga Street and you'll spot the freshly opened Toitoi Municipal Building – a stunning example of a thoughtfully executed renovation. When the Municipal Building – and the adjacent Hawke's Bay Opera House – closed for earthquake strengthening in 2014, the community felt the loss keenly. But eight years on, both are back and humming. The Toitoi Opera House has become a sought-after performance destination with artists like Che Fu, Delaney Davidson and Bret McKenzie having graced its stage – while the Toitoi Municipal Building has quickly become Hastings' premier destination for eating and drinking.
Inside the precinct, which includes a number of laneways, there's the Long Island Delicatessen, popular for lunch, Craft & Social - a bustling licensed eatery, and exclusive wine bar Cellar 495. The contemporary Hastings i-SITE visitor centre completes the experience.
We’ll keep you in the loop with upcoming events in Hawke’s Bay, cool stuff to do, the hottest places to eat and drink, and some enticing deals.
