First glance and you will see Hastings city has had a city-sized glow-up, revealing stunning Art Deco architecture, glorious street art, a vibrant hospitality scene, and a popular, industrial-cool shopping precinct. The newly developed Municipal Building, which sits alongside the historic Hawke's Bay Opera House, has also opened its doors, boasting boutique bars, eateries and the Hastings isite Visitor Centre.

'East Block' on Heretaunga Street East offers up great eating and drinking, with boutique retail stretching down Heretaunga Street. More great shops and eateries can be found in the newly-developed Tribune Precinct on Queen Street.

Hastings has an impressive display of public artworks dotted throughout the city. Of special significance is Ngā Pou o Heretaunga - a collection of Māori carvings (pou) that sits on permanent display in Civic Square by the Hastings Art Gallery.

Take an Art Deco stroll through the city centre while you soak in the architecture of the 1920/1930s era that makes the region so popular with visitors. As you walk around the CBD you'll spot features of architecture that shaped the rebuild of the city centre after the 1931 earthquake. Following the trail you'll find yourself passing Hastings Art Gallery, take an hour or two (or a day) to explore, after all it's free to visit and they offer a wide range of fascinating and beautiful exhibitions to immerse yourself in. 

If you are looking for something a little more relaxed, aside from the wine and cider tastings and delicious eateries to refuel, stop by the Focal Point Cinema, not only does it perfectly reflect the Art Deco vibe, but the boutique experience is an award-winning entertainment venue, far more than just a movie viewing. 

These two neighbouring winegrowing districts are home to many of Hawke's Bay's and New Zealand's finest wineries, with their sought-after soils producing incredible wines. Many of the wineries have cellar doors that can be visited by private car, by group tours, or by bike on the fabulous Hawke's Bay Trails.

Covering 800ha, the internationally-regarded Gimblett Gravels winegrowing district is strictly determined by the gravelly soils laid down by the old Ngaruroro River, which were exposed after a huge flood in the 1860s.

The Bridge Pa Triangle wine district is roughly delineated by three roads: Ngatarawa Road, State Highway 50 and Maraekakaho Road, which form a triangle of sorts - conveniently known as the Bridge Pa Triangle. The wineries come together brilliantly each January for the Bridge Pa Wine Festival - but they are equally excellent any time of the year.

For a more in-depth insight into the specifics of these famed winegrowing districts, check out Hawke's Bay Wine.

The town offers an eclectic mix of retail shops and eateries, as well as a wide range of outdoor activities. The Clive River is a popular spot for watersports, and the river-side walkway is well utilised by walkers and cyclists. You can join the limestone trail by bike and follow the path along the coastline to Napier or out to Cape Kidnappers with a few winery and coffee stops along the way. 

Or find a spot along the Clive river to catch the action on the water - it's a hot spot for rowing and dragon boating!

The settlement of Eskdale acts as a welcome to Hawke's Bay for visitors arriving from the north on State Highway 5. Home to boutique accommodation providers including Kiwiesque vineyard accommodation and the popular Linden Estate winery and neighbouring Valley d'Vine restaurant, Eskdale is also known for its mountain bike park in the privately-owned Pan Pac Tangoio forest.

Travelling north on SH5, through the small rural settlements of Glengarry, Te Pōhue and Te Haroto, two experiences are worth the travel time - Mohaka River Farm offer serene rural accommodation and horse trekking experiences, while Mohaka Rafting take visitors into some of the country's best rafting conditions with Grade 2-5 experiences on offer.

The starting point for the Cape Coast is the quaint coastal settlement of Haumoana, located just south of the Tukituki River outlet. Whether you're arriving by vehicle, or on the Hawke's Bay Trails, there is plenty to explore at your own pace, taking in the fresh sea air and relaxing.

Travelling south-east along the coast towards Te Awanga, and you'll pass some of the region's finest wineries including Elephant Hill and Cleaview Estate - each of which are an incredibly welcoming spot to while away an afternoon with a glass of something delicious and a bite to eat. Te Awanga, and in fact the entire Cape Coast, is also highly regarded as a creative community with a number of artists and sculptors making the community their home.

A little further along again is Clifton, home to an outstanding cafe, some delightful accommodation options, and perhaps best known as the gateway to Cape Kidnappers - and its world-renowned gannet colony, luxury accommodation and world-class golf course.

The small coastal settlement of Tangoio is just a short drive north of Napier, with the beach a popular spot for locals - both on its own merits, and as an access point for the walk-in-access-only Stingray Bay surf break on the northern side of a headland. The Tangoio area is also home to a number of popular short/day walks, although most are currently closed pending repairs following Cyclone Gabrielle.

Further north, Waipatiki Beach makes for an excellent day trip with a beautiful beach framed by equally beautiful cliffs, and several scenic short walks, including the Waipatiki Scenic Reserve, Waipatiki Domain Walk, and north and south coastal walks.

Stretching across an expanse that lies north of the Napier-Taihape Road and south west of the Napier-Taupo Road (SH5), are a clutch of semi-rural and rural communities - some of which also offer opportunities for visitors to see some of the hidden Hawke's Bay. Closest to an urban centre, Puketapu is a great location for a family-friendly outing, including via the Hawke's Bay Trails. Highlights include the Puketapu Pub and the excellent Puketapu Park.

The farming communities of Rissington, Dartmoor, Patoka and Puketitiri host a sprinkling of walks and private accommodation, before arriving at the Kaweka Forest Park on the western border of Hastings District with its extensive network of walks, huts, hot springs, hunting, rafting and canoeing opportunities.