Hastings

Hastings is the food-producing capital of New Zealand, offering cuisine unrivalled anywhere else in the country. The city receives 2200 hours of sunshine annually, making it one of the sunniest places in New Zealand. While Napier receives most tourist attention, Hastings offers a more authentic experience with its Art Deco architecture, extensive shopping strip on Heretaunga Street, and proximity to world-class wineries. The city has been undergoing central business district redevelopment, returning to its previous splendour.

Hastings is located on the east coast of the North Island of New Zealand, in Hawke's Bay. The city is accessible via State Highway 2 and State Highway 50. The nearest major airport is Hawke's Bay Airport in Napier, approximately 20 minutes drive away. Bus services connect Hastings with Napier and surrounding areas.

Hastings is very flat, dry and not very windy, making cycling an excellent way to explore. The Hastings CBD is very safe during daytime so walking is the best option for the city center. The traffic is always good, so driving is recommended for places further away. Bus route #12 stops at the Eco Lodge Pakowhai gate.

Hastings enjoys a warm climate year-round, ideal for growing the variety of produce the region is famous for. Summer months (December to February) offer the best weather for outdoor activities and winery visits. The region is known for its food and wine festivals throughout the year.

Hastings has lots of accommodation and motels, though no upscale large chains operate there. The Comfort Inn is the only international hotel. Independent small hotel operators offer a wide variety of accommodation experiences. Budget options include The Rotten Apple Backpackers (114 Heretaunga St East), A1 BackPackers (122 Stortford St), and Eco Lodge Pakowhai (1000 Pakowhai Rd, from $25pp). Holiday parks like Hastings Top 10 Holiday Park (610 Windsor Ave) offer park-like settings. Motels along Karamu Road include Valdez Motor Lodge, Fairmont Motor Lodge, and Cumberland Court Motel.

Hastings produces a variety of food not found anywhere else in New Zealand due to its warm climate. Locally grown produce is turned into quality products by Heinz-Watties, established in 1934. The city is surrounded by wineries and vineyards where local wine is cheap and popular. The town's water supply comes directly from the aquifer underneath the Heretaunga plains and is crystal clear (the council refuses to chlorinate it). Mahora Fish Supply (600 Frederick St) offers good quality fish and chips. Golden Spring Restaurant (617 Heretaunga St) provides Chinese buffet food with takeaways.

Splash Planet on Grove Rd is New Zealand's only water theme park, set in a park-like setting with many non-aquatic activities. Pernel Fruitworld (1412 Pakowhai Rd) runs hour-long tours of their orchard growing 85 varieties of pip and stone fruit. The city features Art Deco architecture including the clock tower with bells from the collapsed post office, and Heretaunga Street with bulk of the architecture. The Chinese gardens in Cornwall Park celebrate Hastings' partnership with sister city Guilian City in China.

Hastings has the longest strip of retail stores in New Zealand, running from Warren Street in the east through to Jarvis Road in the west along Heretaunga Street. Up-market clothing and boutique stores can be found in Havelock North. The Little Red Book Shop (205 Heretaunga Street East) stocks quality second-hand books including non-fiction, quality literature, vintage children's books, and is located a block away from the Hastings Information Centre.

The city is surrounded by wineries and vineyards, making local wine cheap and popular. Among higher classes of wines, the quality is so great that Hastings wine is served at major parties and dinners including a dinner at the Queen's 80th Birthday. Wholesale Liquor on Karamu Road (410 Karamu St, opposite BP) has the cheapest alcohol in town, open until 11PM on Fridays and 10PM other nights. Breakers Cafe & Bar (131 Heretaunga St East, opposite ANZ bank) serves reasonably cheap alcohol with pool tables. The Cru Bar on King Street has a friendly atmosphere popular with backpackers in summer.

Hastings serves as a base to explore Hawke's Bay. The city of Napier is nearby with its gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers. Havelock North offers trendy shopping. Te Mata Peak provides stunning views of the bay and central plateau, accessible by biking, hiking or driving, with options to hike, bike or hang-glide down. Head south to Waipukurau for further exploration.