Last updated July 2026
Longlands is a rural community on the southern and western outskirts of Hastings in New Zealand’s Hawke’s Bay Region. It covers fertile plains that support extensive orchards and vegetable growing. The area blends quiet farmland with convenient access to Hastings city services and amenities. Longlands maintains a strong agricultural focus while serving as a residential base for those who value rural surroundings close to urban facilities. Statistical areas within it include Irongate and Longlands-Pukahu.
Practical Information
| Location | Southern and western outskirts of Hastings, Hawke’s Bay |
| Area | 38.85 km² |
| Population | 2,410 (June 2025 estimate) |
| 2023 Census population | 2,322 |
| Postcodes | 4172, 4174, 4175, 4178 |
| Territorial authority | Hastings District Council |
| Regional council | Hawke’s Bay Regional Council |
About Longlands
Longlands lies within the Hastings District and forms part of the productive Hawke’s Bay agricultural landscape on the Heretaunga Plains. The area features open fields, smaller farm blocks, and orchards that produce apples and other fruit and vegetable crops. Its position provides residents with rural peace alongside short drives into Hastings for shopping, healthcare, and other services.
The community comprises the statistical areas of Irongate (about 7.96 km²) and Longlands-Pukahu (about 30.89 km²). According to the 2023 census, the combined area had 2,322 residents, an increase of 105 people (4.7%) since 2018. The June 2025 estimate stands at 2,410. Demographics show a mix of European (78.4%), Māori (20.3%), Pasifika (9.2%), and other ethnicities. Median ages are higher than the national average in Longlands-Pukahu (46.8 years).
Longlands has deep agricultural roots. The former Longlands Estate occupied much of the land around 1880 before subdivision into smaller farms and the establishment of a freezing works in the early twentieth century. Today, fruit and vegetable production continues to shape the local economy and landscape, with the area recognised as a centre for growing produce.
History
European settlement in the Longlands area centred on large estates that were later broken up. The Longlands Estate dominated the land around 1880. A railway flag station opened in 1912 on the Palmerston North–Gisborne Line, after a sheep and cattle yard was established in 1911, supporting the movement of livestock and produce. The line through the area had opened earlier in 1875. The station closed to all traffic on 18 May 1980, though a service siding was retained for about a decade. Remnants of this transport history remain visible in the rural setting. The station was located south of Longlands Road, between Hastings and Pakipaki.
Agriculture and Economy
Fruit and vegetable production forms the core of Longlands’ economy. Orchards and market gardens dominate the fertile plains, benefiting from the region’s climate and soils. Local farms contribute to Hawke’s Bay’s reputation for high-quality produce, including apples and other crops. Many operations focus on commercial horticulture suited to the Heretaunga Plains.
Access and Getting Around
Longlands is reached via local roads such as Longlands Road West and is a short drive from central Hastings. The Palmerston North–Gisborne Line still runs through the area, though the former flag station is closed. Residents typically travel into Hastings for most services, schools, shops, and healthcare, as local amenities are limited in this rural setting.
What Visitors Often Say
People describe Longlands as a quiet rural area with attractive farmland views and easy access to Hastings. Many note the peaceful atmosphere and the sense of being surrounded by orchards and open countryside on the city outskirts.
Visitors and residents appreciate the balance between rural living and proximity to city facilities, though they mention limited on-site amenities and the need to travel into Hastings for most services and activities.
Where to Learn More
Wikipedia – Longlands, New Zealand: Detailed overview including demographics, history, railway station, and geography with references to official statistics.
Hastings District Council: Official information on district services, planning, and property records covering Longlands.
Stats NZ Tatauranga Aotearoa: Latest census and population estimate data for the Longlands statistical areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Longlands known for?
Longlands is known for its rural farmland, orchards, and vegetable growing on the outskirts of Hastings.
How large is the Longlands area?
The community covers 38.85 square kilometres.
What is the population of Longlands?
The estimated population is 2,410 as of June 2025, with 2,322 recorded in the 2023 census.
Is Longlands part of Hastings city?
No, it is a rural community on the southern and western outskirts of Hastings within the Hastings District.
What kind of farming occurs in Longlands?
The area is a centre for fruit and vegetable production, particularly apples and other orchard crops.
Are there schools or shops in Longlands itself?
Longlands is rural with limited local services; residents typically access schools, shops, and healthcare in nearby Hastings.
How do I reach Longlands from Hastings?
Longlands is reached via local roads such as Longlands Road West and is a short drive from central Hastings.
Does Longlands have a railway station?
A former flag station on the Palmerston North–Gisborne Line operated from 1912 until it closed to all traffic on 18 May 1980; the line remains active but the station is closed.
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