Things to Do in Hastings

Everything to see and do in Hastings.

Hastings, Heretaunga, sits at the heart of Hawke’s Bay, a sun-soaked region famous for its orchards, vineyards and Art Deco heritage. Known as the fruit bowl of New Zealand, it offers farmers’ markets, world-class wineries, and easy access to Te Mata Peak and the beaches of the bay.

Browse all things to do below:

This Weekend Parks and Reserves Walking Tracks Kids Playgrounds Swimming Spots Fishing Spots Waterfalls Cycle & BMX Tracks Skate Parks Sunrise and Sunset Day Trips from Hastings Historical & Cultural Sites

Frequently asked questions

What are the best things to do in Hastings?

The best things to do in Hastings span parks and gardens, coastal and bush walks, beaches, museums and galleries, and family days out. Each has a full write-up covering what to expect, how to get there and what’s nearby.

What are the top attractions in Hastings?

Hastings’s standout attractions include its major parks and lookouts, waterfront and heritage sites, and its best-known museums and galleries. The guides rank and describe each so you can build a day around them.

Are there free things to do in Hastings?

Plenty. Many of Hastings’s parks, walks, beaches and lookouts are free, and a good number of museums and galleries have free entry too. The guides note what’s free as you browse.

What are the best indoor things to do in Hastings?

For indoor days in Hastings, the museums, galleries, libraries and covered attractions are the pick. Most open around 10am to 5pm and many are free to enter.

What can I do in Hastings with kids?

Playgrounds, easy walks, beaches and hands-on museums all make for good family days out in Hastings. The parks, playgrounds and family-attraction guides cover age-appropriate ideas.

What are some of Hastings’s hidden gems?

Beyond the headline sights, Hastings has quieter reserves, lesser-known lookouts, local walks and small galleries worth seeking out. The guides flag these alongside the big-name spots.