Finding the best bed and breakfasts in Hastings usually means looking just beyond the city streets, where heritage homes sit among orchards and vineyards within a short drive of Hastings and Havelock North. A bed and breakfast in Hastings suits travellers who want a hosted stay, an ensuite room and a proper cooked breakfast before a day on the Hawke’s Bay wine trails, cycleways or beaches. Both of the stays below are rural: Hawthorne House on Railway Road South, and The Manse at Maraekakaho.
1Hawthorne House
Hawthorne House is a boutique bed and breakfast in an Edwardian villa, built in the early 1900s as a Hastings doctor’s residence and now set on around 13 acres about 10 minutes from Havelock North and Hastings. Hosts Peter and Paul offer four ensuite rooms with high ceilings and period features, and display their collection of New Zealand art throughout the house. It suits couples and small groups wanting a heritage stay with hosts who can plan their time in the region.
Services
- Four ensuite guest rooms, three with super-king beds and one queen
- Daily continental and cooked breakfast served between 8am and 9am
- Minibar with complimentary local wines, beers, ciders and juices
- Curated stay packages for cycling, golf, fly fishing, shopping, and food and wine
- Tailored weekend itineraries planned around guest interests
Highlights
- Edwardian villa with 3.7 metre ceilings, stained glass and original period detailing
- Free-range eggs from the property’s own chickens and jams from its orchard
- Rooms open onto verandahs through French doors or private verandah access
- Hosts’ collection of paintings, glass, sculpture and ceramics on display
Location & Contact
Name: Hawthorne House
Address: 1420 Railway Road South, RD11, Hastings, Hawke’s Bay
Phone: 06 878 0035
Website: hawthorne.co.nz
2The Manse
The Manse is a luxury country lodge at Maraekakaho, about 15 minutes from Havelock North and Hastings, in a colonial home built in 1910 for the local Presbyterian minister on the historic Maraekakaho sheep station. Hosts Dietske and Gary keep two ensuite guest suites in a private wing, and every rate includes breakfast and pre-dinner drinks, with a three-course dinner available by reservation. It suits couples wanting a small, fully hosted stay with farm-grown food close to the Gimblett Gravels wineries.
Services
- River View Suite with super-king bed, walk-in wardrobe and private verandah
- Garden View Room with king bed and ensuite with full-sized bath
- Cooked breakfast with home-made sourdough, granola, compotes and fresh eggs
- Pre-dinner drinks and canapés, with private-chef dinners by reservation
Highlights
- Co-owner Gary has cooked in five-star hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants
- Most produce comes from the lodge’s own small farm and orchard
- Pool, fitness room and library for guests
- Complimentary Napier airport transfers on request and an on-site helicopter landing area
- Packages including golf, truffle hunting, deep-sea fishing and helicopter flights
Location & Contact
Name: The Manse
Address: 3519 State Highway 50, RD1, Maraekakaho, Hastings 4171
Phone: 06 874 9625
Website: themanse.co.nz
How to Choose the Right Bed and Breakfast in Hastings
- Breakfast style: check whether breakfast is a full cooked meal or continental only, and whether it is included in the room rate.
- Location: many Hastings B&Bs are rural, so weigh the peace of the countryside against the drive to restaurants in Havelock North or Hastings.
- Room layout: confirm bed sizes, ensuite facilities and verandah or garden access before you book.
- Hosting and extras: some hosts arrange packages, itineraries, dinners or transfers, which can save planning time.
- Booking terms: ask about minimum stays, cancellation policy and seasonal rates, especially over summer and harvest weekends.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hastings Bed and Breakfasts
What is included in a bed and breakfast stay in Hastings?
A bed and breakfast stay normally includes a private room, usually with an ensuite, and breakfast the following morning. Some Hawke’s Bay hosts add welcome drinks, minibar items or pre-dinner canapés, so check what the nightly rate covers when booking.
How much does a B&B in Hastings cost per night?
Prices vary widely with the room, the season and what is included. Boutique and luxury B&B rooms in the Hastings District often sit well above motel rates, while rates that include dinner or activities cost more again. Book direct with the host to see current tariffs.
Where can I find a bed and breakfast near Hastings city?
Many of the district’s B&Bs are on rural properties rather than in town. The stays on this page are at Railway Road South, about 10 minutes from Hastings and Havelock North, and at Maraekakaho on State Highway 50, about 15 minutes away. Both are convenient for the Gimblett Gravels and Bridge Pa wine areas.
Is a B&B a good base for Hawke’s Bay wineries?
Yes. Rural bed and breakfast properties around Hastings are often a short drive from cellar doors, and hosts can usually recommend wineries, restaurants and cycle routes. Hawke’s Bay Tourism publishes regional guides to wineries, trails and events.
How can I check the quality standard of a B&B?
Qualmark is Tourism New Zealand’s official quality assurance programme for accommodation and tourism businesses. You can look up whether a property holds a current Qualmark rating on the Qualmark website, and read recent guest reviews before booking.
Do Hastings bed and breakfasts cater for dietary requirements?
Most hosts can adjust breakfast for dietary needs if you tell them in advance. Because breakfasts are usually cooked to order, let your host know about gluten-free, vegetarian or other requirements when you book.
Should I book a bed and breakfast in Hastings early?
Hosted B&Bs have only a few rooms, so they fill quickly in summer, over long weekends and during major Hawke’s Bay events. Booking several weeks ahead gives the best choice of rooms.