Top 5 Things to do in Hastings
Hastings is a major urban community in the Hawke’s Bay region of the North Island in New Zealand. It is the largest residence area by population in Hawke’s Bay. It is located at about 20 kilometers from the adjacent port city of Napier. The city of Hastings is also the administrative center of the Hastings District.Hastings and Napier are frequently grouped and called as “The Twin Cities” or “The Bay Cities” and are usually treated together in official statistics. The combined population of the “Twin Cities” is approximately 124,400 thus, making the combined areas the 5th largest population in New Zealand.
Hastings, Flaxmere, and Havelock North are the principal settlements that comprise the Hastings District. These centers are bordered by 38 rural settlements. The District has been a food producing region for a long time and is commonly referred to as the “Fruit Bowl of New Zealand”.
The District is surrounded by fertile lands thus, resulting to the abundant production of stone fruit and vegetables. And recently, it has also become the foundation of New Zealand’s Red Wine Industry.
Businesses such as food processing, agricultural services, rural finance, and shipping of goods flourished. With the rapid growth of the service and tourism industry, Hastings is also the center for the nearby inland pastoral communities.
Hastings having a name for tourism, I have here a list of the top 5 best things to do while in the city.
1. Trinity Hill Winery
Visit the Trinity Hill Winery and learn and see one of the finest of wine making.
Hastings is known for its wine Industry and a visit in the Trinity Hill Winery will surely let you experience the finest of wine making. They are devoted to informing the public about wines and how to make the finest wines.
Trinity Hill Winery doesn’t focus on growing for volume. Instead, they concentrate on making exceptional wines. This attitude had won the compliments of wine writers, judges, and enthusiasts around the world.
2. Sileni Estates
Have a stopover in the Sileni Estates and see another of New Zealand’s finest winemakers.
The Estate is a major vineyard and winery development in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand. It is also the oldest established vineyard area. The Estate is named after a character in the Roman mythology, Sileni. Based on the stories, for the worship to the god of wine Bacchus, followers celebrated good wine, good company, and good food.
“Sileni Estates produce hand crafted wines that reflect the unique characteristics of the vineyards.”
Sileni Estates is more than just a winery - it is an Epicurean Centre and a gourmet food store which showcases the finest products of Hawke's Bay, New Zealand.
3. Ngaruroro River Valley
See the beautiful views of Ngaruroro River Valley and the surrounding vineyards with On Track Adventures.
On Track Adventures offers something for everyone. They offer a guided biking tour through the scenic Ngaruroro River Valley and the over 2000-acre surrounding vineyards.
You will also see the impressive views of the vineyards of the Ohiti Valley and the Te Mata Peak as you travel.
The tours are designed for different types of clients. No experience is necessary and full training is given. Other activities such as clay-bird shooting, archery, target shooting and fun golf are offered during the tour.
4. Early Morning Balloons Ltd
Be awed with the aerial view of the vast vineyards, farmlands, and mountains with the Early Morning Balloons Ltd.
Early Morning Balloons Ltd offers you a hot air balloon flying experience around Hawke’s Bay and Wairarapa regions. The trip is approximately 3.5 hours and even for that short time, you’ll be able to see almost the whole of the East Coast of the North Island in a breathtaking point of view.
5. Waiwhenua Farmstay and Annie's Cottage
Experience a genuine farm-stay at Waiwhenua Farmstay and Annie's Cottage
Waiwhenua FArmstay and Annie’s Cottage is the perfect place if you want to experience genuine friendly rural hospitality and farm-stay. It is just about 40-45 minutes inland from the “Twin Cities”.
Drive through the center of Hawke’s Bay and it will take you to Waiwhenua Farm stay.
This is a whole new experience.
