Hastings: Discover Parks, Art and History

Hastings combines green spaces with cultural venues and traces of the city’s history. You can choose what to explore based on a wide range of interests: gardens and parks, art and events, or historic trails through Hastings.

Parks and Gardens in Hastings

Cornwall Park covers eight hectares in the centre of Hastings. Its landscape includes several ponds and a stream. If you want to make time for greenery during a visit to the city, you’ll find a different perspective on Hastings here than on its streets and at its cultural venues. Frimley Park has more than 5,500 roses in formal gardens. The two parks offer contrasting garden settings: ponds and a stream shape the impression at Cornwall Park, while roses and formal landscaping take centre stage at Frimley.

Recurring Events

In January and February, weekly “Summer in the Park” concerts are held at Cornwall Park. Another annual event takes place on 3 February: Hastings holds a public commemoration marking the anniversary of the 1931 Hawke’s Bay earthquake. The special ceremony takes place at Hastings City Centre Mall. These events offer different ways to plan your visit: the concert series runs weekly over two months, while the commemoration is held on a fixed date.

Art, Culture and City History

Ngā Pou o Heretaunga is on permanent display at Civic Square, at the Hastings Art Gallery. The collection comprises 18 pou tūpuna, or ancestral posts; their stories span 20 generations. This place brings a specific work of art together with a storytelling tradition reaching far back in time. The Hastings Art Gallery also offers exhibitions, public events and school programmes. The programme may change, so check what’s currently on offer before your visit.

Toitoi – Hawke’s Bay Arts and Events Centre is centred on the historic Opera House and also includes a modern venue with an area of 660 m². Toitoi aims to give the community access to, and encourage participation in, performing arts, events and cultural activities. Art Deco features and a distinctly historic atmosphere also shape the city centre of Hastings.

Historic Trails and Insights into the City

The Hastings Urban Heritage Trail is 39.7 km long and takes you to historic buildings, churches, monuments, parks and other significant places in Hastings. You can drive the trail or cycle it. Its length and variety of stops make it an extensive way to explore the city’s history; the choice of transport is yours. The trail passes through significant historic areas of the city.

At Waiaroha – Heretaunga Water Discovery Centre, visitors learn how water travels from the mountains to the sea via rivers, streams, wetlands and aquifers. Through a large window, they can see how the water treatment plant works and learn more about its processes. As visitor arrangements should be checked, it’s a good idea to confirm current visiting options before you travel.

Local Produce

At the Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ Market in Hastings, you can buy seasonal produce and handcrafted goods directly from growers and producers. The market offers a different focus from the parks and cultural venues: here, food and handcrafted goods are sold directly by their makers.

Hastings District: Regional Context

In Hastings District, the Hawke’s Bay Trails are among New Zealand’s 23 Great Rides. The network includes 200 km of easy cycling trails through Hastings District and Napier. Visitors can also drive along Te Mata Peak Road to the summit of Te Mata Peak. Elephant Hill offers wine tastings featuring Hawke’s Bay wines in Hastings District. These attractions are part of the broader Hastings District destination and are distinct from the city centre and the places described there.

Discover more destinations: Maraekakaho, Clifton, Tuki Tuki, Poukawa, Clive, Waiwhare, Te Awanga, Kahuranaki

For the broader travel overview: Hastings District.