Hastings is a beautiful coast town famous for its historical and natural landmarks and relatively active cultural life. Hastings is a great place to visit; they have lots of things to do and places to see, and, of course, when you get bored with sightseeing, you can always relax. Famous for its wine production, Hastings has many wineries that will be sure to delight visitors. Hastings also has plenty of productions, events, sites of interest, and views that will surely please any visitor.
Exploring Hastings Wineries
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Being a seaside town, Hastings boasts panoramic beach views, beautiful historical landmarks, and a vibrant arts culture; hence, it is ideal for a relaxing vacation with hints of excitement. Visiting the fascinating Old Town and the acclaimed Hastings wineries and finding exciting Hastings events is easy. Due to its long and colourful history and many interesting and exciting places to visit, Hastings is the most suitable place for a memorable and educational tour.
Hastings winemakers are among the best in New Zealand, and a tour to Hastings would not be complete without visiting a winemaker. On your second day, you should enjoy wine tours and tastings.
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Places To Visit In Hastings
Hastings has many beautiful places to enjoy the serene views and learn about the wine-making process. We have curated a list of places to visit in Hasting. Let’s have a look:
1. Mission Estate Winery
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Taste wines at the first winery in New Zealand and begin your day at its first and oldest winery, the Mission Estate Winery. This winery was founded in 1851; the wines’ quality is complemented by the history of the enterprise’s work. Please take a tour of the estate with the guides and end the tour with a tasting session of their best wines. Mission Estate is still impressive, both from historical and wine points of view; it is a place to go to.
Timing: 9 AM- 5 PM (Mon-Sat); 10 AM-4:30 PM (Sun)
Address: 198 Church Road, Poraiti, Napier 4112, New Zealand
2. Craggy Range Winery
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After that, it is time to visit the Craggy Range Winery. Located right at the foothills of the Te Mata Peak, this winery is beautiful and serves beautiful wine. Wine-tasting tours can be arranged to familiarise you with their wine-making techniques, followed by wine-tasting through their beautiful cellar door. This large Hastings winery is considered the final word-perking place because its views and highly developed wines are stunning.
Timing: 11 AM- 5 PM (Mon-Sun)
Address: 253 Waimarama Road, Havelock North 4230, New Zealand
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3. Lunch At Elephant Hill
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You can go to Elephant Hill Winery and Restaurant for lunch. Apart from some of the best wines, this new-world wine producer includes an exquisite dining experience with the ocean and vineyard views. They have a seasonal menu and use fresh local produce, which nicely complements their wines. One gets to enjoy good meals that are well prepared, with fine wines to complement each meal, thus creating a memorable dieting experience.
Timing: 11 AM- 5 PM (Mon-Sun); closed on Wed & Thurs
Address: 86 Clifton Road, Te Awanga, Haumoana 4172, New Zealand
4. Te Mata Estate Winery
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In the afternoon, visit Te Mata Estate Winery, one of Hastings’s most well-known wineries. This winery specialises in red wines, and the facility that serves tastings has an exquisite and classy feel—they even have a Coleraine, which was mentioned earlier in this article. It’s located in a beautiful area that contributes to the entire estate’s aesthetic appeal, making it compulsory to visit the estate when considering the various wineries in Hastings.
Timing: 10 AM-5 PM (Mon-Sat); closed on Sunday
Address: Te Mata Special Character Zone 349 Te Mata Road, Parkvale, Havelock North 4294, New Zealand
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Engaging In Hastings Events
Hastings is a lively city with lots of activities for travellers. Cultural events are held periodically to showcase the locals’ way of life. When visiting Hastings, immerse yourself in some of the best events that excite the holidays.
1. Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ Market
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Your tour begins at Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ Market, a famous Sunday market. This is a food market where fruits and vegetables are sourced from the farm, and local traders produce speciality and gourmet foods. When you shop around the stalls, you will be surprised to come across various locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables, homemade chocolates, cheeses, and breads. This is a perfect chance to taste the top-of-the-range Hawke’s Bay cuisine and interact with producers simultaneously.
Fact: As evident in the following description, the market’s ambience and sellers are friendly; therefore, it should be on everyone’s list of recommended places to find authentic Hastings flavours.
2. Hastings Blossom Festival
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The Hastings Blossom Festival is held annually in September, marking the beginning of spring with remarkable colours and flowers. Bright processions, inspiring music and dance performances, and breathtaking floral presentations turn the town into a blooming spring. The event represents the spirit of the Hastings community as many people gather together to enjoy the splendid views of the season.
Fact: Festivals are always fun, and the colours associated with them and the zeal with which they are celebrated make them an exciting part of every tour.
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3. FAWC! (Food And Wine Classic)
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FAWC! is conducted in summer and winter. It is one of Hawke’s Bay’s premium restaurants and offers exquisite food and beverages for its visitors. This festival entails several galas, including a series of limited and special dinners, the inauguration of food and cooking classes, and wine-tasting activities conducted by famous chefs and winemakers. Whether it is a fine dining experience or learning new combinations of wines, FAWC! is rich in terms of variety, giving the visitor a taste of the best foods that can be gotten from the region.
Fact: It is the perfect culinary occasion for anyone interested in the local ingredients and culinary professionals in Hastings.
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Hastings is a travel destination that contains many and very different attractions. Following this itinerary, you will see the most exciting places in Hastings and get acquainted with its rich cultural life and marvellous nature. So grab your luggage, plan your routes, and anticipate starting the fantastic tour of the beautiful town of Hastings. No matter why you’re in Hastings for the wineries, the events to engage in, or the tourist attractions Hastings offers, boredom will not be possible because the memorable moments will be nonstop. So, plan a trip to New Zealand today to witness the magic.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Hastings
When is the best time to go to Hastings?
The best time to visit Hastings is early spring or late autumn when the weather is still warm but the tourist crowds are much smaller. Summer is also ideal for excursions and other outdoor activities from December to February.
Which are the most exciting places to visit in Hastings?
Some top tourist attractions include Te Mata Peak, Cape Kidnappers, Hastings City Art Gallery, and the Art Deco buildings around the town.
What activities are available in the Hastings wineries?
The wineries at Hastings provide provisions for tasting, vineyard & wine production tours, and restaurants that offer food from the region.
What are the special occasions in Hastings?
Some are the Hastings Blossom Festival in September, Hawke's Bay Farmers' Market, and FAWC! (Food and Wine Classic) events took place during summer and winter.
What food sources are available in Hastings?
The Hawke's Bay Farmers Market, Elephant Hill Winery restaurant, and restaurants in Hastings town centre offer a range of local foods.
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