Fruit, wine and 1930s architecture give Hastings an appealing point of difference. The area was devastated by a huge earthquake in 1931 (as was Napier) then rebuilt using architectural styles of the times. A self-guided walk around the town centre reveals excellent commercial and residential examples of Art Deco and Spanish Mission design. Orchards and vineyards surround the urban area. Over summer you’ll find roadside stalls overflowing with pipfruit and fresh produce. At any time of the year, there are more than 40 wineries to visit. Every Sunday morning, the local farmer’s market turns on a great shopping experience.
Functional facts: Approx. population 50,200, i-SITE Visitor Centre, domestic airport (shared with Napier).