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Introduction:
New Zealand is the celebrated tourist destination today. With the new approach in travel and tourism, Destination New Zealand is becoming very popular. One of the definite crown jewels of New Zealand,
the Land of the Low Skies, is Hastings. Hastings is an administrative centre in the North Island of New Zealand. Its close proximity to the city of Napier adds to its appeal as a tourist destination
and results in many a package deal. In fact, the beautiful city of Hastings and Napier that are barely twenty kilometres away from one another are referred to as the ‘Twin Cities’. With a population
of 119,600 in the urban areas, the figure is comparable to the metropolitan of Dunedin.
Hastings city was amalgamated with Clive, Havelock and Waimarama to form the Hastings District it is today. The district comprises the city of Hastings, Flaxmere and Havelock North, with an area of
5,229 square kilometres and ranks fourteenth in size, in New Zealand. Hastings has, in time, grown to become a large urban area and a center of commerce and trade. The ever-expanding skyline of
apartments and multi-storey offices is a great show of the gridiron city planning system adopted by the local building and planning authorities. The smart and tidy crisscrossed railway line links the
city with its suburban centres. This intercity connectivity enables the tourists to tour the city hassle free and in comfort.
Local Attractions and Sight Seeing:
Hastings is steeped in a rich history. The city is a celebration for tourists, especially the students or lovers of architecture. The Hawke's Bay amusement park, 'Splash Planet', is a water theme park
and a perfect holiday getaway. It draws many people to the city and an instant hit with children. The Art-Deco style of architecture that was adopted by the authorities to rebuild Hastings after the
1931 earthquake enabled Hastings to regenerate faster and gain a legacy from the disaster. The fashionable and highly distinctive style is a feast for the eyes.
The scheduled airline services to the region are carried out via the Hastings Aerodrome. This makes travelling to the city convenient and easy. The Hastings Aerodrome is also responsible for the
inclusion of Hastings in the various package deals offered by renowned travel agents around the world.
Shopping:
Hastings is well equipped even for the compulsive shopper. You can shop till you drop at any of the malls or at the quaint little shops with the local goodies. There are dedicated souvenir and memento
shops that enable you to carry home memories in concrete form. From apparel, to foot wear, to even electronics, Hastings has it all.
Restaurants and Dining Options:
The restaurants in Hastings are all in house, within the hotels and motels in the city. The ambience in all the hotels of Hastings is welcoming and designed to give the tourists the ‘home away from
home’ feel. The chefs cater to taste buds that seek international cuisines and New Zealand specialities. The restaurants in Hastings, being in house, they function within the hotels, motels and inns
in Hastings. Complimented by the existent hospitality staff, the restaurants are known for excellent ambience and the ‘near home’ experience they offer. Most of the restaurants in Hastings are child
and handicap friendly, enabling everyone to have a time of their lives. The chefs cater to international cuisine, both oriental and occidental and also the delicious New Zealand cuisine. Depending on
the time of the year you visit Hastings, it is better to make prior reservations. The restaurants also cater to individual tastes and the range extends from gourmet fine dining options to quick
snacks.
Hotels and Lodging Options:
The hotels in Hastings, New Zealand, offer tourists all the modern amenities one could possibly ask for and all that money can buy. The warm and welcoming staff members and the best facilities within
the hospitality industry ensure that a trip to the beautiful city of Hastings is one that is memorable. They all offer in house restaurants, which has eliminated the need for individual set ups,
beyond the hotels. The services include:
• In house laundry service
• Twenty four hour room service and concierge
• Swimming pool, Jacuzzi and spa facilities
• Twenty four hour travel desk to take care of air and road transport ticketing and sight seeing
• Rent a car facilities
• Child and handicap friendly access areas
• Recreation centers
The rooms are available in single, double and suite occupancy and the tariffs are subject to change by the governing authorities. Nevertheless, Hastings is one of the few tourist hot spots that can
boast of accommodation options that offer real value for the money spent. Depending on your budget and with a little research online or at any of the offline travel agents, it is possible to put
together a package deal of either ‘bed and breakfast’ or ‘all meals inclusive’ or even ‘all meals exclusive’. This will add value to the holiday.
Some of the lodging options in Hastings include:
• The Cedar Lodge Motel at Mayfair.
• Town Lodge at Akina, Hawkes Bay, with an average tariff of $77.00.
• The Best Western Portmans Hotel (3 star), with an average tariff of $68.00, at Hawkes Bay.
• Camberley Court at Frimley.
• The Aparima, also at Frimley, Hawkes Bay.
• The Angus Inn, in Hastings proper.
• Apple Motor Inn
• Anvil Court, Mayfair.
• Hastings, Mayfair.
Outdoor Activities:
New Zealand is a popular tourist destination for the great outdoors and Hastings is no exception. You can indulge in adventure sports like bungee jumping, snorkelling, scuba diving and mountaineering,
sky diving or even wind surfing in Hastings. There are regular competitions held locally that have now become very popular internationally as well. Tourists from all over the world flock Hastings to
be a part of the fun filled local festivities during the competitions. The warm and accommodating nature of the locals and the fine weather of New Zealand, especially Hastings, ensures that your
holiday is an affair to remember! |
