Whanau Explore Hastings on a Budget

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Created: Thu 4 Feb 2021, 07:36 pm

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Whānau - Explore Hastings on a Budget

Are you or your rangatahi looking for things to do that are either free or low-cost around Hastings? Check out some of the options below.

In the heart of the sunny Hawke’s Bay, Hastings is definitely one for the itinerary! While Napier, gets all the attention, Hastings is actually the most-inhabited city and you’ll definitely find a lot more cheap and free things to do in Hastings than in Napier! So, if you’re on a budget, definitely consider making Hastings your base! Did you know it’s the closest city to the main Hawke’s Bay natural attractions, while having a few priceless surprises that you’ll be glad to discover.

Visit Havelock North Village – FREE

The attractive village of Havelock North is only a 5-minute drive from Hastings! The green-filled streets are packed with boutiques shops, cafes and restaurants. Havelock North also hosts some spectacular markets, like the Growers’ Market at the Black Barn Vineyard every Saturday in summer, and the craft market in the centre of the village every first Saturday of the month.

Location: 5km (3 miles) east of Hastings down Havelock Road.

Whānau - Check Out the Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ Market

More things you or your rangatahi who are looking for things to do that are either free or low-cost around Hastings. Check out some of the options below.

Regarded as one of the best farmers’ markets in New Zealand, the Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ Market is a must-do! What’s more, it’s a cheap activity with lots of free tastings, live entertainment and lots of local goods to browse. It’s definitely a place you can afford to treat yourself here and there. Check it out every Sunday 8.30am to 12.30pm.

Location: Hastings Showgrounds.

Cycle the Hawke’s Bay Cycle Trails

Of course, this is only a free activity if you have your own bike, but for those of you that do, you’ve hit jackpot with the wealth of cycle trails in the Hawke’s Bay region! See parts of the Hastings district that you would never get to experience by car, whether it’s to check out some of the most stunning scenery in the area. Get a full guide to cycling in Hawke’s Bay and Hastings in our Mountain Biking in Hawke’s Bay.

Location: All around Hastings. Pick up a cycle map from the local information centres.

Go On a Self-guided Spanish Mission & Art Deco Tour – FREE

That’s right, Napier might be taking the limelight when it comes to Art Deco architecture, but did you know that Hastings actually has more of these buildings in its city centre? Pick up a self-guided walks brochure from the Hastings information centre and follow the trail to some of the Art Deco, Spanish Mission and Stripped Classical architecture around the city.

Location: Hastings city centre.

Go to the Hastings City Night Market – FREE

If you can’t make it to one of the other markets we’ve mentioned already, Hastings is full of them, including the Hastings City Night Market. Held every Thursday between 5pm and 9pm, the vibrant night market is alive with musicians and street performers among rows and rows of fresh produce stalls, artisan stalls, art stalls and amazing ethnic street food.

Location: 100 Heretaunga Street West.

Stroll Around Frimley Park – FREE

Hastings has a number of parks to enjoy, whether you want to go somewhere pretty for a stroll, find somewhere outside to hang out, or somewhere to get some exercise. Frimley Park is an excellent choice with its interesting English style with its collection of over 5,500 roses.

Location: Frimley Park, Frimley.

Check Out Cornwall Park – FREE

Speaking of parks, another one to spend some time in is Cornwall Park! Cornwall Park is the oldest park in Hastings, gifted in 1901, and a special feature of the garden is the Osmanthus Garden named from the Osmanthus family of plants. You’ll find strong-scented shrubs planted throughout the garden.

Location: Cornwall Park, Roberts Street.

Hop On the Keirunga Park Railway – CHEAP

Whether you’re travelling with kids or just a plain old train enthusiast, don’t miss the Keirunga Park Railway! Jump on board the miniature carriages pulled by a miniature steam locomotive and travel the hillsides of the Keirunga Gardens in Havelock North. Rides are only around NZ$2 per person, so this activity definitely earns its place on this list of free and cheap things to do in Hastings!

Location: 7km (4 miles) southeast of Hastings. Keirunga Gardens, Havelock North.

Taste Honey and Learn About the Honeybee at the Arataki Honey Visitor Centre – FREE

If you have shopped in any New Zealand supermarket, then no doubt you will have seen Arataki Honey on the shelves! The Arataki Honey Visitor Centre is a great way to learn about the largest beekeeping operation in the Southern Hemisphere, with interactive displays suitable for both children and adults. See hives on display, watch a Bee Movie, and taste a wide selection of Arataki Honeys. What’s more, the Visitor Centre is free.

Location: 8km (5 miles) southeast of Hastings. Arataki Road near Havelock North.

Pet the Animals at the Hawke’s Bay Farmyard Zoo – CHEAP

Hawke’s Bay is packed with activities for kids, and a highlight that’s kind on the wallet too is the Hawke’s Bay Farmyard Zoo. Say hi to a huge selection of farm animals, feed the animals and even take the kids on a pony ride. There are playground and barbecue areas to relax after all the excitement.

Location: 13km (8 miles) east of Hastings. East Road, Haumoana.

Take a Trip to Napier – FREE

When you’ve done all the cheap and free things to do in Hastings, it’s time to hit Napier just a 20-minute drive north or a quick bus trip on the InterCity. There are even bus services running between the two cities to keep the costs to a minimum. Once you’re in Napier, check out a whole host of free things to do there in our list of 11 Free or Cheap Things to Do in Napier.

Location: 21km (13 miles) north of Hastings via State Highway 2.

Visit the Hastings City Art Gallery – FREE

To get your dose of art and culture, visit the Hastings City Art Gallery in Hastings city centre. The free-entry art gallery has ever-changing exhibitions from both local and international artists.

Location: Nelson Street.

Watch a Movie at the Focal Point Cinema – CHEAP

Probably the best-looking cinema building in New Zealand, the Focal Point Cinema shows mainstream movies in a boutique cinema setting. Choose something yummy from their cinema cafe and sit down to a movie for a cheap thing to do in Hastings. Cinema tickets are around NZ$13 per adult.

Location: 126 Heretaunga Street East.

More About Free and/ or Cheap Things to Do in Hastings

Toitoi - Hawke's Bay Arts & Events Centre

101 Hastings Street South, Hastings, Hastings

https://www.toitoivenues.co.nz/

Website:

Toitoi - Hawke's Bay Arts & Events Centre vision is to be the most vibrant and significant arts, culture and events facility in New Zealand. The Centre has a wide range of spaces on offer for events of any size. Located in Hastings CBD, it is situated for both convenience and accessibility.

With the historic Opera House at its heart, Toitoi offers a unique blend of awe-inspiring heritage architecture and modern technology. It truly is a venue unlike any other in Aotearoa.

Our focus on being a next generation venue means we provide diverse programmes which are accessible to a wide range of audiences. We are both a home and a host for our local and wider Aotearoa community, while also being thought leaders and enablers.

We are committed to honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi and weave te ao Māori throughout our business. We strive to create new knowledge in our community which enhances cultural awareness, expression and understanding.

Toitoi is also a learning environment through which we facilitate employment pathways for our Hawke’s Bay community.