Where to Stay in Hastings, New Zealand

This huge studio, located at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac in a suburb west of Napier, sleeps three. Travelling with your pet? Host Lisa welcomes canine guests too, and can provide a kennel and water bowl. Aside from the barbecue, kitchen facilities are limited – but that’s not an issue with nearby Hastings and Havelock North, both great foodie destinations. Here for the wine? Mission Estate Winery, the oldest winery in New Zealand, is worth a visit.

Warm and chatty hosts Tony and Maria will make you feel especially welcome in their hilltop home, which has killer views of Hawke’s Bay. There are four double rooms from which to choose, and you’ll have access to a shared common room, sauna and huge terrace. The airport is close by – ask about the free shuttle service – and the art deco capital of the southern hemisphere, Napier, is a 20-minute drive south.

Hastings, Napier and a pebbled stretch of Hawke’s Bay coastline are all within easy reach of this romantic rural retreat. Drop your bags in your room or chalet (the latter have private hot tubs) and wander the 4ha (10-acre) grounds, where you’ll find a pool, tennis court, fruit trees and roaming alpacas. Don’t miss an afternoon spent hopping between local vineyards – dinner at Elephant Hill winery is a real treat.

These two light-filled villas sleep four guests each and are set within expertly manicured gardens. Friendly hosts Hugh and Jane have plenty of insider tips on what to do – but if you prefer to wing it, just go for a wander or drive to stumble upon the bounty of vineyards, farm-to-table restaurants and charming towns in Hawke’s Bay.

Rubbing shoulders with the coolest cafes and bars in Havelock North, this central hotel with sleek, light-filled rooms and a large terrace bar is a no-brainer for discerning foodies. True oenophiles don’t want to miss a wine tasting at Smith & Sheth in the courtyard, just behind the hotel – opt for a sommelier-led private experience or a cellar door sampling followed by a grazing plate.

Looking to counteract all that delicious Hawke’s Bay food and wine with a little exercise? Check into Mangapapa, on the outskirts of Hastings, where you’ll get the best of both worlds. Start your day with a spot of tennis or swimming, followed by a yoga class among the orchards, then jump on a hotel bike to hop between nearby vineyards – the historic cellar door of Te Mata Estate is an essential pitstop.

The bright and airy rooms at Te Pania have floor-to-ceiling windows, highlighting those Pacific Ocean views. The crescent-shaped hotel hugs Marine Parade in Napier – explore the waterfront, taking in sights such as the Pania of the Reef sculpture (dedicated to a local Maori legend) and the MTG, a popular space featuring exhibits on Kiwi culture, history and art.

Like most of the much-loved Napier architecture, this historic hotel was rebuilt in the art deco style after the Hawke’s Bay earthquake of 1931. Twenty years later, Queen Elizabeth II herself checked in during her 1953 coronation tour – you can book the royal suite to see where she stayed. Don’t miss a guided tour with the Art Deco Trust to learn more about the history of the city.

Clustered around a rose-filled courtyard garden, these three open-plan cottages feel private and homely, thanks to the abundant breakfast treats supplied by hosts Rachel and Tony (and their chickens). Hungry? Fire up the barbecue, throw some dough in the pizza oven or head into Havelock North for dinner – the baja fish tacos at Deliciosa are dreamy. Thirsty? Borrow an ebike and cycle to Elephant Hill, one of the best wineries in Hawke’s Bay.

With a central location, impressive art deco facade and 47 bright, comfortable studios and apartments (many of which come with high ceilings and balconies), it’s hard to go wrong with a stay at Quest. Take in the striking street art occupying the entire rear wall – it’s one of 50 murals around the city raising awareness of the threats facing our oceans.