What to do and see in Hastings, North Island: The Best Nature & Parks

September 9, 2021 Kelli Reichel

Discover the best top things to do in Hastings, New Zealand including Funky Farm, Te Mata Peak, Hawkes Bay Farmyard Zoo, Pekapeka Wetlands, Ocean Beach, Cornwall Park, Pakowhai Country Dog Park, Waimarama Beach, Osmanthus Gardens, Puketapu Park.
Restaurants in Hastings

1. Funky Farm

236 SH 2, Mangateretere 4172 State Highway 2, Hastings 4172 New Zealand +64 6-878 2353 http://www.funkyfarm.co.nz/toy-library
Excellent
75%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 4 reviews

Funky Farm

Reviewed By Louise2153

We visited on recommendation and enjoyed watching our boys play with outside toys/cubby house and feeding animals. I sat on a lounge in the covered pergola shade feeding my baby. We could pat bunnies and fed the animals. Even the play zone was partially shaded. Kiosk sells animal food $1 and ice creams etc. Even had a toddler sized toilet. Thanks!

2. Te Mata Peak

Te Mata Peak Road, Hastings 4130 New Zealand
Excellent
76%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,684 reviews

Te Mata Peak

Reviewed By JMT_NZ - Auckland Central, New Zealand

Te Mata Peak is simply stunning. I've driven to the peak several times and it's a great experience to take in the wider Hawkes Bay. If you drive right to the top then it's suitable for people with impaired mobility although they need to be able to walk up a short steep gradient for the best views from the trig.

3. Hawkes Bay Farmyard Zoo

32 East Road, Hastings 4180 New Zealand +64 6-875 0244 http://www.farmyardzoo.co.nz/index.html
Excellent
55%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
5%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 113 reviews

Hawkes Bay Farmyard Zoo

Reviewed By ashlee423 - Rotorua, New Zealand

This place is great! We visited with our two year old. Lovely staff especially the lovely lady who was doing the pony rides, very friendly and patient. Our toddler absolutely loved riding Fanta! High light of her trip! Great variety of animals which you can tell they are all well looked after and cared for. Great little play ground and seating areas to enjoy a ice cream after looking/feeding the animals. The train is pretty neat too. Great place, great work guys!

4. Pekapeka Wetlands

State Highway 2, Hastings 4178 New Zealand
Excellent
50%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 52 reviews

Pekapeka Wetlands

Reviewed By cpcog - Wellington, New Zealand

Pekapeka Wetlands locates in SH2 so you would surely pass it if you drive between Wellington and Napier. It is a great point to stop in the way. Comparing to some other spots, it has a big sign and easy to find. It is not too big but nice enough for a walk. you can see quite a lot of birds other than the plants and wetlands. I must say it is more beautiful than I expected. If we had more time, I would explore more inside. Worth to stop there for a lovely walk if the weather is good!

5. Ocean Beach

Ocean Beach Road, Hastings New Zealand
Excellent
59%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 97 reviews

Ocean Beach

Reviewed By BexMay_12 - Wellington, New Zealand

Short drive from Havelock this beach is a must visit! Safe for swimming with life guards and very Long Beach great for having your own spot and a relax in the sun. Very clean beach. Dog LOVED IT

6. Cornwall Park

Roberts St, Hastings 4122 New Zealand http://www.hastingsdc.govt.nz/cornwall-park
Excellent
65%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 34 reviews

Cornwall Park

Reviewed By MacCru

A great variety of playground equipment set out in a thoughtful way for children of all ages to enjoy

7. Pakowhai Country Dog Park

1614 Pakowhai Road, Hastings 4172 New Zealand
Excellent
60%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 10 reviews

Pakowhai Country Dog Park

Reviewed By K1217 - Whakatane, New Zealand

This place is soo awesome!! Loads of space away from the busy roads, for the dogs to run free. Even better is the stream that runs through the middle where they can have a bit of a swim or play as well. This place is set up so well, lots of rubbish bins and poop bag dispensers. There are always lots of cars in the carpark, people exploring the place with and without dogs. Love it!

8. Waimarama Beach

Waimarama, Hastings New Zealand
Excellent
72%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 18 reviews

Waimarama Beach

Reviewed By KTC155

Don't hesitate to book a weekend away in this lovely, quiet and beautiful place. Heaven. The views, the beach and the community are all amazing and the distance from the main town makes for quick trips to places like Splash Planet and the shopping districts.

9. Osmanthus Gardens

Roberts Street, Hastings New Zealand http://www.hastingsdc.govt.nz/sections/parks-and-reserves
Excellent
67%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3 reviews

10. Puketapu Park

56 Dartmoor Road, Hastings 4186 New Zealand
Excellent
17%
Good
83%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 6 reviews

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