Hastings Sights and Landmarks Guide, New Zealand

Since Hastings was just about totally destroyed during the earthquake in 1931, along with Napier, the city was rebuilt in the Art Deco style, which was popular during that time.  Hastings now has several great examples of this style.  One of these is the clock tower, which has the bells from the post office, which collapsed in the earthquake.  The bells chime every hour of the day.  Heretaunga Street, which is the main street for shopping, has most of the Art Deco architecture.  There are also art deco houses that are scattered throughout the town.

There are iconic Sheep located in the city center of Hastings, which have migrated across the city over time.  Hastings has also spent millions on redeveloping the central business district, which has turned out beautifully.  There are several main features, which include the new fountain in the city center, the hand outside the library on Karamu Road's south end, olive trees that are planted down Main Street's side, and art works as well.

There were a lot more major art works that were created at the Cicada Works, which include the fountain surrounded with the grills, the stage beside the Westpak bank, and the curved streetlights.  Other sights that are worth seeing in Hastings are the unique train tracks, which run through the central business district's middle; the apple trees when they are in blossom; and the Chinese Gardens, which are down Nelson Street.  The gardens are located in Cornwall Park and have a big fountain.  They celebrate the partnership of Hastings with Guilian City of China, its sister city.

One great landmark that you can't miss is Cape Kidnappers, which is a breathtaking sandstone headland in Hastings' east.  Captain Cook named it after the local Māori abducted one of the members of his crew.  It is home to the biggest and most accessible colonies of gannet in the world.  The reserve of 13 hectares includes the Black Reef and Saddle Reef colonies of gannet.  Both of these are closed to the public, but the Black Reef colony is viewable from the beach.  You can go to the gannet colony by several means, including kayak, a 4WD car, a tractor trailer, or on foot.

Pernel Fruitworld is a flavorful experience, with guided tours of orchards during any season.  From late November until May, you can experience the fruit of the trees, like pears, nectarines, apples, plums, apricots, peaches, and more.  There are actually 85 different fruit varieties to see.  Fruit tasting is also possible and you can discover some new and exciting flavors.