Hastings (New Zealand)

Hastings is a city in Hawke's Bay, on the east coast of the North Island of New Zealand. It is the largest populous area in Hawke's Bay. Napier follows closely after. It was heavily damaged in the 1931 Napier earthquake, but because there were no fires much of it survived and is still visible in the city's downtown architecture. This contributed to the damage it did suffer makes Hastings the 'jewel' in the crown of the 'Napier' earthquake. This is mixed with Art Deco. Hastings has in the past been known has being an unattractive place to visit, but with the council's push for central business neighborhood redevelopment the city is returning to its previous splendour. It is the food-producing capital of New Zealand and has many different types of food. Its cuisine is unrivalled anywhere else. It also receives 2200 hours of sunshine a year, making it one of the sunniest places in New Zealand.

Demonstration for Palestine and Gaza in Hastings

Dear Supporters of the Palestinian Cause in Hastings,

We are excited to announce a peaceful demonstration in support of the People of Palestine, set to take place in Hastings over the next three days. This event is an opportunity for us to come together and raise our voices and the Palestinian Flag for a just and peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.

We want to emphasize that this demonstration is intended to be a peaceful and respectful gathering. Our goal is to show solidarity with the people of Palestine and call for a peaceful solution to the conflict. It is crucial that we maintain a peaceful and respectful atmosphere throughout the event.

Important Guidelines:

To ensure the success of our demonstration and to maintain a peaceful environment, we kindly ask all participants to adhere to the following guidelines:

Peaceful Protest: This is a non-violent demonstration. We do not condone any form of violence or vandalism.

Respect for Law Enforcement: Please treat law enforcement officers in Hastings with respect and follow their instructions. Do not engage in confrontations with them.

Leave No Trace: Dispose of any trash responsibly and leave the demonstration area clean.

Thank you for your commitment to our peaceful demonstration in Hastings, and let us stand together for a better future for all.

In solidarity, eHalal Hastings

Hastings Halal Travel Guide

Hastings is a pleasant sun-drenched town in Hawke's Bay. It is in constant rivalry with Napier as Napier receives all the tourist attention. The information centre will provide bookings and advice on anything in Hastings. It can be found on the junction of Russell and Heretaunga Street East, opposite the fountain with the train track running through it. It is in the Gulf countriesermans building and can be called on (06)873 0080. (06) is the calling code for toll calls from outside Hastings.

Hastings District Council governs a large part of Hawke's Bay south of the Wairoa neighborhood and north of the Central Hawke's Bay neighborhood. Close to the main urban area of Hastings is Havelock North, a trendy fast-growing village on the foothills of Te Mata peak, and Flaxmere, a satellite suburb. Clive, Bridge Pa and Whakatu are smaller satellite settlements.

Travel to Hastings

By car

2 hrs from Taupo on State Highway 5
3 hrs from Taihape across the Taihape Road
15 min from Napier on State Highway 2
1.40 from Palmerston North on State Highway 2
1.50 from Wairoa on State Highway 2
3.5 hours from Wellington
State Highway 2 passes through Hastings at Omahu Road. On the way to Napier from Wellington follow the signs and turn right at the massive roundabout.
Alternatively, if coming from the south, continue northwards up the road through Pakipaki and you will enter Hastings at Eastbourne Street, 300m from the town centre
If travelling south from Napier, a very scenic route is Napier's Marine Parade (characterised by rows of Norfolk pines) past Awatoto with the gravel works and continue on the primary street. You will get to Hastings after 20 minutes' driving.

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Hastings

Hawke's Bay Airport is at Napier. It only receives domestic flights, but from many locations in New Zealand. It is almost always open. Hastings is a 20-minutes drive south on State Highway 2B.
Hastings also has the Bridge Pa aerodrome which has a runway capable of landing an Hercules, although no commercial aircraft operate from there. For further information contact: HB & East Coast Aero Club Bridge Pa Aerodrome, Hastings, ph 06 879 8466. If you are interested in aerial activities over Hawke's Bay consult 'do'

Travel on a Bus in Hastings

National bus operator InterCity provides daily services in and out of Hastings with connections throughout the North Island. Rates start from just $1 and can be purchased online or via numerous local ticketing agents including the i-SITE information network. Services arrive and depart from the main Bus Shelter at 117 Russell St, opposite Subway,

How to get around in Hastings

Hastings is very flat, dry and not very windy, so muscle power is an excellent way to get around.

The Hastings CBD is very safe at daytime so walking around it is the best option
Cycling around Hastings and its environment is an excellent way to enjoy Hastings
The traffic is always good, so for places a bit further away driving is an option.

What to see in Hastings

Because Hastings was destroyed in the 1931 Napier earthquake along with Napier it was rebuilt in the stunning Art Deco style popular at the time. The town contains several excellent examples of this

The clock tower that contains the bells from the post office that collapsed during the quake. It chimes every hour on the hour
The main shopping street, Heretaunga Street, contains the bulk of the Art Deco architecture, so if your an enthusiast you can go past a walk down Heretaunga Street
The occasional art deco house scattered around town.

Located in the centre of the city are Hastings' iconic Sheep. These sheep have, over time, migrated around the city, currently they are checking out the clock, as seen to the right.

Hastings has also had millions spent of redeveloping the CBD (central business neighborhood) so looks beautiful. Several major features are:

The new centre city fountain
The hand at the south end of Karamu Road outside the library
Olive trees planted along Heretaunga
Art works

Many more significant art works were designed at the local Cicada Works cooperative workshop at Whakatu

The grills around the fountain
The performing stage beside Westpac bank
The curved streetlights

Other things to see in Hastings include:

The unique train track that runs through the middle of the CBD
The apple trees in blossom
Hastings picks up the Hawke's Bay channel. Its channel 51. It can be a bit hard to receive clearly but with enough jiggering a set of bunny ear aerials will pick it up.
The Chinese gardens down Nelson Street are very nice. They can be found in Cornwall park with its large fountain. The gardens celebrate Hastings' partnership with its sister city, Guilian City in China

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Hastings

Splash Planet - Grove Road -39.644041, 176.863649 ☎ +64 6 873 8033 - Splash Planet Sky Castle, Splash Planet, Hastings A water theme park that offers 'A whole day's fun'. It is set in a park-like setting and has many non-aquatic activities for those who don't like swimming. Splash Planet's 'logo' is a planet-like ball with a 'water' comet whizzing around it on the brown signs scattered throughout Hastings on the lamp-posts. Follow where those signs point. Splash Planet is well worth the effort for your kids. If you get lost, you should pull over and any friendly local will point the way for you! It can be found by travelling on Karamu Road until you reach a set of traffic lights with a vehicle dealer on the junction. Turn to go down the side with the vehicle dealer on it, or follow the small brown signs posted on lamp posts. Following Grove Road (toward Karamu High School) and you can't miss it on the right.

Tours

Odyssey New Zealand, 219 Kenilworth Road, ph 0508 ODYSSEY

Long Island Tours, 20 Reynolds Road, Havelock North, ph +64 6 877 0977. Offers different types of tours for every taste, or type.

Beaches and rivers

Hawke's Bay's natural abundance is recognized by the regional council's logo: each ‘finger’ represents one of the 5 main rivers. It also has several golden sand beaches. These beaches and rivers are listed from north to south

Clive River is popular for its water sports including jet boating, kayaking and waka (Maori canoe) rides. No motorized craft are allowed further up the river than the bridge.
The Tukituki River is considered a safe place to take the kids swimming. The favourite spot is ‘Undercliff’ near Havelock North. It is within a 25min cycle ride from Hastings downtown.
Haumoana beach has a lovely little seaside settlement. It is generally regarded as an unsafe place to swim, due to dangerous undertows from the many rivers that pour into the bay.
Te Awanga is another lovely beach settlement - but again, no swimming.
Clifton. The base from which to explore the Cape Kidnappers mainland gannet colony. It is largest mainland gannet colony in the world and has over 50,000 birds. It is important to check the tides before walking out there as the tide comes up to the cliffs, leaving you to be washed out to sea. There is a café that serves Rush Munroe’s ice cream and other café food. You can book tractor rides out to the gannet colony in the main part of town and there is always room at the Clifton motor camp for another camper van. It is in places not safe to swim at.
Ocean Beach is Hawke's Bay's premier beach. During the summer months (Nov–Feb) it has hundreds of beachgoers. Golden sand stretches for 10km in either direction from Reneika Point down to Waimarama beach. The sand is compact and even the heaviest 4x4 will have no trouble driving on it. It is a remarkably safe beach for swimming, but the current will carry you down the beach a little. During the busiest months and there are lifeguards who patrol a short stretch of beach near the settlement. There are no shops so you need to bring your own food. Ocean Beach will remain unspoiled for the foreseeable future; a recent plan to develop it with a large holiday resort was stopped thanks to local resistance.
Waimarama Beach is another sandy beach, spectacular as Ocean Beach, but the citizens of the settlement still call it home. It is a very popular New Year's party beach, so if you go there on New Year's Eve, expect hundreds of drunken teenagers. It is safe to swim at. The island you can see is called ‘Bare Island’ because there is virtually no vegetation on it. It has a New Zealand fur seal colony on the side not visible from the beach. Waimarama has a store for supplies and takeaways.
Kairakau Beach has a small settlement. It is a long way out from the next nearest settlement, Elsthorpe.

Other

Te Mata peak offers outdoor activities. Cycling is an option with many cycle paths and the 30 minutes walk to the massive redwoods is well worth it.
The A&P show at the Hawke's Bay show grounds on October 18
Pernel Fruitworld 1412 Pakowhai Road ☎ +64 6 878 3383 Opening Hours: Daily 9am-4pm; tour times vary seasonally Runs hour-long tours of their orchard, which grows 85 varieties of pip and stone fruit, and educates visitors about how fruit is grown around Hastings. Has historical displays, a cafe and a souvenir shop, as well as the fruit shop selling their produce.

There are hot pools in the Kaweka Ranges somewhere in the vicinity of Sherenden, partway between Hastings and Taihape. Ask at the Information centre (corner of Heretaunga and Russell streets) for directions.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Hastings

Hastings has wonderful shopping, and what cannot be found in the city can usually be found after a short trip into the environs. For example, up market clothing and boutique stores can be found in Havelock North, while industrial good are found down the infamous Omahu Road (which is a continuation of Heretaunga Street)
Hastings has the longest strip of retail stores in New Zealand. This strip reaches from Warren street in the east through to Jarvis road in the west. It offers anything for sale from greenstone items through to tractors and fastfood and vehicle parts. This strip is situated on Heretaunga Street, although it changes names several times along its length. You can buy almost anything you are looking for here.

The Little Red Book Shop 205 Heretaunga Street East, Hastings CBD -39.6433, 176.8444 a block away from the Hastings Information Centre ☎ +64 6 878 8188 Opening Hours: 10AM - 4.30PM Stocks a full range of the best quality second-hand books including non-fiction, quality literature and classics. Specialising in vintage children's books. A delightful treat for bibliophiles.

Masjids in Hastings

Hawkes Bay Baitul Mokarram Masjid & Islamic Center Trust: A Welcoming Community Hub in Hastings, NZ The Hawkes Bay Baitul Mokarram Masjid & Islamic Center Trust in Hastings, New Zealand, is a cornerstone of the local Muslim community. Located at 718 Heretaunga Street East, Parkvale, this mosque is not just a place of worship but also a vibrant center for cultural and community activities. With a high rating of 4.8 stars from 42 reviews, it is well-regarded for its warm and inclusive atmosphere.

Overview
This Islamic Center offers a space for spiritual growth, communal prayer, and educational activities. It serves the needs of the Muslim population in the region, providing facilities for daily prayers, Jumu'ah (Friday) prayers, and various religious events. The mosque is easily accessible and centrally located, making it a convenient gathering place for worshippers.

Community Engagement
The center is known for its welcoming environment, especially towards newcomers and those curious about Islam. Reviews often highlight the kindness and hospitality of the members, with one visitor noting, "Very welcoming. If you're curious about Islam, I would highly recommend." Another review recounts how the community provided support and comfort to a distressed visitor, exemplifying the mosque's role as a compassionate and supportive community hub.

Services and Facilities
The mosque also offers additional services, such as educational programs, religious counseling, and community outreach initiatives. These programs are designed to foster a sense of unity and support among the Muslim community while also engaging with the wider Hastings community.

The Hawkes Bay Baitul Mokarram Masjid & Islamic Center Trust is more than just a place of worship; it is a symbol of faith, community, and cultural exchange in Hastings, New Zealand. Whether you are a local Muslim or a visitor interested in learning more about Islam, this mosque provides a welcoming and enriching experience.

Halal Restaurants in Hastings

Hastings, New Zealand, offers a delightful array of Halal food options, particularly for those who appreciate Turkish cuisine. This charming city on the North Island has become a hub for authentic and delicious Halal dining experiences. Here are three standout Halal eateries in Hastings that you won't want to miss.

Anatolia Turkish Restaurant
Located at 111 Heretaunga Street East, Anatolia Turkish Restaurant is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. With a 4.5-star rating from 324 reviews, this restaurant is celebrated for its mouthwatering Turkish dishes, including kebabs, wraps, and salads. The warm and inviting atmosphere makes it perfect for both dine-in and takeaway. Open until 9 PM, Anatolia Turkish Restaurant offers a genuine taste of Turkey with a focus on fresh ingredients and traditional flavors.

Cafe Turkuaz
Cafe Turkuaz, situated at 701 Heretaunga Street West, is another top-rated Halal option in Hastings. This cozy cafe, with a 4.5-star rating from 137 reviews, provides a more intimate dining experience with an emphasis on Turkish hospitality. The menu features a range of classic dishes like baklava, pide, and doner kebabs, all prepared with care and authenticity. Whether you're stopping in for a quick meal or a leisurely dinner, Cafe Turkuaz offers dine-in and takeaway options to suit your needs. The cafe is open until 9 PM, making it a great spot for an evening meal.

Cafe Anatolia Hastings
At 601 Karamu Road North, you'll find Cafe Anatolia Hastings, a popular choice for Halal food lovers. With a 4.1-star rating from 348 reviews, this restaurant is known for its generous portions and flavorful dishes. The menu offers a wide selection of Turkish delights, from lamb kebabs to falafel wraps, all served in a casual and friendly setting. Cafe Anatolia Hastings is open until 9 PM and provides options for dine-in, takeaway, and delivery, making it convenient for any dining preference.

For those seeking Halal food in Hastings, New Zealand, these three Turkish restaurants provide an authentic taste of the Middle East. Whether you're in the mood for a quick takeaway or a relaxed dine-in experience, Anatolia Turkish Restaurant, Cafe Turkuaz, and Cafe Anatolia Hastings offer delicious, Halal-certified meals that cater to both the local community and visitors. Enjoy a culinary journey that brings the flavors of Turkey to the heart of Hastings.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Hastings

Hastings - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Hastings, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Hastings. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Hastings and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Hastings. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Hastings. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Hastings: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Hastings.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Hastings: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Hastings, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Hastings.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Hastings, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Hastings, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Hastings and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Hastings, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Hastings, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Hastings without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Hastings is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Hastings.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Hastings is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Hastings, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Hastings Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Hastings

eHalal Group Hastings is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Hastings. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Hastings.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Hastings ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Hastings. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Hastings, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Hastings are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly hotels in Hastings

Hastings has lots of lodging and motels. There are no upscale large chains operating in Hastings (i.e. The Hilton), but Hastings now has one international hotel and the Comfort Inn. Hastings does not use this as an excuse to be unwelcoming though and the range of independent small hotel operators are more welcoming and pleasant than one would expect from a large chain anyway. They offer a wide variety of lodging experiences that can enhance your trip to Hastings. This is the best way to enjoy the Hastings atmosphere, as it immerses you in the rich culture of the people.

News & References Hastings

Explore more Halal friendly Destinations from Hastings

Hastings can be a base to explore the rest of Hawke's Bay. The city of Napier is close by and a trip to see the gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers is an experience. For trendy shopping try Havelock North. Also try biking, hiking or driving to the top of Te Mata peak with stunning views all around the bay and to the central plateau and then hike, bike or hang-glide down the hill. Head south to Waipukurau.