When in Hastings make sure you have an Ice cream at Rush Munroes (on the main street away fromIf you want another the shopping center -towards the big roundabout with all the petrol stations). They have delicious home made ice cream!

Take  a trip up Te Mata peak - drive to the top or drive half way, park up and walk to the top (2 hour walk - end is hard).  There is a lookout at the top worth seeing.

If you are from the UK go to the Cat and Fiddle to see a kiwi take on the English pub scene. There are pleanty of wineries and special foody places to go. You can pick your own strawberries and get (another ice cream!) fresh strawberry ice cream on the road out to Havelock North. Near there is Prenzel - alcoholic spirits and treats.

Best places to eat: Vidals, and all the wineries that do food.

If you want another ice-cream  and a sugar fix, then go to The Summer Sweet Shop (next to the Birdwoods Gallery) on Middle Road, about 3km out of Havelock North where there is a very cute old fashioned sweet shop 'just like you remember' in a tiny little cottage with a lovely Grandmother who serves you!   It is well worth the visit.  There is also the gallery next door which is fascinating.    Just remember it is only open at weekends and seven days from school holidays through to Easter.