You don’t always get the chance to return to places you’ve travelled to before. So it’s good to take stock, when you’re there… take in the moment. And then, sometimes, luck’s with you, bringing the chance to revisit places you’ve been before. Offering a chance to reflect, on all that has changed and on all that remains the same.
And so it was in Hastings
Hastings, in New Zealand’s North Island, provides an urban beat to a famous New Zealand fruit bowl region - the agricultural Hastings district, part of the gorgeous sunny Hawke’s Bay.
It’s telling that New Zealand’s volcanic history surrounds this spot with fertile plains - and so grows plentifully much wonderful food. The net result… a fine selection of excellent New Zealand food producers and eateries, with doors open for fortunate travellers and locals. Hastings boasts stunning bakers and specialty bread makers, chocolatiers, butchers and small goods producers, delis, ice cream parlours and gardens, preserves makers, orchard stalls, and a range of excellent cafes and eateries.
Some have well formed roots - like New Zealand’s longest standing ice cream maker, no less. It’s been churning out perfection since 1926 (and we’d have to recommend the lemon and gin). And it’s also here where you’ll find one of the country’s longest running weekly farmers’ markets. This one’s a seriously popular spot on a Sunday morning, and with good reason. There’s no difficulty getting lunch, dinner and more besides, beautiful seasonal produce, herbs, fruit, meat, fish, bread, cakes, oil, wine, cider, juices, preserves, cheeses, coffee, more… In fact, there’s almost nothing you won’t find here.
A spot on Cupple
And some with more recent histories, or recent changes. And some new finds for us too, since The FoodPath NZ team last visited.
On this autumn day, it was the radiant yellow of Cupple’s glowing sign that drew us in, like bees to honey. A slick and stylish spot, with a real bonus. Ya Bon, the French baker, right alongside… so there you are, staring through the glass internal window over the morning coffee and pastry, watching all that hard dough work going on next door - and eating some of it meantime. What an excellent couple. And an excellent way to start a day of travels, inspired by the effort that’s gone into the authentic breads and pastries that have been your breakfast.
So a thank you to Hastings. Come hungry, and leave replete. And with much to enjoy ahead of you… cycle trails, stunning walks, vineyards and wineries, art deco appreciation… all on your doorstep.
And here’s an idea (or three)…
There’s much good food in Hastings, and so many simple things to assemble for anytime meals after a day on the go in this fabulous region.
Here’s some of things we were inspired to return to, back at base, with some of Hastings finest… click here to find our bacon butty idea, or our blue cheese and berry salad idea, and here to find our ice cream sandwich idea… Here’s to more happy memories of Hastings.
Your road trip companion….
To find more on The FoodPath NZ’s handpicked eateries and food producers, for our collection of spot on New Zealand food moments, including in Hastings, download The FoodPath NZ’s app here.