Hastings

Orchards and market gardens surround Hastings, a city of parks and gardens on the Heretaunga Plains. Often called "the fruit bowl of New Zealand," it is renowned for its productive orchards apple, peach, pear, plum, nectarine, and other fruits. Though food processing factories can and freeze most of the harvest, farmers still sell produce directly to the public at roadside stalls.

The tourist information office faces Russell Street North a half block from the post office. Ask for a scenic drive folder routing motorists to the area's highlights.

Bagpipes herald the Highland Games in Hastings on Easter weekend. National and provincial champions meet here to compete in piping, drumming, dancing, and athletic events.

Parks. The city's best known landmark is Fantasyland, a community playground for the young at heart in Windsor Park, east of the business district. Built around a fanciful storybook castle, the imaginative play equipment depicts children's storybook characters. A train chugs around the playground, and rental boats bob on the lake.

Cornwall Park is noted for its trees, superb formal flower gardens, and small aviary. In Frimley Park, you can picnic beneath rare trees, enjoy the rose gardens, and swim in the nearby aquatic center. A mile long canopy of oak trees, especially lovely in autumn, graces Oak Avenue, northwest of the city off Omahu Road.

Havelock North. This choice residential area spreads along hilly slopes southeast of Hastings.

For the finest view of the Hawke's Bay district, follow Te Mata Peak Road 6 km/4 miles up to the mountain's summit. Your view extends over the region's orchards, gardens, vineyards, rivers, towns, and coast. Before leaving the peak, amble down one of the wooded nature trails in Te Mata Park.