THE LEGEND OF TE MATA PEAK
According to Maori legend Te Mata hillscape is a sleeping giant, with the hill being the body of Maori Chief, Te Mata O Rongokako. Rongokako, a giant of a man, preyed upon the Heretaunga. The Heretaunga Chief's daughter was very beautiful and after seeing her, he decided to woo rather than make war. She set him many seemingly impossible tasks, which he accomplished until she told him to eat his way through the hill. The giant began to plough his way through the hill but choked on a large rock and dropped to the ground where he still lies today.
Hastings City - is known as the "fruit bowl" of New Zealand and is home to a multitude of orchards, wineries and beautifully landscaped parks and gardens which flourish in the Hawke's Bay climate. Hastings is a showcase for fine examples of Spanish Mission-style architecture, largely built after the 1931 Hawke's Bay earthquake. Hastings is an ideal base to explore and enjoy Hawke's Bay's wine country attractions. For the adrenalin junkie just take your pick. Paragliding, hot air ballooning, jet skiing, caving, mountain biking -
Waipukurau - From the beech-clad mountain slopes of the inland Ruahine Ranges to vast sandy beaches and trout-laden rivers, Central Hawke's Bay has it all.
For those in need of an active stay, you can enjoy a few holes on any of the six golf courses, experiencing the rural atmosphere. Wade through the region's many rivers in search of the brown trout, join a deep-sea fishing charter from one of the easily accessed beaches or take a walk through one of our native scenic bush reserves. Ascend the hill with the world's longest place name, Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipukakapikima
ungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu, go for the ride of your life on any of the mapped cycling routes or a four-wheel drive safari or take a flight in a 1936 de Havilland Tiger Moth - all must do's when visiting beautiful Central Hawke's Bay.
Click on the Map for accommodation in the area you require.
We have a fantastic selection of motels in the Hastings, Havelock North and Waipukurau areas.
Use the links at the top of the page for comprehensive details of quality accommodation and all the fun you could possibly experience in our region.
All businesses listed in this directory are members of MANZ - a national network of self contained motel apartments that provides a complete New Zealand accommodation package.
With over 900 members, MANZ is the largest national trade body in the motel industry in New Zealand.