By road
Although most tours choose to go from Taupo directly to Palmerston North taking 3.45 they avoid travelling through Hawkes Bay 4hrs for the same trip. Good tours would include Hawkes Bay. Because it is in the middle of the North Island Hastings is close to many towns -
2hrs from Taupo on State Highway 5
3hrs from Taihape across the Taihape Road
15min from Napier on State Highway 2
1.40 from Palmerston North on State Highway 2
1.50 from Wairoa on State Highway 2
3.5hrs 3, and one half 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.Also, if coming from the south, continue up the road through PakiPaki and continue north and you will enter Hastings at Eastbourne Street, 300m from the town centre
If travelling south from Napier a very scenic route to Hastings goes like this, Drive along Napiers marine parade characterised by rows of Norfolk pines past Awatoto with the gravel works and continue on the main road. You will get to Hastings after 20 minutes' driving.
By bus
National bus operator InterCity Coachlines (http://intercity.co.nz) and Newmans Coach Lines (http://newmanscoach.co.nz) provide daily services in and out of Hastings with connections throughout the North Island. Fares 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 Street, opposite Subway,
By plane
Napier Airport
is the closest airport to Hastings. It only receives domestic flights, but from any location in New Zealand. It is almost always open. Hastings is a 20-minute 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 Hawkes Bay consult 'do'