Ice attraction: Hastings' new winter wonderland

A total of 170 people took to the ice in the first two days of opening on Heretaunga Street. Photo / Paul Taylor

About 170 people got their skates on at Hastings' new winter wonderland this week.

A temporary ice rink, set up by Hastings City Business Association (HCBA) general, opened to the public on Wednesday and will run until July 10.

The skaters hit the rink in the opening 48 hours, with numbers expected to grow during the school holidays.

Cassia Rosvall enjoying herself on the ice rink set up by Hastings City Business Association. Photo / Paul Taylor

HCBA general manager Anita Alder said the ice rink in Heretaunga St forms part of a wider campaign to encourage people to explore the businesses within the city centre.

"The ice rink is part of the broader 'Who's Hastings' campaign," she said.

"With school holidays kicking off and the weather improving, we will likely see the number grow. We can have 640 skaters a day and we hope to reach that number."

The artificial ice rink, which has 97 per cent the same gliding capacity as natural ice, will be running from 9am until 5pm, Sunday to Thursday, and 12pm to 8pm on Friday and Saturdays.

The temporary the ice on Heretaunga Street will run until July 10. Photo / Paul Taylor

Adult tickets cost $10, with children under the age of 15 able to go for $5. Family passes are $20.

"The exact area was chosen to encourage the community back into the heart of our beautiful CBD, to enjoy all it has to offer," Alder said.

"There's so much for people to see and do here."