Tour this small coastal city, which is known for its array of art deco buildings, New Zealand’s oldest prison and high-quality wineries.
The charming town of Napier sits amongst the rolling hills of Hawke’s Bay on New Zealand’s North Island. The city was nearly levelled by an earthquake in 1931 and was rebuilt in an art deco style, gaining one of the largest collections of art deco buildings in the world. Admire the city’s beautiful architecture, discover its intriguing past and explore the surrounding wine region.
Napier’s best example of art deco architecture is the Municipal Theatre in the city centre. Explore its interior, which has a variety of odd-shaped colourful lamps. Take a guided tour through town to learn about the backstories of the buildings and their unique style. Otherwise, visit Napier in February to attend the popular Art Deco Weekend Summer Festival and enjoy picnics and gatherings throughout the city’s modern buildings.
If you would like to learn more about Napier’s fascinating history, visit the city’s museums and historic sites. Napier Prison is the oldest prison in New Zealand. Join a guided tour by night, when the ghosts of past prisoners are said to appear. The Hawke’s Bay Museum and Art Gallery feature artefacts from Napier’s first indigenous tribes, plus a large collection of local art.
Walk along Marine Parade. Lining this long promenade are fountain-crowned gardens alongside several miles of beach. Here you will find the National Aquarium of New Zealand, where you can view local marine life, such as stingrays and sharks. After your visit, sit at the terrace of a nearby café and look out over Hawke’s Bay.
The hills around Hawke’s Bay are home to several wineries, which produce some of the most popular wines in the country. Take a tasting tour through the beautiful countryside and enjoy some of the area’s finest vintages.
Located on the southeast coast of the North Island of New Zealand, Napier is about 457 kilometres (286 miles) from Auckland. Explore the rich Napier cityscape and enjoy the delights of Hawke’s Bay.
Top hotels in Napier
Estimated price for 1 night / 2 adults
Scenic Hotel Te Pania
4 out of 5
45 Marine Parade, Napier South, Napier
NZ$238
per night
Feb 16 - Feb 17
Situated by the ocean, this eco-friendly hotel is steps away from War Memorial Conference Center, Ocean Spa and Pania of the Reef. MTG Hawke's Bay Museum and ...…Situated by the ocean, this eco-friendly hotel is steps away from War Memorial Conference Center, Ocean Spa and Pania of the Reef. MTG Hawke's Bay Museum and ...WWW…
4.4/5Wonderful! (746 reviews)
"i like the gym and swim being just opposite. Central to other facilities. Napier is awesome anyway"…""i like the gym and swim being just opposite. Central to other facilities. Napier is awesome anyway"WWW…"
Situated near the beach in Napier, this aparthotel is close to Marine Parade, Nelson Park and National Aquarium of New Zealand. Also nearby are Opossum World ...…Situated near the beach in Napier, this aparthotel is close to Marine Parade, Nelson Park and National Aquarium of New Zealand. Also nearby are Opossum World ...WWW…
4.6/5Exceptional! (1,510 reviews)
"I had thought I booked for 4 people as that was what I had searched for and found the family room b when we checked out it was only booked for two people. Pretty disappointing"…""I had thought I booked for 4 people as that was what I had searched for and found the family room b when we checked out it was only booked for two people. Pretty disappointing"WWW…"
This family-friendly Napier hotel is located near the beach, within 1 mi (2 km) of National Tobacco Company Building, Napier Botanical Gardens and Pandora Pond. ...…This family-friendly Napier hotel is located near the beach, within 1 mi (2 km) of National Tobacco Company Building, Napier Botanical Gardens and Pandora Pond. ...WWW…
4.7/5Exceptional! (347 reviews)
"Walking distance to Beach and restaurants and Cafe's. On last night no kitchen cloth or dish cloth were replaced by the cleaner, neither were the cloth removed out of the shower after fresh ones were replaced on bathroom counter."…""Walking distance to Beach and restaurants and Cafe's. On last night no kitchen cloth or dish cloth were replaced by the cleaner, neither were the cloth removed out of the shower after fresh ones were replaced on bathroom counter."WWW…"
Step back into the 1930s in lovely, seaside Napier, exploring at your own pace as you follow the lead of a handy and informative audio-guide. Download your tour in advance, print out your maps, and then hit the streets to scope out the town's Art Deco atmosphere and architecture.
Napier Cruise Excursion - City Sights & Hawke's Bay Tour
NZ$110
The tour highlights will include various locations around Hawkes Bay, (Napier and Hastings Cities and beyond) you will hear the very unique story of the region from the early settlement to the 1931 earthquake, through to today’s Art Deco Cities.
Unlock the charms of Napier, the North Island city lauded for its striking Art Deco architecture, flourishing fruit orchards, and world-class vineyards. Your chauffeur driven tour can take you to the magnificent Vintage Car Showroom, or if you prefer you can visit two of the region's top wineries.
Itinerary Hike along Mohaka River to Te Puia Lodge (approx. 3hrs); set up at Lodge for night, walk on to Hot Pools and return same way or via Makino Trig and Hut if preferred. Fishing options along Mohaka River. Further Hot Pools at start of track.
Don't just take a tour of Napier - make it an experience to remember as you cruise the city streets in one of our period vintage and classic cars! This 90-minute tour of the city takes in all the Art Deco buildings you would expect to see, plus great sightseeing from the Bluff Hill Lookout, the historic fishing village of Ahuriri including the famous National Tobacco Company building and the Art Deco homes at Marewa.
Don't settle for a simple tour of Napier and the surrounding areas when you could enjoy an experience to remember in a stunning vintage or classic car. From the Art Deco City to the stunning scenery and world-class wine tastings … we customize every tour to your interests.
So beautiful city. The weather was awesome. And it's easy to access to the orchard and splash planet. The best place for kids.
4/5 - Good
Verified traveler
Jan 23, 2020
Small quiet town with friendly people and picturesque surroundings.
4/5 - Good
Verified traveler
Jan 23, 2020
Fantastic tour guide John was amazing. He took us to Te Mata point , cheese factory,wine tasting,lavender garden,chocolate factory etc was so beautiful. All explained so well without any rush.
