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.
