Napier (Hawke's Bay)

Written by Callum Taylor, Camille Laurent, Marika Maslanka
25/08/2025
Taken from the walkway between Brewster Street and Onslow Road. Ah, the blue sky, blue Pacific and attractive buildings of Napier.
Robyn Gallagher from Auckland, New Zealand, Wikimedia Commons

Napier (Hawke's Bay) is a unique coastal city in New Zealand, celebrated globally for its distinctive Art Deco architecture and its position as a prominent wine region. It offers a blend of cultural immersion, scenic beauty, and gastronomic experiences for its visitors.

Tourists can find social opportunities along Marine Parade, which features numerous cafes, bars, and restaurants, ideal for enjoying the coastal atmosphere. The central business district (CBD) also provides a vibrant setting with various eateries and boutiques, while specific hostels offer communal spaces for backpackers to connect.

Top 5 Things to do in Napier (Hawke's Bay)

Activities in Napier revolve around its distinctive architecture, renowned wine industry, diverse wildlife, and vibrant local markets.

1. Art Deco Walking Tour

Napier stands globally for its unique Art Deco architecture, a style adopted as the city rebuilt following a major earthquake in 1931. Exploring the city's streets offers a compelling journey through its history and the vibrant character of these well-preserved buildings. A guided tour provides expert insights and historical anecdotes, enhancing understanding of this pivotal period. Alternatively, a self-guided option allows for leisurely exploration at one's own pace, appreciating the intricate details of each facade.

Cost: A self-guided walk is free with a complementary leaflet available from the i-Site or the Art Deco Trust shop. A more comprehensive downloadable or physical booklet can be purchased for approximately $20 NZD. Guided walking tours, offered by the Art Deco Trust, start from $31.00 NZD per person for a 1-1.5 hour experience. For a unique immersion, a vintage car tour in a Packard car is available from $270 NZD for four people for a 1.5-hour private tour.

Transport: Most Art Deco buildings are centrally located within Napier city, making them easily accessible by foot. Guided tours typically commence from the Art Deco Centre at 7 Tennyson Street. Vintage car tours often include hotel pickup from central Napier.

2. Hawke's Bay Wine Tour

The Hawke's Bay region is New Zealand's oldest and second-largest wine-producing area, celebrated for its exceptional red varieties such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah, alongside fine Chardonnays. A wine tour provides an opportunity to visit several vineyards, sample a range of exquisite wines, and gain knowledge about the local viticulture. Many wineries also feature acclaimed restaurants, offering a complete culinary journey. For those seeking an active experience, self-guided cycling tours through the vineyards are a popular choice.

Cost: Guided wine tours vary in price based on duration, inclusions like lunch or a cheese platter, and the number of wineries visited. Half-day tours typically range from $165 - $189 NZD per person, which often covers tasting fees and hotel transfers. For a self-guided cycling tour, bike hire is separate, with some options providing a route and winery suggestions starting from around $70 NZD. Individual winery tastings usually cost between $10-$25 NZD per person for four wines.

Transport: Many guided tours offer convenient hotel pickup and drop-off services within Napier, Hastings, and Havelock North. For self-guided cycling, bicycles can be rented in Napier, with dedicated trails connecting to numerous wineries.

3. Cape Kidnappers Gannet Colony Overland Tour

Experience the remarkable Cape Kidnappers Gannet Colony, home to the world's largest accessible mainland gannet nesting site. This exceptional wildlife encounter allows for close observation of up to 20,000 gannets in their natural habitat. Overland tours, conducted in comfortable 4WD vehicles, traverse picturesque landscapes including riverbeds and rolling farmlands. Knowledgeable guides offer insights into the local environment, including its flora, fauna, and geological features. The prime season for viewing gannets extends from September to April.

Cost: Overland tours are generally priced at approximately $96 NZD per adult for a three-hour duration. Some tours, including transfers, may be around $136 NZD per adult for a four-hour experience.

Transport: Tours often depart from a central meeting point located near the i-Site in Napier, with some services including hotel pickups. Access to the gannet colony requires specialized 4WD vehicles as the route crosses private land.

4. National Aquarium of New Zealand

Situated along Marine Parade, the National Aquarium of New Zealand offers an immersive experience with a diverse collection of marine and land animals from both New Zealand and across the globe. Visitors can observe various aquatic species, including stingrays and reef fish. The aquarium is dedicated to conservation efforts and provides a sanctuary for rescued little penguins, in addition to showcasing native New Zealand wildlife such as tuatara and kiwi. Note that the popular underwater travelator is currently being replaced with solid flooring, and the aquarium's sharks were released into the ocean in June 2023.

Cost: General admission fees apply and are available directly from the aquarium. During the travelator replacement project in August 2024, a 20% discount on general admission may be offered.

Transport: The aquarium is conveniently located on Marine Parade, easily reachable from Napier's city centre. It is a short four-minute taxi ride, costing approximately $10-$13 NZD, or an 11-minute bus journey (Line 15) for $1-$2 NZD from Napier Port.

5. Napier Urban Farmers' Market

Immerse yourself in Napier's vibrant local culture and savour the fresh produce of Hawke's Bay at the Napier Urban Farmers' Market. This market, held in Clive Square every Saturday morning, features an extensive selection of local goods, including seasonal vegetables, fruits, meats, eggs, preserves, and freshly baked items. It offers a delightful atmosphere to engage with local growers and makers, sample various products, enjoy freshly brewed coffee, and discover delicious treats, providing an authentic taste of the region.

Cost: Entry to the market is free, with costs applying to any purchases made.

Transport: Located in Clive Square, the Napier Urban Farmers' Market is in the heart of Napier City and is easily accessible on foot.

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