Getting to Napier (Hawke's Bay), New Zealand

Getting There and Away

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 primarily served by Hawke's Bay Airport for air travel and a central bus terminal for regional coach services. Rental cars are also readily available for those wishing to explore the region independently.

By Air:

Hawke's Bay Airport (NPE), also known as Napier Airport, connects the region with major New Zealand cities. Flights from Auckland (AKL) typically take 1 hour 5 minutes to 1 hour 10 minutes, with indicative one-way fares ranging from $60 to $170. From Wellington (WLG), flights are approximately 1 hour, with fares from $79 to $89. Journeys from Christchurch (CHC) take about 1 hour 35 minutes, with fares from $90 to $118. Airlines such as Air New Zealand operate these routes. The airport is located about 5 kilometers north of Napier city center. Travelers can reach the city via taxi in about 8 minutes, costing approximately $19-$23, or by bus in around 17 minutes, with fares from $14-$45. Shared shuttles and ride-share services are also available.

By Bus:

InterCity coaches provide comprehensive services across the North Island to Napier. The main InterCity bus stop is located at 12 Carlyle Street, by Clive Square. A direct bus from Auckland takes approximately 7 hours to 7 hours 5 minutes, with indicative fares ranging from $50 to $80. From Wellington, direct services take around 6 to 6 hours 15 minutes, costing approximately $40 to $70. Buses from Rotorua typically take 4 hours to 4 hours 40 minutes, with fares from $30 to $60.

By Car Rental:

Renting a car offers flexibility for exploring Hawke's Bay. Several car rental companies, including Apex, Europcar, Hertz, Avis, and EZI, have operations at Hawke's Bay Airport, often with kiosks in the arrivals hall. Daily rental rates can start from approximately $50-$60. Pre-booking a vehicle is generally recommended for better selection and rates.

By Train:

Currently, there are no direct passenger train services to Napier.

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