Napier is a city of about 60,000 inhabitants, located on New Zealand’s picturesque Hawke’s Bay. It is home to one of the world’s best assortments of art deco buildings, and it hosts architecture and vintage festivals throughout the year. The city was all but destroyed by an earthquake in 1931, but it was swiftly rebuilt in the style of the times, which left Napier with one of the most attractive streetscapes in the country.
Stroll down the streets in the city centre to find some of the major art deco buildings. There are several companies that run tours explaining the evolution of the style and its prominence in Napier. Make sure you check out the Municipal Theatre for one of the best examples. If you’re in town in mid-February, head to the annual Art Deco Weekend Summer Festival, which draws architecture enthusiasts and general visitors alike with picnics and vintage events all around town.
Learn more about local history at the Hawke’s Bay Museum and Art Gallery. There you’ll find a great collection of art and artifacts from native tribes and pioneer settlers, as well as information on the 1931 earthquake and reconstruction.
One of Napier’s foremost historical sites is Napier Prison, New Zealand’s oldest. Take a guided tour, for a fee, or rent an audio guide. There’s even a spooky night tour for the daring.
For some quiet time, walk down Marine Parade. You’ll see statues, fountains and gardens all along this stretch. There are also cafés and restaurants where you can sit back and gaze out at the Pacific Ocean. Find out what lives beneath the water at the National Aquarium. It houses sharks, stingrays and all kinds of native marine species, such as the seven-armed starfish.
Food and wine lovers will want to visit some of the Hawke’s Bay region wineries, many of which are easily accessible from Napier. These produce some of New Zealand’s finest wines, with tours and tastings available. Be sure to stay for lunch, as locals take good food very seriously.
Napier is a city with great architecture and loads to do. It’s located on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island and is 457 km (286 miles) south of Auckland.
Napier Travel Guide
Where to stay in Napier
Ahuriri
While Ahuriri may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like National Tobacco Company Building and Ahuriri Estuary.
Napier South
If you're spending some time in Napier South, McLean Park and National Aquarium of New Zealand are top sights worth seeing.
Taradale
You'll enjoy the wineries and churches in Taradale. You might want to make time for a stop at Church Road Winery or Pettigrew Green Arena.
Bluff Hill
While visiting Bluff Hill, you might make a stop by sights like Napier Prison and Napier Beach.
Westshore
The beaches, spas and seafood restaurants are just a few things travellers enjoy about Westshore. If you want to experience more of the area, check out Ahuriri Estuary or National Tobacco Company Building.
Hospital Hill
While there might not be top attractions in Hospital Hill, you can explore the larger area and discover places like War Memorial Conference Center and McLean Park.
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Popular places to visit
Marine Parade
After visiting Marine Parade, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Napier. Amble around this relaxing area's seaside and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.
Mission Estate Winery
Leave the city behind for a day to experience idyllic countryside surroundings and sip a range of magnificent wines.
National Aquarium of New Zealand
The tanks at this modern aquarium play host to all kinds of underwater life, from cute sea creatures to fearsome marine predators.
Church Road Winery
Delve into the history of winemaking and indulge in some fine local food and an assortment of delicious reds at this Hawke’s Bay winery.
Napier Prison
Enter spooky cells and hear terrifying tales about some of the nation’s most notorious criminals in one of the oldest prisons in New Zealand.
War Memorial Conference Center
Learn about the local history of Napier when you take a trip to War Memorial Conference Center. Stroll along the area's seaside or experience its acclaimed art galleries.
Activities
Napier Earthquake Self-Guided Audio Tour
Napier: Best of Napier Small Group Tour
Napier Bike Hire
Reviews of Napier
5/5 - Excellent
We love Napier very disappointing we didnt get to go this time.
5/5 - Excellent
Napier is a unique little city rebuilt in totally Art Deco style after the 1931 earthquake.
3/5 - Okay
We just stopped overnight on a long journey and didn’t see any more of Napier than the hotel
5/5 - Excellent
Love exploring this part of NZ. Nice people and awesome places to visit. Excellent walking and cycling tracks and of course fabulous wine.
4/5 - Good
Excellent location to go to other locations such as Hastings, Havelock North etc.
3/5 - Okay
Its getting to be too rough.. too much gang activity.