Napier Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Cape Kidnappers which includes general coastal views, tranquil scenes and landscape views
Admire the art deco architecture, take in the ocean views and enjoy locally produced wines at this charming little port city.

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.

Where to stay in Napier

National Tobacco Company Building

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.

Ahuriri
Napier showing a lake or waterhole

Napier South

If you're spending some time in Napier South, McLean Park and National Aquarium of New Zealand are top sights worth seeing.

Napier South
Church Road Winery

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.

Taradale
Pania of the Reef showing a statue or sculpture and art

Bluff Hill

While visiting Bluff Hill, you might make a stop by sights like Napier Prison and Napier Beach.

Bluff Hill
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Westshore

4/5(86 area reviews)

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.

Westshore
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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.

Hospital Hill
Kennedy Park Resort
Kennedy Park Resort
2.5 out of 5
11 Storkey St, Napier, Hawke's Bay
The price is AU$54 per night from 24 Mar to 25 Mar
AU$54
per night
24 Mar - 25 Mar
Stay at this resort in Napier. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Onekawa Aquatic Centre and McLean Park are located nearby. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (31 reviews)
"Property was great, very family friendly if traveling with kids. Pool was nicely heated though we didn't go in as it was raining when we were there. Would absolutely stay again!"

Reviewed on 16 Mar. 2024

Kennedy Park Resort
Shoreline Motel
Shoreline Motel
4.5 out of 5
377 Marine Parade, Napier
The price is AU$168 per night from 23 Mar to 24 Mar
AU$168
per night
23 Mar - 24 Mar
Stay at this 4.5-star beach motel in Napier. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"We had a spacious studio which was extremely clean. It contained everything we needed. Would definitely stay there again when in Napier."

Reviewed on 14 Mar. 2024

Shoreline Motel
Expressotel
Expressotel
3 out of 5
Corner Clive Square and Tennyson Streets, Napier
The price is AU$164 per night from 23 Mar to 24 Mar
AU$164
per night
23 Mar - 24 Mar
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified hotel in Napier. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (561 reviews)
"Fantastic hotel In the middle of Napier close to everything. Fantastic responsive staff."

Reviewed on 13 Mar. 2024

Expressotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Nautilus Napier
The Nautilus Napier
4 out of 5
387 Marine Parade, Napier
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Napier. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the spacious rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,752 reviews)
"The property is close to town for easy walking. Dining options are close by. And the view from the balcony is fabulous!"

Reviewed on 5 Mar. 2024

The Nautilus Napier
Quest Napier Serviced Apartment
Quest Napier Serviced Apartment
4.5 out of 5
176 Dickens Street, Napier
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Napier. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Municipal Theatre and Daily Telegraph ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (833 reviews)
"Close to town. Could walk to everything. Room was excellent clean and comfortable"

Reviewed on 15 Mar. 2024

Quest Napier Serviced Apartment
Anchorage Motor Lodge
Anchorage Motor Lodge
4 out of 5
26 West Quay, Napier
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Napier. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Popular attractions National Tobacco Company Building ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (239 reviews)
"Good location. The bed was surprisingly comfortable. Dated bedding but it was clean. I left 2 items in the fridge-my drink bottle and a container of sweet snacks. I’d checked out but didn’t leave Napier until the afternoon so I would have appreciated a phone call."

Reviewed on 1 Mar. 2024

Anchorage Motor Lodge
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Napier

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
437
" "5 - Excellent 57.5%
4 - Good
296
" "4 - Good 38.94736842105263%
3 - Okay
25
" "3 - Okay 3.289473684210526%
2 - Disappointing
2
" "2 - Disappointing 0.2631578947368421%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
7 Jun 2020

We love Napier very disappointing we didnt get to go this time.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
1 Jun 2020

Napier is a unique little city rebuilt in totally Art Deco style after the 1931 earthquake.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
26 May 2020

We just stopped overnight on a long journey and didn’t see any more of Napier than the hotel

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
22 Mar 2020

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

Verified traveller
10 Mar 2020

Excellent location to go to other locations such as Hastings, Havelock North etc.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
9 Mar 2020

Its getting to be too rough.. too much gang activity.