Known as the Art Deco capital of New Zealand, Napier is full of fascinating architecture. The abundance of Art Deco style buildings in this east coast town is due to New Zealand’s worst natural disaster, a devastating earthquake that hit the region in 1931. The earthquake was catastrophic, reaching 7.9 on the Richter scale and resulting in 258 fatalities. What followed was an intense rebuilding programme and, as a result, one of the world’s greatest collections of Art Deco buildings was created. Napier’s Art Deco architecture is one-of-a-kind with Maori motifs incorporated into the classic designs.

Join one of the popular Art Deco walking tours departing every day except Christmas Day from the Napier i-SITE on Marine Parade every morning at 10 am and from the Art Deco shop in Tennyson Street every afternoon at 2 pm. Alternatively, grab a brochure from the i-SITE and explore at your own pace: make sure you don’t miss the Daily Telegraph Building on Tennyson Street, the ASB Bank on Hastings Street and the National Tobacco Company in Ahuriri. If you’re travelling by car, head out to the suburb of Taradale to see the Art Deco McDonald’s – one of only two in the world!

Back in town, picturesque Norfolk Pine-lined Marine Parade is home to numerous popular activities, including the Hawke’s Bay Museum, an aquarium, parks, gardens, a marine park and a mini-golf course. Overlooking the beach, Marine Parade offers spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean.

Few people visit Hawke’s Bay without paying a visit to Cape Kidnappers – a dramatic headland that’s home to the largest mainland gannet colony in the world, as well as a well-known winery.

Napier is a bustling, cultural town, offering plenty of accommodation, restaurants, cafés and bars, as well as excellent boutique shopping. Compact enough to walk from place to place, Napier is perfect for relaxation or adventure. Hawke’s Bay airport is located eight kilometres north of the city, with flights direct to Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

Sights & Destinations in Napier

Te Mata Peak

Located about 20 minutes from Napier, Te Mata Peak is essential viewing for visitors. A drive to the top of the 399-metre peak is a must-do for any visitor; the views are breathtaking and you may even glimpse Mount Ruapehu on a clear day. There are a number of activities you can enjoy from the top of the peak, including walking, mountain biking and even paragliding.

Cape Kidnappers

Cape Kidnappers is home the largest mainland gannet colony in the world. Book a tour and enjoy getting up close to these magnificent seabirds in their natural habitat. Early November and late February are the best times to visit. A walk from Clifton along the beach is a great way to enjoy the spectacular scenery.

Marine Parade

The tree-lined avenue in the heart of downtown Napier is dotted with motels, parks and gardens as well as some of the city’s greatest attractions, including a mini-golf course, swimming pool, aquarium, marine park and museum. Visit Pania of the Reef, Napier’s iconic statue – a tribute to a local Maori legend.

Otatara Pa

Carved pou (memorial posts) and a carved gate help bring this pa (fortified Maori site) to life. Enjoy an hour-long loop track around the grounds and take in the archaeological remains and great country views.

Mountain Valley

Located 50 kilometres out of Napier is Mountain Valley, offering a whole host of outdoor adventure. Enjoy horse trekking, white-water rafting, kayaking, bush and mountain walking, mountain biking, 4WD tours and fishing. There’s also a bar and restaurant, and accommodation on site.

Activities in Napier

Art Deco buildings

Enjoy a walking tour around the city to admire the fascinating architecture. Typical Art Deco details include zigzags, lightening bolts, sunbursts, fountains and ancient motifs, as well as soft pastel colours. Spanish Mission is represented by mud brick adobes with plastered walls, arched windows and terracotta tiling. Visit the National Tobacco Company Building, the city’s masterpiece dating back to 1933, with roses and grapevines framing the elegant entrance. Other buildings of interest include the T&G Building, Daily Telegraph Building, Munster Chambers, Scinde Building, the AMP Building, St Johns Cathedral and Municipal Theatre.

Arts and culture

If you are interested in discovering more about the tragic 1931 earthquake that devastated the city, you should visit the Hawke’s Bay Museum. Located on Marine Parade, the museum has an excellent exhibition detailing the earthquake, with eyewitness accounts, photographs and a short film. There’s also an impressive Maori art and culture section, featuring Ngati Kahungunu artefacts as well as various art exhibitions in the gallery.

Wineries

With many wineries in the region, there’s no excuse not to explore the local vineyards. Book a wine tour, explore by car or hire a bike and cycle from vineyard to vineyard. Operators organising bike tours will provide you with a map and helmet, and some will even provide a water bottle, backpack and mobile phone (in case you get lost or unsteady on your feet!).

Water activities

Visit the National Aquarium of New Zealand on Marine Parade to see marine life including stingrays, crocodiles, piranhas, turtles and eels. For something a little more adventurous, try learning to dive, swimming with sharks or sleeping overnight with the fish! While you are in ‘marine’ mode, head along to Marineland just down the road. A haven for injured mammals, you’ll see seals and birds that would never would have survived in the wild. Watch a dolphin show with Kelly, the last dolphin in captivity in New Zealand (she is the equivalent of 160 in human years!).

Although scenic, the main beach at Napier has rips that make it unsuitable for swimming so if you’re looking to get into the water, head to Ocean Spa on Marine Parade and enjoy Napier's premier heated pools, and health and fitness complex. Enjoy a swim, a hot soak, a gym workout or a relaxing massage or facial. For family fun, head to the Napier Aquatic Centre, where you’ll find waterslides, a 50-metre pool, spas and children’s pool.

Boat cruises

Enjoy a lunch or dinner cruise around Hawke’s Bay on board a local cruising vessel. Board at West Quay, sample local wines and choose from the fabulous menu of meats, vegetables, salads, seafood, pasta and desserts.

Golf

If you are a keen golfer, you shouldn’t visit Hawke’s Bay without paying a visit to Cape Kidnappers Golf Club. Completed in 2004, Cape Kidnappers has been hailed as one of the great modern marvels in golf and was ranked the 41st best golf course in the world by Golf Magazine. The par 71 golf course offers spectacular scenery along an incredible course, 500 feet above the ocean.

Trainworld

Visit this large model railway exhibit and enjoy a ride on a real train which can carry up to four passengers around the first floor room and through a tunnel. Trainworld makes great all-weather family entertainment.

Century Cinema

Catch a movie at Century Cinema, part of the Hawke’s Bay Museum complex. The cinema screens art-house and international films, as well as plays and classical concerts.