Napier

Travel Guide
Cape Kidnappers featuring tranquil scenes, landscape views and general coastal 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 artefacts 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
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
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
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 Ocean Spa.

Bluff Hill
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Westshore

4/5(2 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 RM135 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
RM135
per night
2 Apr - 3 Apr
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. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (40 reviews)
"Great place to relax and will drfinitely be going back"

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

Kennedy Park Resort
Shoreline Motel
Shoreline Motel
4.5 out of 5
377 Marine Parade, Napier
The price is RM430 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
RM430
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
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! (1,000 reviews)
"Well positioned overlooking the bay."

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2024

Shoreline Motel
Expressotel
Expressotel
3 out of 5
Corner Clive Square and Tennyson Streets, Napier
The price is RM451 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
RM451
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
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! (566 reviews)
"We were anxious about staying in the city but it was brilliant. We were prepared for noise at night but it was so quiet. Would stay again."

Reviewed on 18 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! (1,756 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! (847 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

Things to do

Reviews of Napier

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
31
" "5 - Excellent 72.09302325581395%
4 - Good
9
" "4 - Good 20.930232558139537%
3 - Okay
3
" "3 - Okay 6.976744186046512%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
8 Mar 2020

Napier has a lovely Art Deco city centre. It is beautifully preserved. Wish I could have stayed longer.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
23 Feb 2020

A lovely city that is well worth a few days visit

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
4 Feb 2020

Lovely town

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
1 Feb 2020

Definitely recommend hiring a bike as there are lots of trails. Climbing Te Mata peak was a highlight for me.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
22 Jan 2020

Napier lives up to it’s Art Deco reputation & is well worth visiting

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
30 Dec 2019

We stopped off on a road trip and didn’t really do the Art Deco justice. Napier needs at least a couple of days.