Welcome to Napier
The Napier of today – a charismatic, sunny, composed city with the air of an affluent English seaside resort – is the silver lining of the dark cloud that was the deadly 1931 earthquake. Rebuilt in the popular architectural styles of the time, the city retains a unique concentration of art-deco buildings. Don’t expect the Chrysler Building – Napier is resolutely low-rise – but you will find amazingly intact 1930s facades and streetscapes, which can provoke a Great Gatsby-esque swagger in the least romantic soul. Linger a while to discover some of regional New Zealand's best restaurants and also a few excellent wineries less visited than the bigger names around nearby Hastings and Havelock North.
Top experiences in Napier
Amazing hotels and hostels
We've pre-picked the best hotels, hostels and bed and breakfasts to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.
Napier activities
14 Day All Inclusive 'Sweet North' New Zealand Tour For 18-35s!
Itinerary & Highlights:Day 1. Auckland – Paihia: Visit the Kai Iwi Lakes - perfect for watersports, meet the Tane Mahuta – Lord of the Forest in Waipoua Forest, *enjoy local fish n chips for lunch in Opononi* and explore Paihia in the heart of the Bay of Islands.Day 2. Paihia – Cape Reinga: See the most northern point of New Zealand – the Cape Reinga lighthouse, glide down the Te Paki Sand Dunes at 90 Mile Beach and enjoy an optional Maori Hangi lunch.Day 3. Paihia – Auckland: Journey through the Waipu Gorge and visit Piroa Falls – a hidden paradise where you can take a swim and explore.Day 4. Auckland – Coromandel: Head to the stunning Cathedral Cove and Hahei Beach for a day of relaxation, take a dip in the geothermal hot springs at Hot Water Beach.Day 5. Coromandel – Tauranga: Travel to Middle Earth and visit the renowned Hobbiton, then explore the coastal beach town of Tauranga and check out the epic views from Mount Maunganui.Day 6. Tauranga – Rotorua: Visit Wai O Tapu Thermal Wonderland in Rotorua famed for its mud pools and geysers, then enjoy a traditional Hangi buffet for dinner at the Tamaki Maori Village and see the world-famous HAKA!Day 7. Rotorua – Taupo: *See a real Kiwi at Rainbow Springs Kiwi encounter*, then see the majestic Huka Falls in Taupo.Day 8. Tongariro National Park: Cross the renowned Tongariro Crossing or opt for a kayak around the Mine Bay Maori Rock carvings, skydive, or water rafting then finish with a soak in Taupo's free hot spring, the Otumheke thermal stream.Day 9. Taupo – Napier: Enjoy a relaxing Winery Tour in Hawkes Bay and explore the Art Deco city of Napier.Day 10. Napier – Wellington: Travel to the world’s coolest little capital, Wellington known for its great food, good vibes, stunning promenade and vibrant nightlife.Day 11. Wellington: Visit the Te Papa Museum, take a cable car to the Botanical gardens, or join our epic Bar Crawl of Wellingtons sweetest pubs and clubs.Day 12. Wellington – New Plymouth: Visit the amazing Goblin Forest in Egmont National Park and check out the beautiful Botanical Gardens.Day 13. New Plymouth – Raglan: Visit the renowned Waitomo caves – glow worm capital, then journey to New Zealands’ coolest surf town and finish the night with an optional sunset boat party and BBQ.Day 14. Raglan – Auckland: Soak up the best of Raglan on your last day before heading back to Auckland.
The Ultimate 'Small Group' Cruise Ship Excursion Tour
Your hosts, Don and Roslyn Bird, will collect you at the Napier Aquarium, which is the second stop on the free shuttle bus from the ship into Napier. You will travel in air-conditioned comfort in a new minibus or a late model 4x4 SUV, while your hosts provide continuous commentary on the wonderful sights and scenery. The collection time will depend on your ship's arrival time. As the tour duration is 4.5 hours, we like to depart reasonably early and on time to ensure all of the exciting itinerary stops are accomplished.ItineraryDrive through Napier and experience the charming Art Deco and Spanish Mission architecture and the influence of the 1931 earthquake.Travel north along the coast to the beautiful Esk Valley via the vibrant seaside village of Ahuriri. Learn about the historic Maori settlement and the changes that the 1931 earthquake brought about. Visit 'The Grange', your hosts' farm with amazing rural, coastal and city views. Stroll around Roslyn’s beautiful country garden. Enjoy feeding the sheep and other animals as we introduce you to New Zealand lifestyle farming. Drive up to an Esk Valley Hills lookout that challenges Te Mata Peak for Hawke's Bay's most majestic 360 degree views. Gaze over the farms, vineyards and pristine orchards on the valley floor.Taste a red wine amongst the vines in your hosts' Esk Valley vineyard, while Don explains the meaning and importance of 'Terroir' and it's contribution to wine quality. The red wine you'll taste was produced from grapes harvested from this vineyard. Visit two of Hawke's Bay's iconic wineries:Esk Valley Estate Winery was established by Don's grandfather in the late 1920's, and where Don was the winemaker for a number of years. Esk Valley Estate is famous for ‘The Terraces’ single vineyard red wine. Mission Estate Winery was established in 1851 by pioneering French Missionaries. It is New Zealand’s oldest winery and the birth place of New Zealand wine. At each of these two wineries you will be treated to a private, seated wine tasting hosted by Don, a winemaker with 40 years experience in the industry. The tastings will include Reserve quality wines showcasing the best of Hawke's Bay. 'Roslyn and Don personally guarantee to return you to your ship in time for sailing.'
17-Day Kiwi Explorer
Day 01: Arrive at Auckland Airport and be transferred to accommodation. Enjoy the day settling in. Day 02: A scenic drive through Waikato and King Country regions brings you to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Afterwards, enjoy lunch (at own expense) and return to Rotorua for the night.Day 03: Travel to Matamata to the beautiful Hobbiton movie set, where the award-winning Lord of the Rings films were made. Return to Rotorua and enjoy the afternoon at leisure. Day 04: Head to Taupo for a full day of exploration on your own and enjoying activities like skydiving, jetboating, AC baths and the Starlight Cinema.Day 05: Today we travel to Napier, with one of the largest concentrations of Art Deco buildings in the world, and activities to suit everyone. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure.Day 06: Today, enjoy a wine tasting afternoon in the sun driving through stunning scenery. After, be dropped at Napier.Day 07: Today, a 5 hour trip takes us to the capital, Wellington. Check-in and overnight.Day 08: Today is free to explore Wellington - from world-class restaurants to attractions like the free national museum, the waterfront, and much more. Day 09: Today we travel to South Island by ferry. Arrive into Picton and travel West to Nelson, the gateway to Abel Tasman National Park.Day 10: Walk through lush forest from Marahau to Anchorage, then sail to the Fur Seal colony, along the Abel Tasman coastline via Split Apple Rock into the resort community of Kaiteriteri. Day 11: Spend the day travelling to incredible Franz Josef.Day 12: Embark on the Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk through remarkable landscape. After a brief climb, enjoy spectacular views of the glacier’s terminal face. The journey can be tailored to suit groups of most abilities and interests.Day 13: Today we travel to the adventure capital - Queenstown, surrounded by breathtaking nature. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.Day 14: Today we visit Milford Sound and journey along the 295km Milford Road through Fiordland National Park, on comfortable buses. After a morning tea stop (own expense), travel along the lake and into Fiordland National Park and Eglinton Valley. Marvel at the stunning Mirror Lakes and Knobs Flat, and through stunning mountain peaks in a glass-roof coach. Stop at Monkey Creek, head through the Homer Tunnel and experience The Chasm. At Milford Sound, board Southern Discoveries Scenic Cruise out to the Tasman Sea, gliding past glacier-scarred rock walls and waterfalls. Return to Queenstown by bus and overnight.Day 15: Today is free to enjoy yourself with Queenstown's endless activities. Day 16: Today we head to Christchurch through incredible scenery (8-9 hours). Check in and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure..Day 17: Enjoy the morning in Christchurch before catching your return airport transfer.
Napier Shore Excursion: Wine, Beer & Art Deco Tour
This tour commences by highlighting the various locations around Napier City which has made the city so famous. You will discover the very unique story of the region from the early settlement of Napier to the 1931 earthquake which remains New Zealand’s deadliest natural disaster to date. You’ll also discover how Napier transformed itself into the Art Deco Capital of the World and see some incredible examples of art deco architecture.Your tour will then continue to two world famous wineries. The first winery, Mission Estate Winery, is the oldest in New Zealand and was established by pioneering French missionaries in 1851. You’ll be able to explore this beautiful property and view its stunning grounds and gardens. The second is Church Road Winery, which contains New Zealand’s only wine museum. Here you will visit the fantastic French style cellar and barrel room for tasting some magnificent award winning wines.From Church Road Winery the tour then embarks to Napier’s historic port area, where you will stop off at the Speights Ale House for tastings of their popular ales and ciders – all before being escorted back to the Napier port for your tender to the cruise ship.
New Zealand Private VIP Sightseeing Tour from Auckland
Looking for a private vehicle with a driver to take you around the North Island, South Island or even both?Wish to experience New Zealand as a local & learn about our culture and traditions?Look no further, you're in the right place!We have set itineraries that you can check out or we can make a special one for you at no extra charge. Destinations in North Island like Auckland West Coast Beaches, Goat Island Marine Reserve, Matakana, Bay of Islands, Cape Reinga, 90-mile beach, Hobbiton Movie Set, Waitomo Glow Worm Caves, Rotorua, Hamilton, Taupo, New Plymouth, Tongariro, Coromandel, Tauranga, Mt Maunganui, Napier & Wellington.Thats not it, we can also take you on an amazing Ferry ride to the South Island to explore spots like Arthur pass, Franz Joseph, Fox Glacier, Lake Wanaka, Queenstown, Cardrona, Milford Sounds, Dunedin & Christchurch.Accommodation can be arranged for you at an extra cost or you can make your own arrangments.The Vehicle is fully equipped with everything you need for a comfortable and luxurious trip.Our Mercedes Sprinter vans have USB charging cables, Bluetooth for you to play your music in the car, Free Wifi, Complimentary snacks & water plus having your own experienced tour guide/driver.Our local guide will teach you all about New Zealand and show you the hidden spots that no one else can show you.Languages available (per request depending on availability): English, Arabic, Mandarin, Cantonese, Spanish and Portuguese.This is indeed the best way to safely travel New Zealand without any worries or stress.
Private Wine Tasting Tour in a Vintage Car
Take a leisurely ride around beautiful Napier in a classic/vintage car, stopping along the way at two or three of the very best wineries in the region to enjoy tastings and learn about each winery's history and production methods direct from the Cellar Door staff. This 3.5 hour tour also includes an informative cruise around Napier's Art Deco City taking in all the key locations and loaded with ample photo opportunities - all in a genuine vintage/classic car driven by our friendly knowledgeable local drivers. The tour price includes tasting fees and pickup/dropoff from your accommodation in the central Napier area - special arrangements will be made for cruise ship passengers.