Napier is a tourist city with much to offer. Tens of thousands of people travel to Napier every year for various art, music and heritage festivals. The rest come just to see the beautiful architecture, breathtaking coastline and to discover the history of Napier.
Napier is famous for natural and architectural beauty. Glorious Hawke's Bay, beaches and lookouts are enough to enchant any visitor. But the nostalgic charm of the vintage art deco architecture that's seen throughout the city makes the beauty of this cultural centre seem to blend in with its surroundings.
Napier visitors will never get bored and many of them will never want to leave. Visit museums honouring the Maori history, take a trip back in time to the 1930s, and leisurely sip a glass of local wine. Napier is one of New Zealand's most popular tourist destinations.
Getting in and around Napier
Napier Airport
If travelling by air, you'll arrive at Hawke's Bay Airport in Napier. It's a smaller airport but offers regular domestic flights from most major cities in New Zealand and even some from smaller areas. You can also take a bus to Napier from most of the major cities on the island.
Napier Transport
Within the town of Napier, many of the attractions are close together and there's much to see and enjoy. Walking is a great way to get around this historic city and experience some of its hidden charms.
Napier Car Hire
Car hire is a great way to get around Napier, especially if you wish to travel beyond the town through Hawke's Bay. Car hire is available through local travel companies as well as international car rental companies.
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Napier accommodation
Napier accommodation varies widely and the area's affinity for the art deco aesthetic can be experienced right from your hotel room. Budget and mid-range accommodation boast reasonable rates as do commercial and boutique establishments. Luxury travellers are in for a treat as the luxury hotel industry has really outdone itself in this area.
Luxury
The County Hotel has rich historic details and a delicious onsite restaurant that proves this hotel can deliver loads of luxury.
Mangapapa Hotel is a luxury boutique hotel which offers rooms and suites, decadent food, a day spa and wellness sanctuary, as well as a pool. The County Hotel has tons of rich, historic details and a delicious onsite restaurant that proves this hotel can deliver loads of luxury.
The Masters Lodge is heaven on earth with luxurious rooms, decadent food, and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. The Masters Lodge is Napier as it was meant to be enjoyed.
Mid-range
Palm City Motor Inn has so many modern designer touches that you'll want to stay forever, especially for the price.
Expressotel Napier is great value for the money. Art deco finishes and a great central location make Expressotel an ideal Napier accommodation. The Quality Inn Napier is perfect for families and travellers that are going to be out and about during their trip but want a comfortable cosy room to retire to in the evenings.
The Palm City Motor Inn has so many modern designer touches that you'll want to stay forever, especially for the price.
Budget
The Westshore Beach Inn has loads of coastal charm as well as numerous room types to suit the needs of any traveller.
Quality Inn Napier is perfect for families and travellers that are going to be out and about during their trip but want a comfortable cosy room to retire to in the evenings.
The Westshore Inn has loads of coastal charm as well as numerous room types to suit the needs of any traveller.
The Tennyson is great value for the money. Art deco finishes and a great central location make The Tennyson an ideal Napier accommodation.
Backpackers
Toad Hall has internet access and a range of rooms that will make your stay a pleasant one, even on a limited budget. The YHA Napier has internet access and cosy, inviting rooms that will make your stay a pleasant one even on a limited budget.
Wally's Backpacker's will provide you with great backpacker service and you will have a comfortable, enjoyable stay!
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Things to do in Napier
Napier, Hawke's Bay, is an area rich with history, culture and natural beauty. Travellers will be thoroughly educated about the art deco period by the end of their visit and many will want to discover a way to fit bottles of wine into their luggage. Food, wine and epic natural beauty make Napier a lovely and exciting place to get away.
Pania of the Reef. This beautiful statue on Marine Parade is one of the area's most famous attractions and has a gripping backstory. The statue was stolen in 2005, but luckily it was recovered shortly thereafter and restored to its rightful place.
Vintage Art Deco Car Tour. Ride art deco style in a vintage car while you explore the treasures of the area. This Art Deco Trust tour includes stops at the Napier Municipal Theatre and the National Tobacco Company building.
Hawke's Bay Museum. Here, you can explore the history of Napier as it goes back hundreds, thousands, even millions of years. From the dinosaurs, to the Maori, to the famed 1931 earthquake, you can see it all at the Hawke's Bay Museum.
Marine Parade makes for a relaxing afternoon stroll along the shore. You'll also pass a few of the city's most prominent attractions along the way.
National Aquarium of New Zealand. Islands usually know their stuff when it comes to life under the sea and New Zealand is no exception. At the National Aquarium of New Zealand, you can see some of the world's most famous marine and freshwater fish, as well as the iconic Kiwi and Tuatara.
Bluff Hill is a local landmark that's an important destination for any Napier visitor. From the lookout, you can see incredible views of Hawke's Bay and the Port of Napier.
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Day trips around Napier
Art Deco Trust Walks. These guided tours are some of the most popular things to do in Napier. In fact, over 20,000 visitors enjoy these tours every year. Explore the architecture of the Art Deco Quarter. Walks are held twice daily.
Wine Tours. This region is well known for its wine production. Experiencing the joys of the many neighbouring wineries is a must. Te Mata Estate Winery, Church Road and Mission Estate Winery are just a few that are well worth a visit.
Cape Kidnappers is a popular destination for travellers, especially those who have a soft spot for the natural world. Enjoy a long walk along the beach and watch the gannet colony work its magic.
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