Napier is one of the world’s most remarkable Art Deco cities. After a devastating earthquake in February 1931 destroyed the original town, Napier was rebuilt almost entirely over the following two years in the architectural styles fashionable at the time — primarily Art Deco, but also Spanish Mission and stripped Classical styles. The result is a stunning and cohesive architectural streetscape that has been beautifully preserved and is now one of New Zealand’s most celebrated heritage attractions. Set on the shores of Hawke’s Bay, Napier is also the centrepiece of one of New Zealand’s finest wine regions, offering world-class Syrah, Chardonnay, and Bordeaux-style reds alongside dramatic coastal scenery and warm, sunny weather.
Top Attractions
- Art Deco Architecture – Stroll the streets of Napier’s city centre and marvel at over 140 Art Deco and Spanish Mission buildings from the 1930s. The best way to experience the architecture is on a guided walking tour run by the Art Deco Trust, which provides context and history to bring the buildings to life.
- Cape Kidnappers Gannet Colony – One of the world’s largest and most accessible mainland gannet colonies, reached via a spectacular clifftop track or tractor-drawn cart. The 20,000+ gannets nesting here from July to March create an extraordinary spectacle against the dramatic coastal backdrop.
- Hawke’s Bay Wine Region – New Zealand’s oldest wine region, famous for its full-bodied Syrah, elegant Chardonnay, and Bordeaux-style red blends. Dozens of cellar doors are open to visitors, and the Mission Estate Winery — New Zealand’s oldest — is a must-visit for its history and architecture as much as its wines.
- National Aquarium of New Zealand – A world-class aquarium featuring daily kiwi encounters, tuatara viewing, sharks, stingrays, and a stunning ocean tunnel that takes visitors through the aquarium’s largest tank.
- Napier Marine Parade – Walk or cycle along this beautiful promenade, lined with Norfolk pines and sea views, past public art, gardens, and the iconic Art Deco buildings of the Marine Parade precinct.
Best Time to Visit Napier
Napier is one of New Zealand’s driest and sunniest cities, making it a great destination almost any time of year. Summer (December to February) is peak season, with warm temperatures, excellent beach weather, and a full calendar of outdoor events. The famous Hawke’s Bay Art Deco Weekend, held every February, is one of New Zealand’s most popular heritage festivals — a spectacular celebration of 1930s fashion, music, and architecture that draws visitors from around the world. The Hawke’s Bay wine harvest in March and April is another excellent time to visit, with harvest events and tastings at wineries across the region. Winter is mild and the gannet colony is active from late July, making it a good off-peak time to visit.
Where to Stay
Napier’s accommodation scene is as stylish as its architecture, with a number of Art Deco-themed boutique hotels and heritage bed and breakfasts that immerse guests in the city’s unique character. The Marine Parade beachfront has several excellent hotels and motels with sea views. The twin city of Hastings, just 20 minutes south, offers additional accommodation options and is well-placed for exploring the wine country. For the ultimate Hawke’s Bay experience, several luxury lodges and vineyard accommodation properties in the region offer world-class hospitality surrounded by vines and rural scenery.
Food & Dining
Napier’s food scene is outstanding, reflecting both the city’s cosmopolitan character and the extraordinary agricultural richness of the Hawke’s Bay region. Emerson Street and the surrounding city centre streets are lined with excellent cafés and restaurants that showcase local produce, including Hawke’s Bay lamb, stone fruit, artisan cheeses, and fresh seafood. Dining at a winery restaurant — with views over the vines, local wine, and food matched to the regional produce — is one of the quintessential Hawke’s Bay experiences. The Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ Market, held every Sunday morning, is one of New Zealand’s finest and is a wonderful way to experience the region’s remarkable food culture.
Day Trips from Napier
Napier is well-placed for exploring the wider Hawke’s Bay region and beyond. The twin city of Hastings, just 20 minutes south, is the agricultural heart of the region and home to the famous Hastings Blossom Festival. Te Mata Peak, just outside Hastings, offers spectacular views over the region from its distinctive limestone ridgeline. The rural Hawke’s Bay hinterland — including the Tuki Tuki River valley and the beautiful Craggy Range winery — rewards exploration by car or bicycle. Wairoa, north of Napier, is the gateway to the spectacular Lake Waikaremoana, one of New Zealand’s finest tramping destinations. The East Cape, further north along the coast, is one of New Zealand’s most dramatically beautiful and culturally significant regions.
Getting Around
Napier’s compact city centre is very walkable, and the Marine Parade and main shopping streets are all easily covered on foot. The wine region is best explored by rental car or on an organised wine tour — cycling between cellar doors on the flat plains around Hawke’s Bay is also a popular option. The Hawke’s Bay Trails cycling network is excellent and covers much of the region. Regular flights connect Napier to Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch.
Local Tips
If you’re visiting during the Art Deco Weekend in February, book accommodation many months in advance — the city fills up quickly and many visitors come dressed in period costume, creating a truly immersive atmosphere. The best photo opportunities for the Art Deco architecture are in the early morning, before the city gets busy. For the Cape Kidnappers gannet colony, book the tractor tour well ahead in peak season (November to February) as space is limited and the experience is extremely popular. Finally, consider hiring a bicycle to explore the Hawke’s Bay Trails — the flat terrain and excellent infrastructure make this one of the best cycling experiences in New Zealand.
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