Napier

Travel Guide

Napier showing a square or plaza and a sunset
Cape Kidnappers showing general coastal views, landscape views and tranquil scenes
Napier
Napier showing a garden
Church Road Winery

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 center 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 artifacts 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

If you're spending some time in Ahuriri, National Tobacco Company Building and The Urban Winery are top sights worth seeing.

Ahuriri
Napier featuring a lake or waterhole

Napier South

While visiting Napier South, you might make a stop by sights like McLean Park and National Aquarium of New Zealand.

Napier South
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
Pania of the Reef featuring 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
Mission Estate Winery

Poraiti

While visiting Poraiti, you might make a stop by sights like Mission Estate Winery and Park Island Sports Complex.

Poraiti
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Hospital Hill

Hospital Hill might not have many top sights, but War Memorial Conference Center and McLean Park are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Hospital Hill
Beach Front Motel Napier
Beach Front Motel Napier
4 out of 5
373 Marine Parade, Napier
The price is ₩86,007 per night from Jul 3 to Jul 4
₩86,007
₩98,908 total
Jul 3 - Jul 4
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach motel in Napier. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and private hot tubs. Popular attractions Marine Parade and National Aquarium of New ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,010 reviews)
"Good parking"

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

Beach Front Motel Napier
Kennedy Park Resort
Kennedy Park Resort
2.5 out of 5
11 Storkey St, Napier, Hawke's Bay
The price is ₩29,057 per night from Jul 3 to Jul 4
₩29,057
₩66,418 total
Jul 3 - Jul 4
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this eco-certified holiday park in Napier. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (252 reviews)
"We had a cabin with queen and single bed. Clean linen, newly refurbished, quiet a d realy reasonably priced. Would recommend"

Reviewed on Jun 27, 2025

Kennedy Park Resort
Swiss-Belhotel Napier
Swiss-Belhotel Napier
4 out of 5
36 Munroe Street, Napier
The price is ₩103,956 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
₩103,956
₩119,550 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Napier. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (285 reviews)
"Great place to stay."

Reviewed on Jun 23, 2025

Swiss-Belhotel Napier
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.
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 parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (945 reviews)
"Very welcoming and friendly staff. Great stay."

Reviewed on Jun 5, 2025

Quest Napier Serviced Apartment
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 in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,911 reviews)
"Great host. Great stay"

Reviewed on Jun 23, 2025

The Nautilus Napier
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 room service. Popular attractions National Tobacco Company Building ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (282 reviews)
"Easy parking in a good area"

Reviewed on Apr 26, 2025

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

Reviews of Napier

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
22
5 - Excellent 44%
4 - Good
26
4 - Good 52%
3 - Okay
2
3 - Okay 4%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Kathy

Cool architecture!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Don’t miss Craggy Range winery and Te Mata peak

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

LOVE Napier!!!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

friendly people some very good eateries

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Lovely staff at the Art Deco Trust. A teriffic guided tour of historic Napier in a Packard! Lots of cafes and wine stops

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Napier was awesome and unfortunately I only stayed here two nights. It is an awesome beach town. I love the ocean and how close it was to our hotel. My aunt and I paid for a private tour and that was the highlight of our stay, and out guide was great

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