Napier Population: 58,100
Napier is a thriving seaside town, home to the Port of Napier and known worldwide as the Art Deco City, where more than 20,000 people a year opt to take a guided walk through its streets.
Supported by a Mediterranean climate this popular year-round destination boasts a vibrant cafe culture. For the shopper there are high street and boutique stores to browse in, as well as antique shops, art galleries, and studios of potters, wood turners and craftsman.
Napier was rebuilt in the early 1930s, following an earthquake which measured 7.8 on the Richter scale. The new buildings reflected the styles of the times - Stripped Classical, Spanish Mission, and Art Deco – as well as incorporating some unique Maori motifs. Tours are conducted rain or shine every day (except Christmas Day) and no bookings are necessary.
Art Deco aficionados also opt to visit in February during the annual festival weekend, or in July for the Deco Decanted weekend celebration. For more information, visit ww.artdeconapier.com.
Marine Parade is one of Napier’s most picturesque highlights, with many attractions such as the National Aquarium of New Zealand, Hawke’s Bay Museum and Art Gallery, Ocean Spa Complex, Par 2 Mini Golf, The Napier Sound Shell, Pania of the Reef statue, Tom Parker fountain and the Millennium Arch, to name a few.
If you need help choosing what to do, why not visit the Napier i-SITE Visitor Information Centre by the sound shell, beside the Sea. It is open from 9am-5pm daily. Phone: 0800 VISIT US.
A Napier landmark is Bluff Hill, which is home for many Napier residents and provides views of the town beaches of Perfume Point and Westshore, past the newly upgraded airport and out towards Whirinaki. Bluff Hill also overlooks the Port of Napier, one of New Zealand’s busiest ports and a stopping point for many cruise liners.
After a long day taking in the sights, revitalize yourself with some great dining, sampling some of Hawkes Bay’s award winning wines and fresh produce from one of the many restaurants, cafe and winery menus.
Napier also has accommodation to fit all budgets from boutique hotels, holiday homes, backpacker lodges, hotels, motels, holiday parks and homestays.
Napier’s bustling suburbs of Taradale and Ahuriri are visitor destinations in their own right.
Ahuriri
Ahuriri is just a five-minute drive from downtown Napier. This bustling seaside village offers everything from a sandy beach and expansive boardwalk to waterfront cafes, galleries, boutique stores and thriving businesses.
Home to the World Famous National Tobacco Building, you’ll also find funky bars housed in converted woolstores and modern apartments overlooking the inner harbour where fishing boats unload their fresh catch.
Explore the estuary and its diverse wildlife or wander along the walkway and enjoy the panoramic view of the bay. Along the way you'll see kids fishing and families swimming or savouring an ice cream on the foreshore. Watch sailboats and surfers riding the waves, and spot the occasional dolphins and whales that share these waters.
Taradale
Taradale is just a 10 minute drive from Napier CBD and offers a slower pace to relax and unwind in. Home to the popular Mission Estate and Church Road wineries - be sure to book in advance for accommodation when these popular wineries host their annual iconic open air concerts.