Things To Do
in Napier
Napier, a city located on the eastern coast of the North Island of New Zealand, is renowned for its stunning Art Deco architecture, which was largely rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in the 1930s. The city is surrounded by beautiful vineyards and wineries, making it a popular destination for wine lovers. Napier also boasts scenic beaches, such as Marine Parade, where visitors can enjoy swimming, surfing, and other water activities.
With a vibrant arts and culture scene, delicious cuisine, and friendly locals, Napier offers a perfect blend of history, nature, and relaxation for visitors to enjoy.
- "Kia ora" - Hello
- "Haere mai" - Welcome
- "Ka kite" - See you
- "Tēnā koe" - Thank you
- "Māori ora" - Be well
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $80 - $200
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $50
- ☕ Coffee: $4 - $6
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $4
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $70 - $120
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $40 - $80
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Visit the stunning Te Mata Peak for panoramic views of the Hawke's Bay region. Enjoy a picnic breakfast amidst the scenic landscape.
Explore the local wineries and indulge in tastings of some acclaimed New Zealand wines. Experience the vineyard tours that showcase the region's rich viticulture.
Dine at a beachfront restaurant to savor fresh seafood while watching the sunset. Take a leisurely stroll along the beach to unwind after a day of exploration.
Start your day with a relaxing walk along Napier's Marine Parade. Enjoy the beautiful art deco architecture and ocean views.
Visit the National Aquarium of New Zealand to discover marine life and conservation efforts. Participate in interactive exhibits for a fun and educational experience.
Have dinner at a local bistro featuring traditional Kiwi cuisine. Afterwards, enjoy some live music at a nearby venue to cap off your evening.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful coastal scenery and beaches.
- Art Deco architecture and rich cultural heritage.
- Mild climate, making it a pleasant destination year-round.
- Vibrant wine and food scene with local produce and wineries.
- Access to outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and water sports.
- Limited job opportunities in certain sectors.
- Higher cost of living compared to some other regions in New Zealand.
- Can be affected by the risk of earthquakes.
- Lesser-known tourist destination compared to larger cities like Auckland or Wellington.
- Public transport options may be limited compared to major urban areas.
Best Activities in Napier
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore Napier's scenic trails and waterfront by bike. There are numerous bike rental shops offering a variety of options suitable for all ages and abilities.
Napier is surrounded by stunning beaches, making it a great spot for surfing. There are surf schools and rental facilities available for both beginners and experienced surfers.
The Hawke's Bay region offers a range of hiking trails, including the iconic Te Mata Peak and the Ahuriri Estuary. These trails provide stunning views and opportunities to explore the local flora and fauna.
Napier boasts several world-class golf courses with picturesque surroundings and challenging layouts, making it a great destination for golf enthusiasts.
Explore the renowned wineries of Hawke's Bay through guided wine tours, where visitors can sample premium wines and learn about the region's winemaking history.
Tours
Uncover the best of Napier with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Napier
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers stunning panoramic views of Napier city, the port, and the surrounding coastline.
Provides breathtaking views of the Hawke's Bay region, with opportunities for panoramic photos.
Offers a picturesque coastal setting with the iconic Norfolk pines and the Napier Soundshell, ideal for scenic photography.
Food in Napier
Napier Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Try the delectable NZ Greenlip Mussels, renowned for their sweet, tender meat, at popular seafood restaurants such as Shed 2 or Thirsty Whale.
Must-Try!
Explore local delicacies like Paua Fritters – a savory pancake made with paua (abalone) – at seaside eateries like The Thirsty Whale or The Boardwalk.
Savor the succulent flavors of New Zealand lamb by indulging in a juicy lamb rack at the iconic Emporium Eatery & Bar or Mister D Dining.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Napier better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Experience the vibrant Hawke's Bay Farmers' Market, a treasure trove of fresh produce and local delicacies. Don't miss stalls offering delicious artisanal bread, cheeses, and pastries.
Embark on the Taste of Napier Food Tour to explore the city's diverse street food scene, from gourmet food trucks offering fusion cuisine to traditional Māori kai (food) experiences.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Napier, New Zealand, located in the Hawke's Bay region, has a significant Māori population, and it's essential to respect and engage with their cultural traditions. Visitors can participate in cultural experiences, such as a powhiri (Māori welcoming ceremony) or a visit to a marae (Māori meeting ground) to gain insight into Māori customs, language, and protocols.
Napier's natural beauty and environmental sustainability are highly valued. Visitors should demonstrate respect for the environment and adhere to local conservation practices. This includes properly disposing of waste, respecting wildlife and protected areas, and supporting eco-friendly initiatives in the region.
Napier residents are known for their friendly and polite nature. It's important for visitors to embrace courteous behavior, such as greeting people with a smile and polite conversation, showing appreciation for local customs and traditions, and demonstrating an open-minded and respectful attitude towards cultural diversity.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Napier with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Napier
Ensure a smooth experience
In Napier, New Zealand, tipping is not a common practice. It is not expected or required to tip at restaurants, bars, hotels, or any other service establishments. However, if you receive exceptional service and would like to show your appreciation, rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount as a tip is appreciated, but not obligatory.
Payment in Napier, New Zealand is mainly done using cash, credit/debit cards, and mobile payment methods. Most businesses, including restaurants, shops, and attractions, accept major credit and debit cards. Contactless payment methods are also becoming increasingly popular. It is advisable to carry some cash for transactions at small or rural businesses, as well as for tipping, as it is not common to tip with a credit or debit card.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Napier.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Napier for warm weather and outdoor activities such as beach days and outdoor events.
Beautiful foliage and mild weather, great for wine tasting and scenic drives.
Cooler temperatures, but still plenty of indoor activities and cozy atmospheres. Plus, the famous Art Deco Weekend in July.
Blooming flowers and mild temperatures, perfect for outdoor adventures and visiting local gardens.
Napier at Night
Hiking in Napier
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A stunning vantage point with walking tracks offering panoramic views of Hawke's Bay, this is a popular spot for both hiking and mountain biking.
Famous for its gannet colony, the Cape Kidnappers Track offers a scenic coastal hike with the chance to see wildlife along the way.
A series of easily accessible walks throughout the city, offering views of nature, art deco architecture, and waterfront areas.
This coastal track provides stunning beach views and access to the nearby hills, making it a great spot for a day hike.
A more tranquil setting, this area features various walking tracks around the lake, ideal for nature lovers and those seeking peaceful hikes.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Napier through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Napier by plane.
The closest airport to Napier, located approximately 6 kilometers away, serving domestic and limited international flights.
Located about 223 kilometers from Napier, this airport offers domestic flights and occasional international connections.
Situated around 253 kilometers from Napier, this airport provides domestic flights and some international services.
One of the largest international airports in New Zealand, located approximately 405 kilometers from Napier, offering extensive international connections.
Located about 320 kilometers from Napier, this airport serves as an international gateway and offers numerous domestic flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group in Napier, primarily of British and Irish descent.
Indigenous people of New Zealand, making up a significant portion of the population in Napier.
Includes people of East Asian, South Asian, and Southeast Asian descent, contributing to the cultural diversity of the area.
Includes individuals from various Pacific Island nations, such as Samoa, Tonga, and Fiji.
A smaller demographic group that includes immigrants and descendants from these regions.
The Soul of Napier
Discover the essence of Napier through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Rugby is one of the most popular sports in Napier, with local clubs and schools actively participating in competitions.
Cricket has a strong following in Napier, with many clubs offering opportunities for juniors and seniors to play.
Netball is widely played in Napier, with numerous teams and leagues available for various age groups and skill levels.
Football is increasingly popular in Napier, with local clubs hosting youth and adult leagues.
Cycling, both recreational and competitive, is a favored pastime due to the scenic landscapes and established biking trails in the region.
With a coastline nearby, surfing is a popular activity among locals, especially during the summer months.
Athletics clubs in Napier promote various track and field events and engage youth in physical fitness and competition.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Napier.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Napier features an array of restaurants and cafes offering delightful vegetarian and vegan options, such as the Plant Based NZ cafe and the Globe The Plaza.
Explore gluten-free dining options at eateries like Piccolo Italia, which offers a range of delectable gluten-free pasta dishes, and Maina, a restaurant known for its gluten-free gourmet pizzas.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Napier with these cultural adventures.
