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.
Napier
Travel Guide
Visit Napier
Where to stay in Napier
Ahuriri
If you're spending some time in Ahuriri, National Tobacco Company Building and The Urban Winery are top sights worth seeing.
Napier South
While visiting Napier South, you might make a stop by sights like McLean Park and National Aquarium of New Zealand.
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.
Bluff Hill
While visiting Bluff Hill, you might make a stop by sights like Napier Prison and Bluff Hill Domain Lookout.
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.
Marewa
While Marewa might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like McLean Park and National Aquarium of New Zealand.
Beach Front Motel Napier
access terrible, 3 levels no lift, very difficult if you have age and mobility against you luggage etc. No offer of help at all. No wifi. Sofa filthy. Tap water unpalatable had to buy bottled water to make a cup of tea. View and bed good. This is the 21st century, overall disappointing.
Reviewed on 2026/3/13
Expressotel
Great location in Napier centre. Friendly informative check in. Older type property but have done a good job modernising it. We had open plan balcony studio with a huge bed, lots of space and a nice little balcony to sit on. Fridge and microwave in kitchen, the room is also serviced. Enjoyed our ...
Reviewed on 2026/3/11
Harbour View Motel on Ahuriri Beach in Napier NZ with sea view suites
Ckean, beautiful room and view. Loved it except the pillo were too high and 3/4 of us couldn't sleep well.
Reviewed on 2026/3/13
The Nautilus Napier
The balcony doors are accordion and a pain to open and close…other than that a nice hotel.
Reviewed on 2026/3/13
Quest Napier Serviced Apartment
We did not use air conditioning or gym
Reviewed on 2026/3/8
Anchorage Motor Lodge
Great location. Clean with a friendly staff. Speedy checkin but we couldn’t get the AC to work. Nobody at the front desk to ask. Wasn’t a big deal except for opening the windows meant lots of traffic noice
Reviewed on 2026/2/22
Popular places to visit
Marine Parade
After visiting Marine Parade, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Napier. Amble around this relaxing area's seaside and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.
National Aquarium of New Zealand
The tanks at this modern aquarium play host to all kinds of underwater life, from cute sea creatures to fearsome marine predators.
Mission Estate Winery
Leave the city behind for a day to experience idyllic countryside surroundings and sip a range of magnificent wines.
Napier Beach
Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Napier Beach during your travels in Awatoto?
Church Road Winery
Delve into the history of winemaking and indulge in some fine local food and an assortment of delicious reds at this Hawke’s Bay winery.
Bluff Hill Domain Lookout
As one of the best vantage points in Napier, this rocky viewpoint has commanding views of the turquoise waters of Hawke’s Bay and the Port of Napier.
Reviews of Napier
4/5 - Good
Cool architecture!
5/5 - Excellent
Don’t miss Craggy Range winery and Te Mata peak
5/5 - Excellent
LOVE Napier!!!
5/5 - Excellent
friendly people some very good eateries
4/5 - Good
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
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
