Napier offers a vibrant mix of art, culture, and natural beauty for visitors to enjoy. Explore the city's world-famous Art Deco architecture, stroll along the scenic Marine Parade, or visit the National Aquarium of New Zealand. Wine lovers can tour the nearby Hawke's Bay vineyards, while outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of walking and cycling trails around the Ahuriri Estuary and along the coast. Whether you're here for relaxation, adventure, or a taste of local flavour, Napier has something for everyone.
Ahuriri
Just five minutes drive from Napier's central business district you can discover an area steeped in history, but with a contemporary edge. New apartments sit alongside tiny old fishermen's cottages, industrial warehouses and woolstores with distinctive saw-tooth rooflines.
National Aquarium of New Zealand
The National Aquarium of New Zealand, located on Napier's Marine Parade, is home to a fascinating range of marine life from New Zealand and around the world. Visitors can see sharks, stingrays, penguins, and tropical fish up close, making it a must-visit attraction for families and nature lovers.
Bluff Hill Lookout
During World War II and for a few years after hostilities ended, this lookout was occupied by 77 Battery 10 Coast Regiment NZA. The Battery manned two 6-inch guns in concrete emplacements built on a strategic site offering commanding views of Hawke Bay – the highest point of the Bluff Hill Domain, above the Port of Napier.
Centennial Garden
Centennial Garden is a peaceful oasis located at the base of Napier Hill, just a short walk from the city centre. Originally a quarry, it has been beautifully transformed into landscaped gardens featuring waterfalls, ponds, and lush greenery. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing stroll through the winding paths or sit and take in the tranquil surroundings. It's an ideal spot for a quiet break, a picnic, or a few scenic photos during your time in Napier.
Otatara Pa Historic Reserve
Otatara Pa Historic Reserve encompasses one of the most outstanding defensive and settlement complexes in New Zealand. The views from this site are outstanding. You can see Napier, across to Cape Kidnappers and out to the sea. It is possible on a clear day to see Ruapehu in the centre of the North Island.
Hawkes Bay Farmyard Zoo
The Hawkes Bay Farmyard Zoo was established in February 2004, since then it has become recognised as one of the leading attractions for both tourists and groups in Hawkes Bay. Known for its unique atmosphere and educational opportunities the Zoo also provides a safe, clean environment with informative signage, limestone walkways, and a picnic area to accommodate large groups such as Birthdays, work functions, and Christmas parties alike.
Marine Parade Gardens
The story of these gardens began with the need to keep the sea from overtopping the beach and running down into the town. A permanent sea wall was built in 1887-88 to replace an unsatisfactory wooden structure. The 'new' wall is still there – the low round-topped wall dividing the gardens from the Marine Parade footpath and roadway. Before the 1931 earthquake, the shingle beach came right up to this wall.
Art Deco Walks/Tours
Napier is renowned for its Art Deco architecture, and guided tours offer a fascinating glimpse into the city's stylish 1930s rebuild following the 1931 earthquake. Visitors can explore the vibrant streetscapes on foot, by vintage car, or even in costume, learning about the history and design influences that shaped this unique coastal city.
Hawke's Bay Cycle Trails
The extensive Hawke's Bay Cycle Trails around Napier offer over 200km of mostly flat, easy-to-navigate tracks winding through coastal scenery, wetlands, vineyards, and charming rural towns. Whether you're enjoying a leisurely ride along the Marine Parade waterfront or exploring cellar doors on the Wine Ride, these trails connect urban and natural attractions in a relaxed, family-friendly way.