Thread: What is there to do in Napier, New Zealand?

Napier – The Art Deco Capital


The 1930’s earthquake initially devastated the little city of Napier, killing 256 people. In rebuilding the city the locals inadvertently created a homage to the Art Deco era. The redevelopment almost entirely built in the style of the time. Now, the art deco buildings are a focal point of Napier’s Tourism, the city proudly showing off the most comprehensive inner-city art deco buildings in the world. Take a walk through the streets or join some of the fantastic tours that share the history, some guides fully clothed in the fashion of the era.


Many of the tours include a certain aspect of sightseeing outside of the city. The Hawke’s Bay area as it is known has beautiful rolling hills, river valleys and coastline including the Tuki Tuki Valley and the Te Mata Peak. At 399m it offers spectacular 360 views of the region and the Heretaunga Plains and the legend of a local Maori love story. Other highlights include the quaint towns of Havelock North and Hastings City as well as picturesque views of the sheep farms, deer farms, orchards and vineyards.


Napier’s additional claim to fame is that the region was the starting point for New Zealand’s world-renowned winery industry with some of the country’s oldest wineries in the region, originally founded by Catholic Missionaries in 1858. Grapes that do exceptionally well in the area include Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and the favourite Sauvignon Blanc. Many tours do combination sightseeing and wine tasting, allowing travellers to taste at famed wineries including Black Barn and Craggy Range. For those who are a little more adventurous and enjoy an independent day out Napier has excellent cycling trails and many visitors find it easy to rent a bike and find their own way through this beautiful region, stopping at up to 42 wineries with cellar door experiences. For those who make purchases this handy wine guide may assist you.


Ships visiting Napier will come into the Port of Napier. As a working port, no pedestrian access is permissible and passengers will board a free transfer shuttle service which will deliver you to the Napier Information Centre. For independent travellers this is where you can then head off on your own or meet your tour guide.




DID YOU KNOW?


- A hill in Hawke’s Bay, has the Maori name Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipukaka-pikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu, the second longest name of any place in the world

- Napier is the largest apple, pear and stone fruit producing area in New Zealand.

Just great info. I learned so much! Thanks so much for writing this up, Hope!