It's no surprise that Napier sees many visitors since it offers beaches, museums and attractions, food, and nightlife.
The National Aquarium of New Zealand is located in Napier, just south of the city center. At the aquarium, you can experience the likes of a true underwater exploration on the "travelator" beneath the Oceanarium. You can see everything from sharks to stingrays and hundreds of fish species in between. Admission is $20 NZD for adults.
Make sure to check out one of the most photographed landmarks in New Zealand, Pania of the Reef. Pania is a mythical Maori figure and she is located just north of the city center.
New Zealand's oldest prison is also located in Napier and although it shut down in 1993, you can still tour it during the day (or the night if you are up for the scare). The site was once an insane asylum and is believed to still be haunted.
Take an Art Deco tour while visiting Napier. Back in 1931, an earthquake destroyed many buildings in the downtown area of Napier. It was reconstructed in an Art Deco style and has become the Art Deco capital of the world since then. This architecture style is what brings a lot of tourism to the city. You can embark on a self-led tour or take a guided tour. More information on this can be found at the visitor center.
If you are visiting Napier for something other than the architecture, then it is likely you will want to take a food and wine tour. Learn about why the region is ideal for wine making, taste the world-renowned wine, and pair it with some delicious cheese throughout.
Just thirty minutes south of Napier are the beaches of Waimarama and Ocean Beach. These beaches are perfect for surfing, fishing, or just walking along the golden sand.
Museums and Attractions:
People flock to Napier for its renowned museums and famous landmarks. Considered an "Art Deco capital", there are many interesting buildings around town and it's worth taking an Art Deco Walk. The National Aquarium of New Zealand is also impressive as is the MTG Hawke's Bay, which is a museum, gallery, and theater in one. For something a little outside the box, you can visit the Napier Prison, which is New Zealand's oldest place of incarceration, dating back to 1862.
Beaches:
Many people flock to Napier for a serene day at the beach. It's a popular beach destination and you'll find plenty of beaches for swimming, sunbathing, and playing with the kids. You'll want to head out of town to find the best and most beautiful beaches. For hidden beaches and some of the area's best surf, head to Mahia Peninsula. To escape the tourists and hang out with the locals, go to Waipatiki Beach. And for a picnic, Westshore Beach is a favorite. Waimarama Beach is another favorite in the area as well.
Hiking:
The hiking around Napier is simply top-notch. Hawke's Bay is filled with wonderful walks and hikes. There are easy coastal paths as well as mult-day treks around Lake Waikaremoana. It's not hard to find somewhere to stretch your legs and explore the scenery.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Napier. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Deco City Black Cab Tours and Shuttles for $101 details
- Half-Day Hawke's Bay Winery Tour for $101 details
- Small group - Beer, Wine, Cider and Gin Tour - 5.0 - 5.5 hours for $115 details