Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Napier?

Q: Is a weekend (two to three days) enough time in Napier?

A weekend is usually not enough time to experience the character-filled town of Napier, so you may find yourself somewhat rushed. You don't want to miss the beaches, the famous sights and museums, the hiking, and the food. And you'll want even more time to just relax at the beach, too. So, you'll likely want more than a weekend, as many tourists set aside around two to three days for their visit. However, if your schedule is tight, we have a handful of recommendations to make the most of your journey.

Should you spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Napier?

Many visitors spend two to three days in Napier during their trip. If you're not sure how much time you might need here, we have the answers because your journey calls for making the most of every moment. The town offers the chance to lounge on the beach, spend time at the museums, go hiking, and dine out at amazing restaurants.

Napier is a popular coastal city on the North Island of New Zealand. It was destroyed by an earthquake in 1931 and it has been rebuilt with many art deco landmarks. There's also an activity-filled waterfront promenade and many beautiful beaches in the area. The city is surrounded by vineyards and wineries, so it's worth spending a day exploring the area.

Do you have one or two days to visit Napier? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.

Is one day enough time in Napier?

With its wealth of sights and attractions, Napier is a top choice for tourists. One day is probably not enough time to enjoy the beach and other activities. You will likely feel rushed to see the beaches, the famous sights and museums, the hiking, and the food. To thoroughly enjoy your trip, you'd need more time, as most vacationers schedule two to three days to fully experience the character-filled town. Nevertheless, if time is of the essence, we have some nice suggestions for your visit.

How to spend a day in Napier

The beautiful beaches await you in Napier, so spend the day (or several, if you can) relaxing on the sand or swimming in the water. 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.

The restaurant and food scene here is top notch, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine. With its many wineries and big mix of fine dining restaurants, there is plenty for a foodie to enjoy around town. You'll find restaurants that serve up New Zealand favorites as well as those that experiment with modern and trendy recipes.

A few tour suggestions include:

Half Day Small-Group Hawkes Bay Wine Tour ($94)
Napier Afternoon Wine, & Gin Tasting (Thurs thru to Saturdays ) ($91)
Deco Napier, Te Mata Peak, Wine & Cheese tasting ($84)

Is a weekend (two to three days) enough time in Napier?

A weekend is usually not enough time to experience the character-filled town of Napier, so you may find yourself somewhat rushed. You don't want to miss the beaches, the famous sights and museums, the hiking, and the food. And you'll want even more time to just relax at the beach, too. So, you'll likely want more than a weekend, as many tourists set aside around two to three days for their visit. However, if your schedule is tight, we have a handful of recommendations to make the most of your journey.

Outside of Napier, New Zealand

How to spend 2 days in Napier

If you have more than a weekend (two to three days) in Napier, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the town has to offer.

Don't miss the art deco architecture during your trip to Napier, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.

The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. The nightlife scene is diverse and fun. Whether you're looking for a wild party or just want to relax with a drink and some friends, there are plenty of places where you can hang out.

More Info

If you're looking for more information about Napier, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.