Are you thinking about visiting Napier, New Zealand? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Napier worth visiting?
This town is a good place to visit for two to three days. 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.
Outside of Napier, New Zealand
Reasons to Visit Napier
Beaches
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.
Museums
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.
Food
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.
Nightlife
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.
Hiking
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.
Shopping
You'll find all of the standard New Zealand retail chains as well antique and boutique shops. With its many Art Deco buildings, the city has character and personality.
Things to Consider Before Visiting Napier
Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Napier might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Napier here or see if Napier is expensive here.
Related
What is Napier most famous for?
Napier is most famous for its many art deco buildings, its beautiful vineyards, and the area's long sandy beaches. People visit this impressive town for its great beaches. It is also known for its great museums, food, nightlife, and hiking. And many visitors also come to this town for its shopping. It is often described as coastal, relaxed, and character-filled.
What is the most famous sight in Napier?
The most popular sight in Napier is the art deco architecture. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Napier on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for the art deco architecture and other attractions here.
How touristy is Napier? Is it a popular town to visit?
Napier is a popular town for tourists and travelers. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Scenic Te Mata Peak Tour by Supertrike: $109
- Deco City Black Cab Tours and Shuttles: $106
- Beer, Wine, Cider and Gin Tour in New Zealand: $118
- Napier Half-Day small group Wine and Beer Tour: $109
- Small Group Half-Day Napier Wine Experience Tour: $109
- Cape Winery Cycle Tour - 6 wineries, self-guided: $70
- Hawkes Bay Wineries Electric Self-Guided Bike Tour: $59
- Napier Half-Day Wine Beer and Cider Tour: $109
How long should I spend in Napier?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Napier is two to three days. Since Napier has a variety of activities such as beaches, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Napier?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Napier?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Napier?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.