Napier is the Art Deco capital of the world — literally. After a devastating earthquake in 1931 killed 256 people and levelled the city, Napier was rebuilt almost entirely in the Art Deco, Spanish Mission and Stripped Classical styles of the era. The result is a city that looks like nowhere else in New Zealand. But Napier and the wider Hawke's Bay region are about much more than pretty buildings. This is New Zealand's second-largest wine region and the country's best for red wines — the Gimblett Gravels appellation produces syrah, merlot and cabernet that rival anything in the world. Add in a serious food scene, 200 km of flat cycling trails, Te Mata Peak's sweeping views, and a gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers, and you have one of the most underrated destinations in the country.

Aerial view of cyclists on palm-lined road through Haumoana vineyard Hawkes Bay with ocean
Cycling through the vineyards at Haumoana — Hawke's Bay wine country meets the Pacific. Photo: Tourism NZ
Napier Marine Parade at sunset — Art Deco buildings, Norfolk pines and black sand beach
Marine Parade, Napier — Art Deco architecture, Norfolk pines and black sand beach at sunset. Photo: Tourism New Zealand
Couple cycling at sunset past sculpture on the Hawkes Bay cycle trail Napier
Cycling the Hawke's Bay trails at sunset — 200km of flat, easy riding. Photo: Tourism NZ
⚡ At a Glance
LocationEast coast, North Island
From Wellington4.5 hours drive (320 km)
From Taupō2 hours drive (150 km)
From Auckland5 hours drive (420 km)
Known ForArt Deco, wine, food, cycling
Best TimeNov–Apr (sunniest region)
Wineries30+ cellar doors
Big EventArt Deco Festival (February)

Things to Do

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Art Deco Walking Tour
Napier's defining attraction. Self-guided walks are free, or take a guided tour for the full history of the 1931 earthquake and rebuild. Vintage car tours are also available — ride through the Art Deco streets in a restored 1930s vehicle. The Art Deco Centre on Tennyson Street is the starting point. The annual Art Deco Festival in February draws tens of thousands.
Must Do
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Wine Tours
Hawke's Bay is NZ's oldest wine region (Mission Estate founded 1851) and its best for reds. The Gimblett Gravels produce world-class syrah and merlot. Over 30 cellar doors are open for tastings. Popular wineries include Craggy Range, Te Mata Estate, Church Road, and Mission Estate. Half-day guided wine tours from ~$100–$165 per person, or self-drive/cycle between cellar doors.
Must Do
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Cycling Trails
200 km of flat, easy cycling trails connect wineries, orchards, beaches and towns across Hawke's Bay. The trails are purpose-built and mostly separated from traffic — perfect for wine touring by bike. E-bike hire is widely available. The coastal trail from Napier to Clive is particularly scenic.
Active
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Te Mata Peak
A 399-metre summit with 360-degree views over the entire Hawke's Bay region, the Pacific Ocean, and on clear days, the volcanic plateau. You can drive to the top or walk up (various tracks from 30 min to 2 hours). Free. One of the best viewpoints in the North Island. Go at sunset.
Free
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Cape Kidnappers Gannet Colony
The world's largest mainland gannet colony — up to 20,000 birds nesting on dramatic coastal cliffs at the southern end of Hawke's Bay. Access by guided tour (tractor-trailer along the beach or overland 4WD) or a 4–5 hour coastal walk at low tide. Open November to April (breeding season). Book tours ahead.
Wildlife
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Food Scene
Hawke's Bay calls itself NZ's "food bowl" and backs it up. The Hastings Farmers' Market (Sunday mornings) is one of the best in the country. Restaurants range from vineyard dining at Craggy Range to the casual Napier waterfront strip. Look for seasonal stone fruit, artisan cheese, olive oil and craft cider.
Foodie
🍷 Book Napier & Hawke's Bay
Wine tours, Art Deco experiences and cycling — book ahead for the Art Deco Festival in February.
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Viator — Napier ToursWine tours, Art Deco walks & cycling
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GetYourGuide — NapierFree cancellation on most tours
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Getting There

Napier is on the east coast of the North Island, about 4.5 hours from Wellington and 2 hours from Taupō. Air New Zealand flies direct from Auckland and Wellington to Napier's Hawke's Bay Airport. The drive from Taupō over the Napier–Taupō Road (SH5) crosses the volcanic plateau through spectacular empty bush country. From Wellington, SH2 runs through the Wairarapa and up the east coast.

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Best pairing: Napier works perfectly as part of a North Island loop: Auckland → Rotorua → Taupō → Napier → Wellington. This covers the best of the North Island in about 10 days.