Top Things to Do in Napier & Hawke’s Bay

Art Deco, Wine & Outdoor Adventures

Discover Napier and Hawke’s Bay, a region celebrated for its Art Deco charm, award-winning wines, stunning coastline, and outdoor lifestyle. From heritage walking tours and scenic cycling trails to bustling markets and dramatic landscapes, this is one of New Zealand’s most diverse and inviting destinations.

Explore the Best of Hawke’s Bay

Hawke’s Bay offers a vibrant mix of culture, cuisine, and natural beauty. The region encompasses Napier, Hastings, Havelock North, Waipawa, Wairoa, and Waipukurau—each with its own personality and highlights.

Blessed with fertile soils and a mild climate, Hawke’s Bay is a leading wine region and the first stop on the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail. Its 30+ cellar doors and network of over 200km of flat cycle trails make it ideal for leisurely bike tours. The area is also known as New Zealand’s Art Deco capital, thanks to the post-1931 earthquake architecture that defines both Napier and Hastings.

Top Things to Do in Napier

Art Deco Walking Tours & Vintage Car Rides

Napier’s beautifully preserved streets are one of the world’s best examples of Art Deco architecture. Join a guided walking tour or hop into a vintage car to discover the city’s unique design story. The annual Art Deco Festival, held every February, brings the era to life with music, parades, and retro flair.

Sea Walls Street Art Trail

Napier’s creative side shines through its impressive Sea Walls murals—over 50 large-scale artworks across the city. Pick up a map and take a self-guided walk or ride to see them all.

Marine Parade & City Icons

Marine Parade is Napier’s scenic waterfront strip, perfect for a family stroll. Highlights include the Deco Soundshell, Tom Parker Fountain, and the famous Pania of the Reef statue. Don’t miss the raised Viewing Platform for panoramic coastal photos.

Ahuriri Village

Just minutes from central Napier, Ahuriri is a former fishing village turned stylish seaside suburb. It’s home to waterfront cafes, restaurants, boutique shops, and contemporary galleries.

Wine & Dine

Napier offers a rich food and wine scene, with everything from elegant vineyard restaurants to casual oceanfront eateries. Many wineries are just a short ride or drive from the city centre.

Top Things to Do in Hastings

Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ Market

Held every Sunday at the Showgrounds Hawke’s Bay, this is New Zealand’s oldest and largest weekly farmers’ market. Sample artisan cheese, fresh produce, homemade preserves, baked goods, and regional wines.

Cycle the Heretaunga Plains

With an extensive network of flat trails linking wineries, orchards, and villages, Hastings is a top spot for scenic bike rides through picturesque rural landscapes.

Te Mata Peak

Just outside Havelock North, Te Mata Peak offers spectacular views across Hawke’s Bay. Hike or drive to the summit and explore a variety of well-maintained walking tracks through native bush and rolling hills.

Cape Kidnappers

This striking coastal headland is home to the world’s largest mainland gannet colony. Explore the area on foot, take a guided tour, or visit the nearby Cape Kidnappers Golf Course—one of the world’s top-ranked.

Lake Waikaremoana

Located in the Wairoa District, Lake Waikaremoana is the gateway to one of New Zealand’s Great Walks. Enjoy serene wilderness, native forest, and multi-day hiking through untouched landscapes.

Plan Your Napier & Hawke’s Bay Adventure

Napier and Hawke’s Bay offer a blend of history, culture, wine, and coastal beauty unmatched anywhere else in New Zealand. Whether you’re following the Art Deco trail, cycling from winery to winery, or exploring dramatic natural scenery, this region rewards every kind of traveller. With a sunny climate and relaxed pace of life, it’s the perfect year-round destination

Napier & Hastings offers some great accommodation to suit all budgets “Click Here”

Napier & Hastings: Places of Interest and Iconic Landmarks

The twin cities of Napier and Hastings offer more than just wine and sunshine — they’re rich with iconic landmarks, architectural treasures, and scenic viewpoints that give Hawke’s Bay its distinctive charm. Whether you’re exploring Art Deco streets, coastal promenades, or hillside lookouts, these spots deserve a place on every visitor’s itinerary.

Napier Soundshell – Art Deco on Marine Parade

A signature Art Deco performance venue on Marine Parade, the Napier Soundshell hosts concerts and community events — and serves as a backdrop for the annual Art Deco Festival. Its curved lines and historic character make it one of the city’s most photographed structures.

Napier’s Pania of the Reef Statue

Inspired by M?ori legend, this bronze statue sits proudly on the waterfront and is one of Napier’s most beloved landmarks. It’s a cultural symbol of the region and a must-stop photo spot along Marine Parade.

National Tobacco Company Building – Ahuriri, Napier

Located in the Ahuriri district, this stunning structure blends Art Deco and Art Nouveau architecture. With its ornate detailing and floral motifs, it’s widely considered one of the finest heritage buildings in the country.

Daily Telegraph Building – Central Napier

Another jewel in Napier’s Art Deco crown, the Daily Telegraph Building is a striking example of post-earthquake design and is centrally located for easy viewing on a walking tour.

Napier Municipal Theatre – 1930s Architectural Gem

This restored 1930s theatre continues to host live performances and shows, while also serving as a showcase of Deco-era design. Its ornate facade and interior details highlight Napier’s architectural legacy.

Marine Parade – Napier’s Coastal Promenade

Stretching along the Napier waterfront, Marine Parade is a scenic boulevard lined with gardens, sculptures, fountains, and seaside attractions. It’s ideal for walking, cycling, or simply soaking in the sea views.

Te Mata Peak – Panoramic Views over Hawke’s Bay

Overlooking Havelock North and wider Hawke’s Bay, Te Mata Peak offers 360-degree panoramic views across vineyards, farmland, and the coast. Drive, hike, or cycle to the top and take in one of the best views in the region.

Havelock North Village – Boutique Shopping & Cafés

Known for its boutique shops, cafes, and leafy streets, this charming village blends small-town warmth with artistic flair. It’s a great base for exploring the region’s wineries and nearby attractions like Te Mata Peak.

Cape Kidnappers Lookout – Te Awanga / Clifton

Accessible by road near Te Awanga or Clifton, this clifftop viewpoint offers sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and the dramatic headland that hosts the famous gannet colony. It’s the perfect place for a photo stop or picnic.