Things to do in Napier

Activities, attractions and tours

Napier featuring a sunset and a square or plaza
Napier featuring a sunset and a square or plaza
Cape Kidnappers featuring general coastal views, landscape views and tranquil scenes
Napier
Napier which includes a garden
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Top places to visit

1. Mission Estate Winery

Explore the old cellar at Mission Estate Winery for the chance to learn the secrets behind producing award-winning wines. Enjoy fabulous views while dining on sumptuous meat and seafood at one of the oldest wineries in the country.
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Mission Estate Winery featuring heritage elements

2. National Aquarium of New Zealand

Admire huge sharks as well as stingrays and octopuses at the National Aquarium of New Zealand. See piranhas gliding around and interact with adorable penguins and kiwi birds.
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National Aquarium of New Zealand featuring marine life

3. Church Road Winery

With a fascinating wine museum and guided tours, Church Road Winery is a great place to learn about the history and art of winemaking. Discover artefacts dating back 3,000 years and examine walls studded with glimmering tartrate crystals. Find out how some of the finest wine in New Zealand is made and enjoy a meal of organic meat and fish in the winery’s restaurant.
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Church Road Winery

4. Bluff Hill Domain Lookout

Drive up to the Bluff Hill Domain Lookout to see the Port of Napier from above and take in the stunning colors and features of Hawke’s Bay.
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Bluff Hill Domain Lookout featuring general coastal views and a coastal town

5. Napier Prison

Step into the cells of a convicted offender and discover what life was really like at the haunting penal complex of Napier Prison. Visit the chilling isolation cells and trudge toward the site of the old gallows where criminals were once hanged.
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Napier Prison

6. National Tobacco Company Building

The National Tobacco Company Building, like much of the city of Napier, was built to replace an earlier building after a devastating earthquake hit the town in 1931. Gaze at the exquisite rose motifs and subtle vine patterning of its façade as well as the rows of perfectly receding rectangular forms. Step through the door to explore a sumptuous marble interior.
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National Tobacco Company Building

What to do in Napier

Popular places to visit

Art Deco Weekend!! Art Deco Weekend is a celebration of the rebuilding of Napier after the 1931 Hawke's Bay earthquake- it celebrates our beautiful city and it's iconic buildings, memorializes the people of the city during the 1930's and makes for a great weekend! The event is planned extremely well, has an incredible amount of era-appropriate events and a magnificent setting. Everybody dresses up - frocks, heels and accessories, bow ties and suspenders... Add vintage car parades, over 200 different events - it's a great weekend!

Marine Parade

After visiting Marine Parade, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Napier. Amble around this relaxing area's seaside and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Marine Parade
Mission Estate Winery

Mission Estate Winery

Leave the city behind for a day to experience idyllic countryside surroundings and sip a range of magnificent wines.

Mission Estate Winery
The Sunken Gardens in Napier this was taken on our weekend away in this beautiful city. If you get the chance to visit Napier make sure you do.

Napier Beach

Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Napier Beach during your travels in Awatoto?

Napier Beach
National Aquarium of New Zealand featuring marine life

National Aquarium of New Zealand

The tanks at this modern aquarium play host to all kinds of underwater life, from cute sea creatures to fearsome marine predators.

National Aquarium of New Zealand
Church Road Winery

Church Road Winery

Delve into the history of winemaking and indulge in some fine local food and an assortment of delicious reds at this Hawke’s Bay winery.

Church Road Winery
Bluff Hill Domain Lookout featuring general coastal views as well as a couple

Bluff Hill Domain Lookout

As one of the best vantage points in Napier, this rocky viewpoint has commanding views of the turquoise waters of Hawke’s Bay and the Port of Napier.

Bluff Hill Domain Lookout
Napier Prison

Napier Prison

Enter spooky cells and hear terrifying tales about some of the nation’s most notorious criminals in one of the oldest prisons in New Zealand.

Napier Prison
National Tobacco Company Building

National Tobacco Company Building

Admire this stunning pastel-coloured building, which combines art deco architecture with lavish art nouveau details.

National Tobacco Company Building
Napier featuring performance art and music

Napier Soundshell

Napier Soundshell is just one of the places to see in Napier, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Stroll along the area's beautiful beaches or experience its acclaimed art scene.

Napier Soundshell

Areas of Napier

Dawn rises over the city of Napier, with St Paul's Cathedral to the left of shot

Napier South

While visiting Napier South, you might make a stop by sights like McLean Park and National Aquarium of New Zealand.

Napier South
National Tobacco Company Building

Ahuriri

If you're spending some time in Ahuriri, National Tobacco Company Building and The Urban Winery are top sights worth seeing.

Ahuriri
Church Road Winery

Taradale

You'll enjoy the wineries and churches in Taradale. You might want to make time for a stop at Church Road Winery or Pettigrew Green Arena.

Taradale
Long crashing waves on to the steep stoney beach of Napier

Westshore

Beaches, spas, and seafood restaurants highlight some of the notable features of Westshore. Make a stop by Westshore Beach while you're exploring.

Westshore
Art Deco Weekend!! Art Deco Weekend is a celebration of the rebuilding of Napier after the 1931 Hawke's Bay earthquake- it celebrates our beautiful city and it's iconic buildings, memorializes the people of the city during the 1930's and makes for a great weekend! The event is planned extremely well, has an incredible amount of era-appropriate events and a magnificent setting. Everybody dresses up - frocks, heels and accessories, bow ties and suspenders... Add vintage car parades, over 200 different events - it's a great weekend!

Bluff Hill

While visiting Bluff Hill, you might make a stop by sights like Napier Prison and Bluff Hill Domain Lookout.

Bluff Hill
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Hospital Hill

Hospital Hill might not have many top sights, but War Memorial Conference Center and McLean Park are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Hospital Hill

Frequently asked questions

Is Napier worth visiting?
Famous for its bars and pubs and culture, discovering awesome things to do in Napier is simple. Make sure to add MTG Hawke's Bay Museum to your itinerary while here.
How do I spend a day in Napier?
Once you've checked off leading attractions like Faraday Centre and Haumoana Beach, spend the rest of your day enjoying Napier's shopping and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Napier?
You can't go home without exploring MTG Hawke's Bay Museum, rated the top tourist attraction in Napier.
Is three days enough to stay in Napier?
Three days in Napier is more than enough to enjoy the city's major highlights. Many travelers stay for two days on average. MTG Hawke's Bay Museum, Faraday Centre and Marine Parade are top-rated sights. Like to discover more? Stick around a while longer to visit nearby hotspots like Havelock North.
Is Napier a walkable city?
It depends on what you plan to do and see in Napier. Several top sights, like MTG Hawke's Bay Museum and Faraday Centre, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll around some of Napier's best neighborhoods, Napier South is 0.97 kilometers away from downtown, while Ahuriri is 2 kilometers away from the center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Napier with kids?
Whether you're vacationing with hard-to-please teens or tiny adventurers, a schedule filled with fun activities makes all the difference. Take a look at our recommendations for what to do in Napier with kids.

What to do in Napier for adults?
There are lots of things to do in Napier, with experiences for adults of all ages. Round off your day with a visit to Beach House Wines or War Memorial Conference Center.
Are there free things to do in Napier?
One of the top ways to discover free things to do in Napier is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider advice on vibrant neighborhoods, parks and other top attractions you can enjoy without reaching for your wallet. MTG Hawke's Bay Museum is one spot that doesn't have an entrance fee.