Things to do in Napier

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Originally published on nzherald.co.nz It's 6.05 am on Friday morning when we turn off State Highway 51 in Napier and follow the blink-and-you'll-miss-it sign for Waitangi Regional Park.

Stories of Māui and his many daring feats can be heard throughout Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa, the great Pacific Ocean.

This wide, smooth path affords stunning views across the Pacific Ocean, Tukituki River and countless vineyards (it's the GREEN section on the Hawke's Bay Trails map).

Belying it's official name as the Water Ride, this section of the Hawke's Bay Trails takes in a range of rural and urban landscapes, albeit many with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, Ahuriri Lagoon and Tutaekuri River (it's the ORANGE section on the Hawke's Bay Trails map).

On this calm Tuesday morning in Hawke's Bay, the region was rocked by a devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake that violently shook for three minutes.

Discover laid-back luxury at Kiwiesque Bring your people together at our stunning vineyard property.

The approximately 3km stretch of iconic seafront connects Napier with the Pacific Ocean, with stunning vistas encompassing Māhia Peninsula in the north to Cape Kidnappers in the south.

Situated on 3,000 acres of gently undulating to steep scenic limestone terrain, this farm has belonged to the Palmer Family for over a century.

Early Māori settlers Māori settled in Hawke’s Bay around 1250–1300 AD.

When the Ngāti Kahungunu party of Taraia reached the district, now known as Napier, the Whatumamoa, Rangitane and the Ngāti Awa and elements of the Ngāti Tara existed in the areas of Petane, Te Whanganui ā Orotū and Waiohiki.

There are a number of designated Council sites where overnight camping by Certified Self-Contained vehicles are permitted.

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Central Hawke's Bay District Council does not need to be advised of your intention to camp (freedom or self-contained) in the below locations, unless it is during a restricted period.

This long, narrow estuary with its wide range of fresh to salty, shallow to deep, and sandy to muddy habitats supports an extremely diverse range of birds, fish, invertebrates and plant life.

All the Tours are tailormade, private and hosted by Juliet Harbutt, Master of cheese, founder of Jeroboams [wine & cheese shop in London] and award-winning food writer, who will collect you from your hotel and take you on a tour of her favourite places, makers, wineries and galleries.  As you travel through this region of outstanding natural beauty you will discover why Hawke’s Bay was recently named 11th Wine Capital of the world and why her individually curated tours receive 5*reviews.

The Ngamoko Track is the starting point for several walks, offering varying lengths and intensities.

Got craft supplies sitting there judging you?

DEUX HOMMES ET UNE FEMME (Two Men and A Woman) Works on Paper: Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse and Françoise Gilot Exhibition at Creative Arts Napier, 16 Byron Street, Napier 15-28 May 2026   The influence of the Cubists and the Fauves on modern art in the 20th century cannot be overstated.

Matariki Mahuika is a people-powered Matariki project that involves welcoming people to share the warmth of their fire on beaches right around Aoetaroa New Zealand.

Our passionate local guides offer a fun and flexible way to experience the rural winery gems of Napier, Hastings and beyond.

Broken hill country, deep ravines and geologically unstable terrain dissuaded early travellers from venturing too far inland on the torturous journey between Napier and Wairoa.

Te Urewera, home of the Tūhoe people, is the largest area of native forest in the North Island and offers a wonderful escape in ancient untouched rainforest. Please refer to the Ngai Tuhoe website for the latest updates regarding Te Urerewa access.

Choose from either a one-day self-guided catered walk or, a two-day/two-night self-guided and fully catered experience on our 3,000-acre sheep and beef farm.

HARVEST Hawke's Bay 2026 will once again celebrate Hawke's Bay, NZ's Food & Wine Country.

Are you searching for a destination to unwind, and relax?

The concept is simple - take a brush in one hand, a drink in the other and let’s paint a masterpiece!

The Ngaruroro runs for 164km from its source, emptying into Hawke Bay near Clive - sharing a river mouth with the Tutaekuri River and Te Awa o Mokotūāraro (Clive River) to form the Waitangi Estuary.

Are you ready for a whole new kind of adventure?Do you love cracking codes, uncovering secrets, and testing your mind under pressure?

Linden Estate enjoys the warm climate of Hawke's Bay, New Zealand's most versatile wine growing region.

“Sizzling Saturdays – Taste the world by the sea” Saturday night summer feasts by the beach in Napier.

Insecure Delusion are back in the Bay at the famous Cabana to give Tool fans a fix with their tribute to the greats - whether you missed out on the real deal or just want to get out amongst Tool fans again for a night of the best rock songs around - Insecure Delusion are ready to deliver this May 2026!

The redeveloped Napier War Memorial Centre - hosted by Napier Conferences & Events is Hawke's Bay's only purpose built Conference venue and is perfect for your next conference, meeting, business event, trade show or wedding.

Cape Kidnappers | Te Kauwae-a-Māui is a craggy, but stunning peninsula that is ever-present to life in Hawke’s Bay.

200km of easy-riding trails lead to more than 50 locations to taste, see and experience the best of Hawke's Bay, New Zealand's Food and Wine Country.  The Hawke's Bay Trails are a genuine year-round cycling experience, with a network of mostly off-road limestone trails which are suitable in almost all weather conditions - although to be fair, you're likely to encounter mostly sunshine in Hawke's Bay!

Right in the heart of 1930’s Napier and opposite Hawke’s Bay’s MTG (Museum) and Napier's i-SITE information centre, Masonic Hotel’s location is perfect for exploring Art Deco Napier.

Mangatutu Hot Springs is a popular Department of Conservation camping, picnic and fishing spot, and a starting point for excursions up the Mohaka River and further into the Kaweka Forest Park.

Located in the mid-eastern Ruahine Forest Park, Sunrise Hut is situated on the top of the Ruahine Ranges.  The original hut was constructed in 1983 by NZFS, and upgraded in 2005.

Lake Tūtira, and it's neighbouring Lake Waikopiro, is home to an abundance of wildlife and is a popular fishing spot. Alongside the lake is the 463 ha Tūtira Regional Park, maintained by the Hawke's Bay Regional Council, which has an erosion control, sustainable land management programme in place.

Hastings CBD's Waiaroha - Heretaunga Water Discovery Centre has opened a world of information about all things water.

All of these walks originate from the Waipātiki beach area, aobut 40min drive north of Napier Waipātiki Scenic Reserve This walk is situated just before Waipātiki Beach 32 kms north of Napier.

The silence is broken, Skykid's exiting the studio and heading for the stage.

Originally owned by tobacco tycoon Gerhard Husheer, the building suffered extensive exterior damage due to the Hawke’s Bay Earthquake in 1931.  Although in the midst of the Great Depression, Husheer spared no expense in the rebuild.

The present sealed Napier-Taupō highway bears little resemblance to the pre-European walking trail.

Celebrating 25 years of making music as Sola Rosa, Andrew Spraggon, the force behind one of Aotearoa’s most enduring musical projects, returns with his eighth studio album In The Mids, due for release on Friday 10 April.

Every milestone.

In 1854, John Chambers built a small cottage for his family on a block of land which he leased from Kurupo Te Moananui.

Connecting the enormous fountain and iconic Soundshell, the lawn is lined with colourful flowerbeds and is well used by locals and visitors alike.

The historical building has been newly refurbished and includes five modern, stylish and gloriously comfortable suites where you can refresh and relax.

Named after British General Sir Henry Havelock, the town of Havelock North was founded in 1860 to provide land for small farmers and working-class settlers.  This followed the purchase of land in 1858 from Māori owners, of land previously known as ‘Karanema’s Reserve’.

Yeoman's Track is closed due to damage sustained during Cyclone Gabrielle, with no current date for re-opening. See DOC website for details A walking track along an old logging route at the base of the Ruahine Forest Park is open for mountain bikers as well.

To walk to the Lookout, head north along Marine Parade and turn left on Coote Road just past Ocean Spa.

Y’a Bon French Baker is a modern artisan bakery showcasing the best of Hawke's Bay living through a French lens.

Bell Rock is an iconic lookout accessed reached via a medium intensity walk.

The town of Wairoa gets its name from the river the runs through the middle of the township - Te Wairoa Hōpūpū Hōnengenenge Mātangi Rau, which in Māori means 'the long water which bubbles, swirls and is uneven'.

We take great pride in offering you personalised service, with attention to detail, friendliness and going the extra mile to make your car hire as stress free as possible.

The elegantly restored historic seminary building provides a stunning location for the unique, award-winning Mission Restaurant. Offering elegant, classic surroundings, magnificent views, world-class cuisine and wines combined with the stunning vineyard location makes Mission Restaurant one of Hawke’s Bay's premier venues.

One of Napier’s most iconic historic buildings has been reimagined.

Napier offers four freedom camping areas.

Crab Farm Winery is a family owned and operated winery located just north of Napier in Bay View.

Centrally located within one of Napier’s premier suburban parks, Anderson Park playground's accessible and imaginative features create an inclusive environment that encourages all abilities and ages to play alongside each other.

Te Mata Peak, behind Havelock North, gives 360° views of Hawke’s Bay.

Join Hastings High School Old Girls Netball Club, the oldest Netball Club in the country, for a special opportunity to celebrate 100 years of club netball.

Our three stores are located in Havelock North village, on Latham Street in Napier South and our newest store - Bellatino's Kitchen at the Ahuriri Food Hub.  We love our customers – both the regulars we see each day and the visitors who pop in to experience our range.

Set amongst the world famous Art Deco Precinct in Napier, next to Clive Square and opposite Napier's Municipal Theatre, expressotel is conveniently situated, whether you're visiting for business or pleasure.

Several walking tracks wind through lush plantings up to the top end of the gardens - which are adjacent to the old Napier Cemetery and provide a solemn but fascinating insight into the history of those who once inhabited the township.

Shine Falls is currently closed - see Department of Conservation website for more information Shine Falls is roughly a 1.5 hours drive away from Napier, and the last 12km is gravel road - but it's worth the trip!The Shine Falls track is a 1.5 hour return walk, and leads to the base of the waterfall.

Ahuriri Pharmacy is located in the historic seaside village of Ahuriri, Napier.

An approximate 40minute drive southeast from Waipawa or Waipukurau through the Central Hawke's Bay countryside takes you past historic churches, picturesque woolsheds and stunning country landscapes to finally glimpse the south Pacific Ocean before descending down the hill to Blackhead beach.

The playground was named after May and Peter Harris in recognition of their significant donation to the Marine Parade playground project.

April is the 2nd Friday due to Good Friday on the First Friday of the month, 5-7 pm.

Napier Golf Club “Waiohiki” is the oldest Golf Club in Hawke’s Bay, having celebrated its Centenary in 1996.

NZTrio add a deeper hue with the addition of viola and double bass, to perform Franz Schubert’s ebullient and beloved Trout Quintet.

Hawke’s Bay’s only earth-brick winery.

The first installation was commissioned in 2009, and unveiled in February 2010.

This park was first created as the equivalent of the English village green in 1854, and Napier’s first cricket and football matches were played there. In 1886, the first steps were taken to transform this space into the wonderful garden we see today.  The square was enclosed with white picket fencing and gates stood at the corner entrances, trees and shrubs were planted around the boundary and seating was erected to face the large central band rotunda.

Te Mata Park is open to walkers, runners, unleashed dogs and riders, so make sure you stick to the signposted mountain biking trails.

Please note Tangoio Falls is currently CLOSED - see Department of Conservation website for more information Tangoio Falls is absolutely gorgeous, and is particularly spectacular after rain.

The accommodation complex in Hawke's Bay that has it all!

Centrally located in Napier, the Art Deco capital of the world, Palm City Motor Inn provides superior accommodation to visitors to Hawke's Bay.

Waterfront dining, casual menus, wine & craft beer – Gastro Pub.

A great spring/summer day trip, pack a picnic, walking shoes and swimwear for a splash in the stream.

Between Taihape at the southern end of the Central Plateau to Napier winds a 150km long highway known as the Gentle Annie.

Beginners Ballroom & Latin 8-week course (April/May/June), 28th April - 16th June (Tuesdays 7pm - 8pm) Learn the basics of partner dancing, Waltz, social-foxtrot, Cha-cha-cha & Jive.

At Napier City Bike Hire & Tours, we invite visitors to discover all the Hawke's Bay's treasures by bike.

The twin Kaweka lakes - Lake Rototuna and Lake Rotoroa - are ecologically and botanically significant because of the large number of plant species and vegetation types in the surrounding area.

First-time cavers can explore Mangaone Caves - enjoy karst-type features, stalactites, stalagmites and calcite wall coverings.

Farndon Park Domain is nestled along the Clive River between Hastings and Napier.

Live Pro Wrestling makes its way back to Napier to end our 2025/26 season witha bang!

Holidays are for relaxing, having fun and spending time with family and friends.

Parkers Apartments offers beautifully self-contained spaces to locate yourself during your stay to Napier, Hawkes Bay.

Relax in luxury wedding accommodation in Havelock North, Hawke's Bay.

Home to the Pukana Burger, Two Taniwha Street Food provides delicious freshly cooked street food including burgers, wraps & roast rolls using the signature slow cooked pulled meats.

Get ready for a day of sparkle, storytelling, and farmyard fun as Napier Libraries teams up with the Napier Municipal Theatre to bring you a magical Dazzle Day celebration!

Global talent.

Archies Bunker is a unique, unornamented Art Deco building offering quality affordable accommodation right in the heart of the Napier Art Deco Precinct.

Located in the heart of Napier in the iconic T&G building, directly opposite Marine Parade and the Sound Shell, “The Dome” epitomises Art Deco chic offering luxury waterfront studio and apartment accommodation for a variety of budgets, alongside state-of the-art business facilities.

Hawke's Bay is one of the first places in the world to see the light each day, with our Napier hotel enjoying a premium waterfront location on Napier's Marine Parade.

Eastern views from the summit cover the Napier-Taradale area and much of the Heretaunga Plains, while western views include the Ruahine and Kaweka Ranges.

Our property is semi-rural and situated halfway between Napier and Hastings.

Breckenridge Lodge is the perfect gourmet experience for the discerning traveler.

Welcome to Arts Inc.

Cobden Garden is the perfect bed and breakfast retreat in Napier, offering a warm welcome and generous hospitality in an elegant colonial villa.

A voyage of discovery on Napier's Iconic Art Deco Buses Belle and Veronica, our two stunning Art Deco buses, are available for hire for any occasion.

The Gintrap is a bustling restaurant and bar in the popular West Quay, Ahuriri.  This smart but casual gastro pub offers fantastic food and friendly service for all occasions.  With an extensive beverage list including over 300 different Gins, there’s something for everyone!

Overlooking Napier harbour, the Thirsty Whale Bar & Restaurant is a prime spot to meet up with friends, whilst you sit back, relax and drink in the panoramic scenery.

Commence your walk from the Onepoto Bay Shelter - the start (or end) point for the full Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk.  The track rises steadily up Panekire Bluff to the first trig (1 hour one way) with magnificent views of the lake and mountains.

Learn to Lindy-Hop with Hi-De-Ho Swing No partner or previous experience nessaserry, all you'll need is comfy shoes and your water bottle.

Following two incredible sold-out years, the Hawkes Bay Yoga Festival returns for 2026.

Make the Art Deco Trust your first stop to find out more about the devastating 1931 earthquake and the rebuild of the city of Napier in the style of the times - Art Deco.

The Manse is one of the finest New Zealand Luxury Lodges in the Hastings/Havelock North/Napier area offering guests a Kiwi Experience with a European touch.

Does your child love to sing?

Things to be aware of: Drive on the left-hand side of the road and give way when you turn right.

By following the Tiaki Promise, you are making a commitment to New Zealand.

Enjoy 9 holes Golf or 18 holes FootGolf in our beautiful public course.  Talk to us about having a function at APC including golf or footgolf.

Napier Municipal Theatre combines elegant Art Deco-style with modern theatre facilities and is the leading entertainment venue to enjoy what’s on in Hawke’s Bay.

Napier Sailing Club is a wonderful venue, with idyllic views of the inner harbour - to provide the perfect setting for any occasion.

The Junior Bike Track aka Traffic Light Park on Marine Parade has been specifically designed for young children to learn basic road safety, in a safe and fun manner.

Napier’s bike pump track was designed by Jeff Carter of Rotorua’s South Star Adventures, the pump track is inspired by a track located in Mendrisio, Switzerland and has been popular since its completion in March 2015.

Take a detour from the usual route to Lake Waikaremoana, and catch a glimpse of the stunning Putere lakes via the scenic backroads.

Nau mai haere mai.

Beginners SALSA & BACHATA starts Wed-29th-April, 8 week course (April/May/June) ■ Wednesday's 7pm - 29th April, 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th May, 3rd, 10th.

The Crown Hotel Napier overlooks the stunning waterfront in the historical seaside village of Ahuriri, Napier, with the sun, sea and landscape on your doorstep...location is everything.

Park up at the carpark where Nelson Quay meets Hardinge Road in Ahuriri and you'll find a plesant swim-safe little beach that the whole family will love.

By collaborating with internationally renowned artists, Sea Walls artists create large-scale public murals and organize community-based educational efforts that focus attention on major environmental issues the oceans are currently facing, and promote the importance of long-term sustainability of natural resources.

The Pan Pac Mountain Bike Park, just 10 minutes drive north of Napier, is the 'home' of the Hawke’s Bay Mountain Bike club.

Need a breather? Drop into our rest point, a calm, low-key space to unwind between events.

UNLEASHED.

Enjoy a relaxing stay at the ASURE Colonial Lodge Motel.

Bay Skate is a multi-use, world-class roller sports park on Napier’s Marine Parade.

Faraday Museum of Technology in Napier, is a place of discovery where history comes alive through hands-on experience.

'Where you can walk and talk to the animals’ 15 mins from Napier or Hastings, the zoo is recognised as one of the region's leading attractions for both tourists and groups.

Experience relaxation and revitalization at Ocean Spa, Napier's premier heated pool and fitness complex!

Get your swing on at Par2 MiniGolf in Napier.

Quest Napier serviced apartment-style hotel rooms offer guests a relaxed and comfortable Napier accommodation experience perfect for short or long stays.

Only ten minutes from Napier, with several lovingly restored spaces catering for groups from 6 to 160, The Old Church offers warm hospitality, luxurious décor, delicious food and wines selected from the best of Hawke’s Bay’s boutique vineyards.

Extending out along Marine Parade's waterfront, the brand new viewing platform adds architectural interest as well as a fantastic place to pause and watch the world go by.  The viewing platform connects to the foreshore walkway system and provides elevated access to the water’s edge and views of Hawke Bay and back to the city.

Right in the heart of buzzing Art Deco Napier, Art Deco Masonic Hotel is an ideal Hawke’s Bay function and event venue.

Crab Farm Winery is a family-owned and operated winery and restaurant located just north of Napier in Bay View.

We are Roam.

Our winery is set in the Bridge Pa Triangle in sunny Hawke's Bay.

Explore Napier’s fascinating townscape of the 1930s, born out of the Napier Earthquake of 1931.

Please note Te Ana Falls is currently CLOSED - see Department of Conservation website for more information Tangoio Falls and Te Ana Falls are both accessed from the Tangoio Falls carpark just off State Highway 2 about 25mk north of Napier.

Seasons Art Class Napier — Watercolour (and more!) | Starting 11 June 2026 Come along and discover just how much fun it is to make art as a grown-up.

We are an independent boutique cinema by the seashore in Ahuriri, Napier.

This 240 ha of wetland is where Muddy Creek, and the Ngaruroro, Tutaekuri and Te Awa o Mokotūāraro (Clive) Rivers meet the sea.

Great fun and road-rule practice for the little ones.

Just a 40 minute drive north of Napier, you'll discover Stingray Bay, a small, rocky bay located just north of Tangoio Beach.

It's about time Hawkes Bay revived a great market for secondhand kids stuff!

You are going to want to pack a picnic for this one!

Paddy’s Irish Pub has brought a wee bit of Ireland to West Quay, Ahuriri, Napier.

Pou Creations is a whānau-led pounamu carving studio and gallery based in the heart of Napier.

Our 5-star premium boutique hotel is located in the heart of Napier between the Marine Parade and the city centre.

With a distinctly rural feel, Puketapu Park might be a bit off the track but it is worth the trip!

In April 1967 a start was made on excavating the 30,000 cubic yard hole for the Sunken Gardens.

Amongst Napier’s stunning surroundings, you will enjoy your round on this 6,125m, 18-hole picturesque golf course.

Unwind in the coastal charm of Te Awanga Cottages, a peaceful retreat tucked away in one of Hawke’s Bay’s most scenic seaside settings.

A popular spot with locals, beside the busy Napier Port - which has set aside safe swimming in the designated zone inside the orange buoys.

This Trail runs through Central Hawke's Bay, equidistant from the Ruahine Ranges and the coast.

Market St is a truly unique, modern city bar and eatery in the heart of Napier and proud to be part of the premium Heineken Bar family.

The Rose Irish Pub is a Napier institution, located right in the heart of Napier.

From Napier CBD travel north along Marine Parade - which becomes Breakwater Rd - until you reach an intersection with Coote Rd.

Spread over 90 hectares in rolling Hawke's Bay hill country north of Napier and overlooking picturesque Lake Tutira, is Guthrie-Smith Arboretum.

Napier has numerous walkways linking neighbourhoods, tracing waterways and coastline and threading through reserves and parks.

Just sneaking inside the northwest Hawke's Bay region boundary on SH2 (Napier-Taupo Road) are the Waipunga Falls - easily viewable from a carpark just off the main highway. Be sure to walk around the viewing spot to ensure you also see the neighbouring Waiarua Falls.

Come along to a great night of rock n roll every Tuesday night from 7 pm until 9 pm listen to great music and enjoy dancing to those great old rock n roll songs learn new moves and if you are just starting we have some very good experienced dancers who will help you, we have a monthly social night every second Sunday evening from 6-30pm until late and most social we have a theme night and encourage participants to dress to the theme, for any further info contact Glenda 021 141 4533.

Walk down Emerson Street and end up in a perfect little market offering a true Hawke's Bay experience.

Here we go again folks...

Walk down Emerson Street and end up in a perfect little market.

Relax and take in the beautiful views and surroundings of Perfume Point in Ahuriri, Napier while selecting your favourite dish from our irresistible menu.

The Station is a real local’s premises in the city, and they have it all, from 16 beers on tap including the only bar in Napier City to have Heineken on Tap.

Miss Frou Frou is Hawke's Bay's most exquisite hire company.

The Waipawa Golf Club is traditionally a 12 hole course located near the Waipawa River.

The Boyd-Dunlop Gallery is situated within the Arts Quarter, close to Napier's finest hotels, restaurants and cafes.

A blue church-like building peers over the surrounding maize fields opposite Te Aute College.

On a sunny day when you feel like a drive or a bike ride, Puketapu Hotel is a destination that gets you back out into the country.

Dust off your bike or dig out your walking shoes and set off on the iWay network of pathways, that stretches across the twin cities of Hastings and Napier.

Holt forest can be found near to Lake Tūtira (about 50 minutes drive time north of Napier) and it is an impressive aboretum with over 500 species of indigenous and introduced plants.  There are a number of trails including broad gravel paths suitable for wheelchairs.

Park Island is Napier's largest sports reserve so you can guarantee you'll spot some sporting action if you visit.

The 127m hill known as Sugar Loaf or Pukekura dominates the skyline of the western hills above Taradale.  From the summit the four hectare reserve boasts views over Napier and Taradale.

Suitable for all ages Experiment and explore a science discovery trail through both the Library and the MTG, with fun activities and curious things to investigate.