Napier Shore Excursion: City Sights and Hawke's Bay Tour

Napier , New Zealand

Napier Shore Excursion: City Sights and Hawke's Bay Tour

Active

(6 reviews)

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

This shore excursion highlights the best of Hawke's Bay and Napier, considered the Art Deco Capital of the world! Discover this areas unique history including its early settlement, the 1931 Napier Earthquake, and the rebuild efforts that transformed the city to what it is today. Travel through the beautiful rural pastures outside the city, make a stop close to the top of Te Mata Peak with incredible sightings, and explore the unique architecture of Hastings and Napier.

Available options

Napier Shore Excursion: City Sights and Hawke's Bay Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Pick up and drop off (at the meeting point)

Live commentary onboard

Driver/guide

Admission fees

Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

After being picked up, you will begin your sightseeing tour of the city and surrounding areas. You will drive through the rural countryside while sighting sheep, deer, cattle, along with orchards, market gardens and vineyards, providing some of the most beautiful scenery in New Zealand.

Stop 2

Enjoy incredible views and a great photo opportunity close to the top of Te Mata Peak, which includes incredible sights of Mt Ruapehu on a clear day.

Drive through the city of Hastings on your way back to Napier, another city famous for its Art Deco and Spanish Mission style buildings from the 1930’s.

Return to Napier and see beautiful Art Deco style buildings and drive through an original 1930’s Art Deco housing estate. To conclude the excursion, you will tour the entire main shopping centre of Napier which contains even more Art Deco architecture. Time permitting you will be able to walk the main street on foot which provides some great photo opportunities (time in the city is dependent on cruise ship schedules). Afterwards we return you to the Aquarium where you can catch the free shuttle back to the cruise ship.

What's not included

Food and drinks

Gratuities (optional)

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 3.5

6 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Children 2 and younger are complimentary provided they do not occupy their own seat.

Departure details and times will be sent upon booking.

This tour does support collapsible wheelchairs provided there is someone else there to help them on and off the coaches.

Important notes

If possible, please give this voucher to the representative at the meeting point.

About Napier

Napier is a vibrant city known for its Art Deco architecture, a result of the 1931 earthquake that led to a complete rebuild. It offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, with access to the Pacific Ocean and the scenic Hawke's Bay region. The city is famous for its wine, art, and marine life, making it a compelling destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

Art Deco Walk

A self-guided walking tour showcasing Napier's iconic Art Deco architecture, a result of the 1931 earthquake.

Historical 1-2 hours Free (guided tours cost around $25)

Marine Parade

A scenic waterfront promenade with beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean and Hawke's Bay.

Beach 1-2 hours Free

Hawke's Bay Museum & Art Gallery

A renowned museum showcasing the history, art, and culture of Hawke's Bay.

Museum 1-2 hours Around $10

Napier Aquarium

A small but fascinating aquarium featuring a variety of marine life from the Pacific Ocean.

Nature 1 hour Around $10

Te Mata Peak

A scenic viewpoint offering panoramic views of Hawke's Bay and the surrounding countryside.

Nature 1-2 hours Free (parking fee applies)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Fresh Seafood

Napier is famous for its fresh seafood, including crayfish, paua (abalone), and oysters.

Lunch/Dinner Seafood is a staple, but vegetarian and vegan options are available in many restaurants.

Hawke's Bay Wine

The region is known for its excellent wines, particularly Sauvignon Blanc and Syrah.

Drink Wine tastings are available at many local vineyards.

Art Deco Cupcakes

A local specialty, these cupcakes are decorated in Art Deco style.

Dessert Vegetarian and gluten-free options available.

Popular Activities

Hiking Kayaking Surfing Wine tasting Spa treatments Beach lounging Art Deco tours Museum visits

Best Time to Visit

December to February

This is the summer season, with long, sunny days perfect for outdoor activities and beach visits. It's the peak tourist season, so expect crowded attractions and higher prices.

20-25°C 68-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English, Maori
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

New Zealand Dollar (NZD)

Time Zone

GMT+12

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Napier is a safe city with low crime rates. However, as with any destination, it's important to take basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Use reputable tour operators
• Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help

Getting there

By air

Hawke's Bay Airport • 5 km from city center

By train

Napier Railway Station

By bus

Napier Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Affordable and convenient for getting around. Buses are frequent and reliable.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Local taxi apps

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Ahuriri Tarewa Marewa

Day trips

Hastings

20 km from Napier • Half day

Hastings is a charming city known for its fruit orchards, wineries, and the annual Art Deco Festival.

Cape Kidnappers

30 km from Napier • Full day

Cape Kidnappers is a stunning coastal area known for its gannet colony and scenic views.

Havelock North

15 km from Napier • Half day

Havelock North is a picturesque village known for its wine region, local markets, and scenic beauty.

Festivals

Art Deco Festival • February Hawke's Bay Wine & Food Festival • November Hawke's Bay Farmers' Market • Sundays, year-round

Pro tips

Visit the Hawke's Bay Museum & Art Gallery for a deeper understanding of the region's history and culture
Take a guided Art Deco tour to learn about the city's unique architecture and history
Explore the local wine region with a self-guided or guided wine tour
Visit the Napier Market on weekends for fresh produce, local crafts, and food stalls
Take a day trip to Cape Kidnappers to see the gannet colony and enjoy stunning coastal views