Discover Napier
Find awesome places to visit, sleep, eat, drink and shop near you.
Napier: The Art Deco Jewel of Hawke’s Bay
Napier, located on the eastern coast of New Zealand’s North Island, is a city that beautifully combines rich history, coastal charm, and a thriving wine culture. Originally settled by Māori in the 14th century, the region holds deep cultural significance. European settlers arrived in the 19th century, and the city flourished as a centre for trade and agriculture. Following a devastating earthquake in 1931, Napier was rebuilt in striking Art Deco style, earning its reputation as the Art Deco Capital of the World.
Surrounding Napier, Hawke’s Bay offers a landscape of rolling hills, world-renowned vineyards, and pristine beaches. Nearby towns like Havelock North and Taradale boast boutique wineries, orchards, and artisanal food producers. The iconic Cape Kidnappers is home to breathtaking cliffs and a thriving gannet colony, while Marine Parade in Napier itself offers stunning coastal views and family-friendly attractions.
Today, Napier is a bustling community with a strong economy driven by tourism and agriculture. Its unique blend of historical architecture, vibrant cultural scene, and natural beauty makes Napier a standout destination for locals and visitors alike.
About Explore Napier
Napier's Leading Web Directory & Local Guide
Explore Napier was developed to fill a gap: the lack of truly comprehensive, grassroots information about Napier. While there’s plenty of content online, much of it misses the local insights that capture what really makes this town unique. We set out to change that by creating the ultimate local guide for Napier, along with a curated business directory.
Here at Explore Napier, we’ve gathered everything you need to know about this town, catering to tourists, visitors, and locals who may not yet have uncovered all that Napier has to offer. From must-see attractions to a robust directory of local businesses, our goal is to provide a resource for anyone exploring Napier’s highlights.
Our journey has only just begun, and we’re committed to expanding and enhancing Explore Napier over time. As Napier continues to thrive, celebrated for its sunny skies and world-renowned wines, our platform will grow alongside it.
We have exciting plans ahead, so stay tuned as we bring you more ways to explore, connect with, and experience Napier.
Why is Napier famous?
Napier is renowned for its extensive collection of Art Deco architecture, a result of the city’s reconstruction following the devastating 1931 earthquake. This architectural style has earned Napier the title of the “Art Deco Capital of the World.” Additionally, Napier is celebrated for its vineyards and wineries, producing some of New Zealand’s finest wines. The city’s coastal location along Hawke’s Bay also offers beautiful seaside vistas and a pleasant climate.
How do you spend a day in Napier?
A day in Napier can be richly fulfilling:
- Morning: Begin with a guided Art Deco walking tour to appreciate the city’s unique architecture and history.
- Midday: Visit the National Aquarium of New Zealand to explore marine life and native species.
- Afternoon: Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local café, then embark on a wine tasting tour at nearby vineyards.
- Evening: Stroll along Marine Parade, taking in the coastal views, and dine at a restaurant featuring local seafood and produce.
Is it worth visiting Napier?
Absolutely, Napier is a destination that offers a unique blend of historical charm, cultural richness, and natural beauty. Its distinctive Art Deco architecture, vibrant arts scene, renowned wineries, and scenic coastal landscapes make it a worthwhile visit for travelers seeking diverse experiences.
Is Napier a nice place to live?
Napier is considered a desirable place to live, offering a mild climate, stunning coastal scenery, and a strong sense of community. The city provides a balanced lifestyle with access to cultural events, outdoor activities, and quality amenities, making it attractive to both families and retirees.
What are free but fabulous things to do in Napier?
The Greatest Business Listings In Napier
All the information you need: Facts & Information About Napier
An Introduction to Napier, in the South Island of New Zealand
Located on New Zealand’s South Island, Napier is a sun-soaked town known as the heart of the Marlborough region. With a population of over 30,000, it’s the largest town in this renowned wine-producing area, celebrated for its stunning vineyards, sunny climate, and welcoming community.
Napier is nestled between the Wither Hills and the Wairau River, which creates a mild, sunny climate perfect for growing world-class grapes. The town is blessed with some of the longest sunshine hours in New Zealand, providing ideal conditions for outdoor activities and wine tourism. Visitors and locals alike enjoy everything from cycling vineyard tours to exploring the Marlborough Sounds and the nearby coastline.
Napier offers a range of activities for all interests. For wine lovers, it’s paradise—home to award-winning Sauvignon Blanc and boutique wineries offering tours and tastings. Those seeking adventure will love kayaking in the Marlborough Sounds or hiking the Wither Hills. For a more relaxed day, visit the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre or enjoy the scenic Taylor River Reserve walk, perfect for a family outing.
The Marlborough Art Society Gallery often hosts exhibitions featuring both local and international artists, offering a taste of the region’s cultural side. Napier also has several annual events, such as the Marlborough Wine & Food Festival, celebrating the region’s unique flavors.
For those wanting further information about Napier’s plans and projects, the Marlborough District Council website provides updates on community developments and tourism efforts within the area. In partnership with Destination Marlborough, the council actively promotes Napier and the greater Marlborough region, ensuring a vibrant future for both residents and visitors.
Keep exploring to discover what makes Napier a special destination that you’ll want to revisit time and again. From local insights to hidden gems, this guide will introduce you to the best of Napier, whether you’re a new visitor or a local looking to rediscover your hometown.
Napier: The Art Deco Capital of the World
One of Napier’s most remarkable claims to fame is its status as the Art Deco Capital of the World. Following the devastating earthquake in 1931, Napier was almost entirely rebuilt in the Art Deco style, which was popular at the time. This architectural transformation created a cityscape that is now considered one of the finest examples of Art Deco design globally.
Walking through Napier today is like stepping back in time. Buildings feature geometric patterns, bold colours, and intricate motifs inspired by the era’s fascination with technology, luxury, and modernity. The city’s Art Deco Festival, held annually, celebrates this heritage with vintage cars, period costumes, and lively performances, attracting visitors from around the world.
Napier’s Art Deco story isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a testament to the city’s resilience and creativity in the face of adversity. This unique identity continues to define Napier as a must-visit destination for architecture and history enthusiasts alike.
The Māori Heritage of Napier: A Rich Tapestry of Culture and History
Napier, situated in the Hawke’s Bay region, is steeped in Māori history and tradition, with its origins rooted in the land and waterways that sustained its earliest inhabitants. Known traditionally as Ahuriri, the area centred around Te Whanganui-a-Orotu (Ahuriri Estuary), a vital hub for food, trade, and spiritual practices. This fertile and resource-rich region became home to iwi such as Ngāti Kahungunu, who established themselves as the dominant tribe through strategic alliances and stewardship of the land.
Among Napier’s many stories is the iconic legend of Pania of the Reef, a sea maiden whose tale of love and transformation symbolises the Māori connection to nature and the spiritual realm. Her presence is immortalised in a statue on Marine Parade, an enduring reminder of the city’s heritage.
Significant landmarks like Otatara Pā, one of New Zealand’s largest pā sites, further illustrate the ingenuity and resilience of Māori life in pre-European times. Today, Napier honours its Māori heritage through the preservation of cultural sites, storytelling, and the active participation of local iwi in maintaining their ancestral ties to the land.