Discover the best bars in Napier for vibrant evenings in Hawke’s Bay, where Art Deco charm meets waterfront settings and local flavours. Napier offers everything from specialist gin venues and historic pubs to sports bars and seafood spots, catering to couples, groups, families and visitors seeking quality drinks and lively atmospheres. Highlights include The Gintrap for its gin collection and The Rose Irish Pub for its authentic vibe.
1The Gintrap Restaurant & Bar
The Gintrap Restaurant & Bar is a specialist gin gastropub on West Quay in Ahuriri, Napier. It features an extensive collection of over 300 gins from local, domestic and international sources, paired with a menu of seafood and pub classics in a waterfront setting with function spaces available.
Services
- Extensive gin selection and gin-based cocktails
- Local wines and craft beers
- Seafood and pub-style mains including oysters, mussels and burgers
- Private function room for events
Highlights
- Over 300 gins with online store for purchases
- Waterfront location with marina views in Ahuriri
- Open seven days a week from 11am
- Flexible spaces for private and corporate functions
Location & Contact
Name: The Gintrap Restaurant & Bar
Address: 64 West Quay, Ahuriri, Napier 4110
Phone: (06) 835 0199
Website: www.gintrap.co.nz
2The Rose Irish Pub
The Rose Irish Pub is an authentic Irish pub located in the historic Art Deco Masonic Hotel on Hastings Street in central Napier. It provides a welcoming atmosphere with hearty pub fare, a range of beers including Guinness, and regular live entertainment, quiz nights and sports screenings.
Services
- Traditional Irish and Kiwi pub classics like fish and chips and bangers and mash
- Beers on tap including Guinness and local craft options
- Live music, quiz nights and sports screenings
- Kids menu and outdoor courtyard
Highlights
- Authentic Irish pub experience with imported furnishings
- Located in Napier’s iconic Art Deco Masonic Hotel
- Weekly specials and events including Jingo and quiz nights
- Family-friendly with dedicated kids menu
Location & Contact
Name: The Rose Irish Pub
Address: 64 Hastings Street, Napier 4110
Phone: (06) 835 8689
Website: therose.co.nz
3Emporium Eatery and Bar
Emporium Eatery and Bar is an upscale venue in the Art Deco Masonic Hotel on the corner of Tennyson Street and Marine Parade in Napier. It offers a contemporary menu, an extensive list of Hawke’s Bay wines and cocktails in a historic setting with function venues.
Services
- Contemporary menu with local ingredients
- Extensive wine list featuring Hawke’s Bay wines
- Cocktails and beverages
- Function venues for events
Highlights
- Judged a World’s Best Bar
- Art Deco setting in the historic Masonic Hotel
- Focus on Hawke’s Bay hospitality and wines
- Spaces for private functions and gatherings
Location & Contact
Name: Emporium Eatery and Bar
Address: Cnr of Tennyson Street & Marine Parade, Napier
Phone: (06) 835 0013
Website: emporiumbar.co.nz
4The Thirsty Whale Bar & Restaurant
The Thirsty Whale Bar & Restaurant is a waterfront venue on West Quay in Ahuriri, Napier, offering panoramic harbour views. It specialises in fresh seafood and pub fare with live entertainment, sports screenings and multiple function rooms.
Services
- Fresh seafood dishes including fish and chips, chowder, mussels and signature extravaganza
- Steaks, burgers, pizzas and pub classics
- Live music, DJs and sports screenings
- Private function rooms including Harpoon Room and Mezzanine
Highlights
- Prime waterfront location with ocean and harbour views
- Signature seafood menu with local produce
- Live entertainment and events
- Multiple function spaces for groups and occasions
Location & Contact
Name: The Thirsty Whale Bar & Restaurant
Address: 62 West Quay, Ahuriri, Napier, New Zealand
Phone: 06 835 8815
Website: thethirstywhale.co.nz
5Good Sport
Good Sport is Napier’s newest sports bar located on Tennyson Street in Napier South. It provides big screen sports viewing, golf simulators, pool and darts alongside food, drinks and weekly specials in a social setting with free parking.
Services
- Live sports on big screens and multiple TVs
- Golf simulators, pool tables and darts
- Food menu and drinks including beers and cocktails
- Weekly events and specials
Highlights
- 165-inch LED screen and 13 TVs for sports
- Foresight Falcon Golf simulators
- Free parking available
- Weekly specials including burger deals and quiz nights
Location & Contact
Name: Good Sport
Address: 189 Tennyson Street, Napier South, Napier 4110
Phone: 06 650 2256
Website: www.good-sport.co.nz
How to Choose the Right Bar in Napier
- Consider the atmosphere you prefer, from waterfront gin specialists and historic pubs to modern sports bars with big screens.
- Look for venues with strong local drink selections such as Hawke’s Bay wines, craft beers or extensive gin lists.
- Check for entertainment options like live music, quiz nights, sports screenings or golf simulators to match your plans.
- Evaluate the food menu if combining drinks with a meal, focusing on seafood, pub classics or contemporary dishes using regional produce.
- Factor in location and views, such as Ahuriri marina settings or central Art Deco spots, along with function spaces for groups or events.
Frequently Asked Questions About Napier Bars
What types of bars can I find in Napier?
Napier features a mix of specialist gin gastropubs, authentic Irish pubs, waterfront seafood venues, upscale eatery bars and sports bars with big screens and simulators. Options range from relaxed waterfront spots in Ahuriri to central historic settings in the CBD.
Are there bars in Napier with ocean or marina views?
Yes, several venues in the Ahuriri area on West Quay offer outdoor decks and views over the marina or Pacific Ocean, making them popular for sunset drinks and relaxed evenings.
Is Napier’s bar scene suitable for families or large groups?
Many bars cater to families during earlier hours with kids menus and outdoor areas, while others provide function rooms and spaces for groups, private events or celebrations.
Do bars in Napier serve local Hawke’s Bay wine and craft beer?
Most venues showcase Hawke’s Bay wines, local craft beers and regional produce on their menus, allowing visitors to sample flavours from nearby wineries and breweries.
Are there any late-night bars or live music venues in Napier?
Several bars stay open late with live music, DJ nights, quiz events or sports screenings, particularly in the CBD and Ahuriri waterfront areas for a vibrant night out.
What should I know about responsible drinking in New Zealand bars?
New Zealand bars operate under the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act, with requirements for responsible service. Check legislation.govt.nz for details on licensing and host responsibility guidelines.
How can I find bars suitable for functions or events in Napier?
Many venues offer private rooms or spaces for weddings, corporate events or parties. Contact them directly or explore options through local tourism resources like hawkesbaynz.com.
Are there resources for consumer rights when visiting bars?
For information on consumer rights, complaints or fair trading in hospitality, visit consumer.org.nz for guidance on services and expectations.