Explore the Local History and Culture
Napier’s heritage is shaped above all by the catastrophic 1931 Hawke’s Bay earthquake (magnitude 7.8, 3 February 1931) which destroyed the central city — the rebuild over 1931–1933 produced one of the world’s most concentrated Art Deco architectural districts, with over 120 surviving Art Deco buildings in the city centre. Earlier history includes substantial pre-European Māori settlement on the Heretaunga Plains, with mana whenua including Ngāti Kahungunu and Mana Ahuriri.
Heritage sites span the Art Deco walking-tour route, the National Tobacco Company Building at Ahuriri, the MTG Hawke’s Bay Museum, the Mataruahou (Bluff Hill) heritage streets, the Napier Port, military and earthquake-memorial sites, and the pre-European Māori sites of Ōtātara and Heipipi pā.
Browse all Napier historical and cultural sites below:
Be captivated by The Century Theatre, a cultural gem at MTG Hawke’s Bay, where history and modernity converge—discover its intriguing story and upcoming events.
From historic vineyards to premium wine tastings, discover why Mission Estate Winery captivates visitors with its rich heritage and enchanting allure.
Journey into Ōtātara Pā Historic Reserve and discover the hidden treasures of Māori history that await you in Napier’s breathtaking landscapes.
Have you explored the captivating treasures at MTG Hawke’s Bay, where art, history, and culture await your discovery? Don’t miss out on the experience!
Gain insight into Napier’s vibrant Art Deco heritage and uncover the fascinating stories behind its iconic architecture that continues to shape the city today.
Just steps away from the Pacific Ocean, the Napier War Memorial Centre blends history with community life, inviting you to discover its meaningful legacy.
Feel the thrill of exploring the National Aquarium of New Zealand in Napier, where marine wonders await and adventures beckon at every turn.
The Faraday Museum of Technology in Napier offers an engaging journey through tech history—what incredible discoveries await you inside?
