Last updated October 2026
Taradale is the largest suburb on the western side of Napier. Taradale is best known for its historic wineries and the large Anderson Park that anchors its recreational spaces. The Gloucester Street pedestrian precinct provides a compact village-style retail and dining hub.
Official Suburb Facts
- Population (2023 Census)
- About 12,950, up 3% since 2018
- Land area
- 11.30 km²
- Location
- 7.7 km south-west of central Napier
- Council
- Napier City Council
- Neighbouring suburbs
- Puketapu, Waiohiki, Greenmeadows, Poraiti, Jervoistown, Pakowhai
- Ward or local board
- Taradale Ward (Napier City Council)
- Getting there
- Taradale Walkway, Greenmeadows Walkway and the Rotary Pathway into the city
- Main shopping
- Gloucester Street pedestrian precinct
- Schools
- Arthur Miller School, Bledisloe School, Reignier Catholic School, Taradale High School, Taradale Intermediate, Taradale School, Te Kahu Amohia – Fairhaven School
- Nearby landmarks
- Anderson Park, Mission Estate Winery, Church Road Winery, Pettigrew Green Arena
Who Lives in Taradale
About 12,950 residents in 5,060 households. From the 2023 Census, with the New Zealand figure alongside for comparison.
In Taradale
Places and businesses inside the official Taradale boundary.
Places
Businesses
About Taradale
Taradale sits on the western inland side of Napier, separated from the central city by Anderson Park and river flats. Originally a separate town, it was absorbed into the Napier City Council area through the 1989 local government reforms yet retains a distinct village character.
The suburb’s compact layout and pedestrian-friendly Gloucester Street precinct give it a traditional country-town feel rather than a typical suburban extension.
The suburb’s national profile stems from its wineries. Mission Estate Winery was established in 1851 by French Marist missionaries and is New Zealand’s oldest surviving winery.
Church Road Winery was founded in 1897 by Bartholomew Steinmetz, who had worked with the Marist mission. Both sites operate cellar doors, restaurants and visitor programmes. Additional wineries in the broader area include Brookfields Vineyards, Moana Park Winery and Tironui Estate.
Anderson Park is the suburb’s primary public space. The 36-hectare former racecourse features a destination playground, ornamental lakes, a miniature railway and an extensive pathway network. The park was acquired by the council in 1962 after racing ceased around 1960. Taradale Walkway and Greenmeadows Walkway form part of the sealed Rotary Pathway network that links the suburb to central Napier.
Taradale also hosts the Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT) campus on its western edge and the Pettigrew Green Arena indoor sports facility. These amenities support both residents and visitors seeking a quieter base with easy access to Hawke’s Bay’s wine region.
Wineries
Mission Estate Winery offers cellar door tastings, a restaurant and guided tours on the site of New Zealand’s oldest commercial vineyard.
Church Road Winery provides similar visitor experiences plus a museum element highlighting its long history. Both wineries attract large numbers of visitors annually and form the core of many Hawke’s Bay wine tours. Nearby vineyards in the Taradale-Greenmeadows area extend the options for day trips focused on wine tasting and dining.
Anderson Park and Recreation
Anderson Park spans 36 hectares and serves as Napier’s largest passive recreation reserve. Key features include a large playground, ponds, a model railway and walking paths. The park supports family outings, picnics and casual exercise. Its central location within Taradale makes it a convenient stop when combining visits to the wineries or the Gloucester Street precinct.
Walking and Cycling Paths
The Taradale Walkway and Greenmeadows Walkway provide sealed paths through the suburb and connect to the wider Rotary Pathway network. These routes allow cyclists and walkers to reach central Napier in approximately 30 to 45 minutes.
Additional links such as the Prebensen Drive path and routes near the EIT campus extend options for longer outings along the Hawke’s Bay Trails system.
Shopping and Community Facilities
Gloucester Street functions as the main pedestrian retail core with boutique shops, cafés and restaurants. The area offers a compact, walkable alternative to larger shopping centres. Community facilities include the EIT campus for tertiary education and the Pettigrew Green Arena for indoor sports and events. Taradale School, Taradale Intermediate and Taradale High School serve local families.
Near Taradale
Just outside Taradale, within 10 km of its centre, nearest first.
Places
Businesses
Where to Learn More
Napier City Council, Anderson Park: official details on the 36 ha park, its history and facilities.
Wikipedia, Taradale New Zealand: background on suburb history, demographics and wineries with references to primary sources.
Mission Estate Winery: official site for New Zealand’s oldest winery with visitor, cellar door and tour information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Taradale?
The largest suburb on the western inland side of Napier, approximately 10 to 15 minutes’ drive from central Napier.
What wineries are in Taradale?
Mission Estate Winery (established 1851, New Zealand’s oldest) and Church Road Winery (founded 1897) are the main wineries. Brookfields, Moana Park and Tironui Estate are also nearby.
What is the main shopping street in Taradale?
Gloucester Street, a pedestrian precinct featuring boutique retail, cafés and restaurants.
What is Anderson Park?
Napier’s largest passive recreation park at 36 hectares. It was formerly a racecourse and now includes a destination playground, ornamental lakes, a miniature railway and walking paths.
Can I cycle from Taradale to central Napier?
Yes. The Taradale Walkway and Rotary Pathway provide a sealed route into the central city, typically taking 30 to 45 minutes by bike.
Is Taradale a good accommodation base?
Yes, especially for visitors focused on winery touring or preferring a quieter village setting. Many accommodation options are within walking distance of the pedestrian precinct, Anderson Park and the wineries.
Are there tertiary education options in Taradale?
Yes. The Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT) campus is located on the western edge of the suburb.
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Explore Napier only lists suburbs officially recognised by Land Information New Zealand (LINZ), and Taradale is one of them. Suburb boundary: LINZ, CC BY 4.0.