The Best Things to do in Napier 2026
If you’re planning on visiting Napier this summer season then make sure you read on about some of the best things to do in Napier; explore Napier’s historic art deco buildings and visit several Napier photo spots before parking yourself in the sun at any of the amazing Hawkes Bay wineries.
From family friendly adventures to exploring the towns antique shops, Napier has something to keep everyone entertained during your visit.
Best Time to Visit Napier
Summer (December – February)
- Pros: Hottest time of the year, plenty of community activities with the famous Art Deco festival in mid-February.
- Cons: Most expensive time of the year; peak prices for accommodation and tricky to book at short notice.
Autumn (March – May)
- Pros: Mild weather with warm temperatures during the day. Hawkes Bay wine harvest and grape picking activities.
- Cons: Can be a very wet time of the year.
Winter (June – August)
- Pros: Great time to visit for cozy cellar door wine tastings and budget friendly accommodation
- Cons: Coldest and wettest time of the year, quietest time of the year so Napier can feel very sleepy.
Spring (September – November)
- Pros: Cool mornings and evenings with warmer temperatures during the day. Flowers blooming
- Cons: Less crowds so atmosphere isn’t very vibrant.
Napier Travel Tips
Napier Beaches aren’t for Swimming
Yes, I know it is very confusing to visit a seaside town but can’t swim in the ocean. The coastline along Napier and Hastings is extremely dangerous with strong currents and sudden drops so swimming isn’t advised. However, Ocean Spa is a wonderful public pool sitting on the waters edge you can enjoy for a reasonable price.
Napier Art Deco Festival – February
Be warned that if you are planning to visit Napier in February you may be clashing with one of the most expensive and busiest times of the year. The Napier Art Deco festival is an annual festival in Napier held to celebrate the cities heritage. Visitors from near and far dress up in 1930’s costumes and dust off their vintage cars for a four day celebration of Napier history with jazz music and live bands.
Where to Stay in Napier
Accommodation in Napier is cheaper during the cooler seasons, with the busiest and most expensive time of the year happening during summer between December and February.
Napier isn’t short on accommodation options, and the only time you really need to book well in advance is during summer. The following places to stay in Napier have everything you need for a comfortable stay in Napier.
- Swiss – Belhotel Napier
- Bella Vista Motel
- Quality Inn Napier
Family Friendly Things to do in Napier
Junior track
The Junior Bike Track is a fenced park with an educational bike track, fitted with working traffic lights, pedestrian crossings, give way signs and even a round about. Bring your child down with their chosen mode of transport and give them a quick and fun lesson on road rules.
Sunken Gardens
Fill in an hour of your time but checking out the Sunken Garden along Marine Parade. Visit during spring to see all the wonderful flowers blooming.
Public pool – Ocean Spa
If you’re looking for relaxing things to do in Napier; Ocean Spa is Napier’s premium heated pool and gym complex situated on Napier’s beachfront. The open air heated pools and spas provide a relaxing and rejuvenating environment for those who either want to relax or keep their fitness up. Ocean spa has a large therapeutic pool where you can relax and unwind, or head to the active or lap pool for a bit of exercise. Children are also more than welcome at Ocean Spa with a toddlers pool for the whole family to enjoy.
Adults (15yrs+): $20
Children: $12
Napier Art Deco Tour
Napier is the Art Deco capital of New Zealand; Majority of the city centers buildings were built during the 1930’s after a devastating earthquake which flattened almost the entirety of Napier. Check out the locations of the most famous buildings below and take yourself on an Art Deco tour of Napier.
- National Tobacco Company: 1 Ossian Street, Ahuriri
- Daily Telegraph Building: 49 Tennyson Street, Napier South
- Masonic Hotel: 2 Tennyson Street, Napier South
- Napier Municipal Theatre: 119 Tennyson Street, Napier South
- Hastings Street Buildings: Take a walk down Hastings street in Napier south to see majority of the 1930’s art deco buildings.
Hawkes Bay Wineries
Unfortunately, I have not yet had the pleasure of dining at any of these beautiful vineyards in Napier, other than the Urban Winery in Ahuriri. However, these Hawkes Bay wineries are world class and there is a reason Napier is flooded with tourists every summer who visit just to taste the grapes.
The Hawkes Bay region is home to over 70 wineries, 200 vineyards and 30 cellar doors. So although I will only be listing one Hawkes Bay winery I have been to, I will make notable mention of the vineyards in which I regularly buy wine from at the supermarket. I may not be able to vouch for the food and scenery, but I can’t definitely encourage you to try the wine!
Craggy Range
Craggy Range is family owned and sits in the shadow of Te Mata Peak. Visit for a wine tasting or book yourself a table at the Craggy Range restaurant.
Mission Estate
Mission Estate is one of the most popular Hawkes Bay wineries and often hosts concerts during the summer; having hosted some of the biggest names in the world like Elton John, Rod Stewart and Robby Williams. Be sure to keep up to date on the Mission Estate website for any concerts.
Trinity Hill Wines
Trinity Hill Wines is another iconic vineyard and winery in Hawkes Bay, having been a staple vineyard for over 30 years. Visit their cellar door for a wine tasting and charcuterie board while you bask in the afternoon sun.
The Urban Winery – Tony Bish Wines
If you have a couple of hours to kill but want to stay local to Napier town center, head to Tony Bish Wines at The Urban Winery on Ossian Street. Located inside the beautiful ‘National Tobacco Company’ Art Deco building in Ahuriri. Experience a wine tasting paired with a tasteful charcuterie board before taking a short tour of the wine making process.
If you’re looking for more amazing wineries and vineyards in the north island, be sure to check out Waiheke Island in Auckland for more amazing wines. There are over 30 vineyards and wineries on Waiheke Island to enjoy, and super easy to get to so make sure you add this location to your north island itinerary!
Best Restaurants in Napier
Vincis Pizza
If you’re looking for the best place to get pizza in Napier then you have to stop in at Vincis Pizza. You can either choose several different slices of pizza ranging in price from $5 to $8 a slice, or order a 18 inch pizza for around $30 to share. Order online or dine in.
The Rose Irish Pub
You can’t go wrong at The Rose Irish pub if you’re looking for a hearty meal and a pint of beer, This Irish pub in Napier draws in regular local punters with its weekly live entertainment and cosy fitout.
The Everest
The Everest restaurant on Hastings Street serves incredible tasting Nepalese, Indian and Indo-Chinese cuisine. I highly recommend trying the vegetable manchurian, kadai chicken curry and chicken tikka.
Shopping in Napier
Napier is a great town for shopping for gifts for yourself or your loved ones. There are several large antique stores overloaded with jewellery, gems and wonderful clothing from the 1930’s. Or if you’re looking for something more modern you can make your way to Hastings Street for contemporary art galleries, handmade pottery and beautiful handbags imported from England.
Best Photo Spots in Napier
Hawkes Bay has some of the most photographable locations in the north island, so if you’re looking for great Napier photo spots then keep reading!
Te Mata Peak
Te Mata Peak is the best sunrise spot near Napier. Travel 30 minutes south towards Hastings to wind your way up the Te Mata Peak Road. There are several decent sized carparks on the mountain however during the warmer months you will find yourself fighting for a carpark. The road can also get narrow in some sections so proceed around corners with caution.
The ridge along Te Mata Peak is easily walkable but there is only a small section of fencing so keep an eye on any children you take up there with you.
Bluff Hill Lookout
Bluff Hill Lookout overlooks Napiers port; the best time to visit Bluff Hill is during Spring and summer when the flowers are blooming and bird life is buzzing. Bluff Hill is super easy to drive to and is another great Napier photo spot for sunrise or sunset photography in Hawkes Bay.
Other Great Things to do in Hawkes Bay
Arataki Honey Visitor Centre
The Arataki Honey Visitor Centre in Havelock North is a great family friendly activity to do while staying in Napier. The Arataki Bee Centre is more than just a gift shop; watch different kinds of bees forage for pollen and learn about why bees are so incredibly important to our ecosystem. Try # different types of flavours of honey; from Pohutukawa to lavender and even and strange as chocolate or spicy honey.
Waipunga Lookout Waterfall
Drive an hour northwest out of Napier to Waipunga Lookout where you can get a distant, yet incredible view of a surging waterfall. Waipunga Lookout is a short drive off state highway 5 and is well worth the stop if you’re wanting to view a slice of nature
3 Day Napier Itinerary
This 3 day Napier itinerary will fill your weekend with adventure, wine and relaxation. If you’re looking for a longer and more extensive itinerary then check out my 10 day north island itinerary from Auckland to Napier.
Day 1 – Explore Napiers Art Deco Buildings
- Spend the morning exploring the main streets of Napier South
- Drive to Bluff Hill Lookout
- Dinner at Vinci’s Pizza
Day 2 – Relax at Ocean Spa
- Morning at Ocean Spa
- Lunch at The Urban Winery
- Dinner at The Rose Irish Pub
Day 3 – Drive to Havelock North
- Sunrise at Te Mata Peak
- Lunch at Craggy Range Winery
- Stop off at Arataki Honey Center
- Dinner at The Everest
