16 Best Things to Do in Napier & Hawke's Bay

Thinking of visiting Napier, but don’t know what to do there or if it’s worth a visit?

I can tell you right now that Napier is worth visiting, especially if you like sunny weather, wine tasting, and Art Deco architecture. It’s an ideal place for a relaxing getaway.

There are so many things to do in Napier and the wider Hawke’s Bay region. The Mediterranean climate is hard to beat, and there are great wineries, fresh farm-to-table food, incredible cycle trails, and a lovely mix of coastline and countryside.

This area is one of my favourite destinations in the North Island. In fact, I love Hawke’s Bay so much that every time I visit, I think, “I could really live here.”

In this guide, I hope to show you some of this region’s magic and help you get a taste of the good life in Hawke’s Bay.

FYI: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase (at no extra cost to you). I only share products & services I use, love & would recommend to a friend.

Things to do in Napier

1. Check out Napier’s Art Deco architecture

A pink Art Deco building in Napier surrounded by palm trees.

Napier was hit by a devastating earthquake in 1931 that left the city in rubble.

It was rebuilt in the prominent Art Deco style of the time, and that architecture is now one of the city’s defining features.

Pastel hues, geometric details, and the charm of an era marked by jazz and flapper glamour—there’s really nowhere else quite like it in New Zealand.

You’ll spot Art Deco buildings all around the city, although many now house modern shops at street level (which is why you’ll often see photos cropped upward).

You can explore Napier’s Art Deco buildings on a self-guided walk or join a walking tour to learn more about the city’s history.

Some notable sites include the Sound Shell, Daily Telegraph Building, and the National Tobacco Company Building.

2. Walk along Marine Parade

A sculpture resembling a whale bone along Marine Parade in Napier, with sunrise lighting over the ocean in the background.

An architectural viewing platform resembling a white sail overlooking the ocean on Marine Parade in Napier.

Flanked by Norfolk pines on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other, Napier’s Marine Parade is an absolute delight and a real highlight of the city.

Going for a leisurely stroll along this coastal promenade is one of the nicest things to do in Napier. The walkway is about 3 km, but you can easily just walk a section if you’re short on time.

Along the way, you’ll pass the Tom Parker Fountain, Sunken Gardens, the National Aquarium of New Zealand, and the iconic Pania of the Reef statue.

If you’re travelling with kids, there’s also mini golf, a skate park, and a large playground along the parade.

3. Go shopping

The front of the Wardini Books bookshop in Napier.

The front window of the Department of Curiosities & Fine Things, an artisan shop in Napier.

Napier has a great mix of independent shops that are perfect for picking up a souvenir.

If you’re a book lover like me, Wardini Books is well worth a visit.

I also love stopping by Chantal Shop, an organic grocery store selling fresh produce, wholefoods, and natural beauty products. There’s a cafe attached to the shop—Hapi—which makes fresh-pressed juices and wholesome, veggie-packed food.

For handmade goods, head to the Department of Curiosities and Fine Things, where you’ll find a lovely selection of locally-made art and whimsical gifts.

And if you like seeking out local ceramics on your travels, I recommend a visit to Emily Mallard Ceramics.

4. Relax at Ocean Spa

An outdoor hot tub with a view of the ocean at Ocean Spa, one of the best things to do in Napier on a cold day.

This oceanfront pool complex is a treat for all ages.

There’s a lap pool and gym here, but I usually visit Ocean Spa to simply relax in their hot pools, steam room, and sauna.

5. Visit the MTG Hawke’s Bay Museum

The front of the MTG Hawke's Bay Museum, with colourful pin sculptures dotting a wall of the building.

MTG Hawke’s Bay is free to visit and is a good spot for a bit of culture.

There are rotating exhibitions, along with a permanent exhibit on the 1931 earthquake and another featuring beautiful Māori artefacts.

6. Look for the PangeaSeed Sea Walls

A mural in Napier by Carly Ealey with a woman with a jellyfish in her hair.

A mural in Napier by Carly Ealey depicting a woman sitting in water surrounded by jellyfish. — I love these murals by Carly Ealey.

The PangeaSeed Sea Walls are large-scale murals designed to raise awareness about ocean conservation.

These sea-themed murals are scattered throughout Napier, and you’ll likely come across several as you explore the city. There’s also a free map available showing where to find them.

7. Get views from the Bluff Hill Lookout

A view overlooking the Port of Napier from the Bluff Hill Lookout.

Head up to the Bluff Hill Lookout for a nice view over Hawke’s Bay and the Port of Napier.

You can drive to the top, or hike there from the city centre or Ahuriri. While I don’t consider this one of the best hikes in the North Island, it’s worth visiting if you have plenty of time in Napier.

8. Enjoy Napier’s local food scene

Signage at the entrance to Hunger Monger restaurant in Napier, with yellow lettering above an orange awning.

The exterior of Community Burgers in Napier, with outdoor tables and red umbrellas set up in the front courtyard.

There is so much good food in Napier. You’ll really be spoilt for choice.

For breakfast and coffee, I love ROAM, a cute cafe just off Marine Parade. Their spiced fritters with poached eggs are delicious, as is their avocado toast. Tennyson Street Cafe is another great option.

If you’re after something casual, head to Vinci’s Pizza for excellent slices or whole pizzas to share. Community Burgers is another solid choice.

For dinner, there are some standout options around Napier.

Ilona Pasta is a sweet little family-run spot serving freshly made pasta—their pork belly and truffle pasta is particularly delicious.

Seafood lovers should head to Hunger Monger, where you’ll find creative dishes centred around freshly-caught seafood.

Another good spot is Monica Loves, a cocktail bar serving tapas made from locally-sourced ingredients (and great cocktails and a solid beer and wine list).

Things to do in Hawke’s Bay

While Napier has plenty to offer, it’s well worth exploring the wider Hawke’s Bay region if you have the time.

With a sunny, temperate climate and relaxed pace, this is where you’ll find some of the area’s best wineries, beaches, cycling trails, and local food scene.

9. Go wine tasting

The vineyard at Craggy Range Winery in Hawke's Bay, with views of Te Mata Peak in the backdrop.

Jac from Weekend Path at Elephant Hill, a winery in Hawkes Bay, with red wine and a cheese board on a table and a view of the vineyard in the background. — From top: Craggy Range; Elephant Hill

Hawke’s Bay is one of New Zealand’s premier wine regions, known especially for its Bordeaux-style red blends and chardonnay.

There’s a great mix of wineries here, from refined tasting experiences to more relaxed spots for a glass of wine and picnic.

Some standout wineries in Hawke’s Bay include Craggy Range, Black Barn, and Elephant Hill.

Closer to Napier, Mission Estate, Church Road, and Crab Farm are all well worth a visit.

If you’d rather not drive (good idea), joining a guided wine tour is an easy way to experience a few wineries in one day.

You can also hire bikes to cycle to the wineries, which is my favourite way to go wine tasting—more on that below!

10. Cycle the Hawke’s Bay Trails

Ty from Weekend Path cycling on a bike trail in Hawke's Bay.

A paved trail in Napier next to the ocean, with Norfolk pines on the left side of the trail and grass lining both sides.

Hawke’s Bay is one of the best places in New Zealand for a relaxed day of cycling.

A network of mostly flat, off-road trails connects vineyards, rivers, and the coastline, making it easy to explore the region on two wheels.

One of my favourite ways to spend a day in Hawke’s Bay is to combine a bike ride with a winery visit or two. The coastal trails around Haumoana and Te Awanga are especially scenic.

You can hire bikes in Napier or from a Hawke’s Bay bike rental company, and they all offer e-bike rentals, too. Many companies offer shuttle services, so you don’t need to worry about doing a full loop if you don’t want to.

11. Visit Te Mata Peak (and the redwoods)

Golden hour lighting over rolling green mountains at Te Mata Peak, one of the best places to visit in Hawke's Bay.

Te Mata Peak is one of Hawke’s Bay’s most iconic landmarks, sitting above the vineyards near Havelock North.

To get to the summit of Te Mata Peak, you can either drive or hike up one of the tracks, depending on how active you’re feeling. I usually drive, if I’m being honest.

From the top, you’ll get sweeping views across the region, from orchards and vineyards to the Pacific Ocean.

If you have time, it’s also worth stopping at the Big Redwoods Track in Te Mata Park. The towering trees, birdsong, and filtered light make it a peaceful place for a short walk.

A sunset visit to Te Mata Peak is especially beautiful. Bring a warm layer and take your time up there.

12. Visit Havelock North

The entrance to Alessandro's, a pizza and pasta restaurant in Havelock North, Hawkes Bay, with tables set up in the outdoor courtyard.

Havelock North is a charming, upscale village just a short drive from Napier, with boutique shops and excellent food.

It’s a lovely place to grab a coffee, browse a few shops, or settle in for a long lunch or early dinner. I usually visit here before or after heading up Te Mata Peak.

There are plenty of great spots to check out around the village. A few of my favourites are below.

Wardini Books: a lovely independent bookshop (with a location in Napier as well)
Giant Brewing: this is a great spot for craft beer and hearty food.
Maina: head here for a delicious brunch made with the freshest ingredients
Alessandro’s Pizzeria: my favourite pizza in all of New Zealand (a bold claim, I know, but it’s seriously that good).
Annabelle’s: this gorgeous store features a curated selection of colourful textiles and homewares sourced from around the globe.
Bellatino’s Food Lovers Market: a great place to pick up picnic supplies
The Figgery: this cafe is located just outside of the village and is run by Te Mata Figs. If you like figs, you’ll love it here.

13. Browse the Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ Market

If you’re in the region on a Sunday morning, don’t miss the Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ Market in Hastings.

This is one of the best farmers’ markets in New Zealand, with a great range of local produce, artisan food, and ready-to-eat options.

You’ll find everything from organic vegetables and fresh bread to local cheeses, preserves, and hot food stalls. It’s the perfect place to build a picnic or pick up a few things to take home.

14. Explore Hastings’ food and shopping scene

Two pints of beer on a wooden table at Brave Brewing Co in Hastings.

The front of the Little Red Bookshop, a secondhand bookstore in Hastings, Hawke's Bay.

Hastings wasn’t on my radar until my last visit to Hawke’s Bay, and I was missing out!

The best place to explore in Hastings is the precinct along Heretaunga Street East, between Warren Street and Karamu Road.

This stretch of town has had a revival in recent years, and it’s now home to a number of wonderful local eateries and shops. You can easily spend an afternoon walking around and visiting any spots that catch your eye.

These are some of my favourite spots in the precinct:

Blackbird Goods for thoughtfully curated homewares
Real World for handmade soaps, cleaning products, and beauty items that smell incredible
Little Red Bookshop for a browse through their treasure trove of secondhand books
Cornucopia Organics for organic produce and natural home and beauty products
Ya Bon & Cupple for excellent coffee and pastries
Bambina for casual, delicious pizza
Brave Brewing for craft beer and good food in a laid-back setting

15. Enjoy Hawke’s Bay’s beaches

Kairakau Beach in Hawke's Bay, with a green headland at the northern end of the beach and a crescent of golden sand. — Kairakau Beach is one of many beautiful beaches in the wider Hawke’s Bay region.

Hawke’s Bay has a beautiful stretch of coastline, with several beaches worth visiting.

Waimarama Beach is a popular, family-friendly option with a long sandy shoreline, while Ocean Beach has more of a rugged, undeveloped feel.

For something a bit more off-the-beaten-path, Waipatiki Beach (north of Napier) and Kairakau Beach (in Central Hawke’s Bay) are both peaceful and scenic.

It’s also worth noting that while Napier has a beach, it’s not considered safe for swimming because of strong rips and currents. If you’re keen for a quick dip near Napier, I recommend heading to Ahuriri Beach, where you’ll find a small sandy beach that’s generally safe for swimming.

16. Visit Cape Kidnappers

If you have the time, consider visiting Cape Kidnappers to see the famous gannet colony. It’s one of the largest and most accessible in the world.

The easiest way to visit the gannet colony is by taking a tour.

Getting around Napier and Hawke’s Bay

While the city of Napier is quite walkable, you’ll want your own set of wheels if you plan to explore the wider Hawke’s Bay region.

If you’re after a rental car, I can recommend Apex Rentals. They have depots all across New Zealand, including at the Napier airport, and I’ve only ever had good experiences with them.

Where to stay in Napier and Hawke’s Bay

If you’re deciding where to base yourself, it really comes down to the kind of trip you want, whether that’s being in the heart of Napier or staying out among the vineyards.

I’ve stayed in many places around both Napier and Hawke’s Bay over the years, and here’s where I recommend.

Napier accommodation

A room with a spa bath at Motel de la Mer in Napier. — The Motel de la Mer is my top pick for hotels in Napier!

Motel de la Mer – This hotel is right across from Marine Parade, and is my favourite place to stay in Napier. The rooms are comfortable and modern, with large spa baths and kitchenettes. This is the perfect spot if you want to be close to the waterfront and walk everywhere.

The front of the Masonic Art Deco hotel in Napier. — The Art Deco Masonic Hotel is packed with charm.

Art Deco Masonic Hotel – This historic hotel is right in the heart of Napier, and has lots of character and a central, walkable location. If you’re keen to get into the Art Deco vibe of Napier, this is the spot.

Hawke’s Bay accommodation

A cosy room with a made-up bed at Clive Colonial Cottages in Hawke's Bay. — Our cosy room at Clive Colonial Cottages

Clive Colonial Cottages – Set in a peaceful garden setting between Napier and Hastings, these cottages are perfect for a relaxed wine country stay. You can even hire bikes onsite and head straight out onto the nearby trails.

A living room with a garden view at Te Awanga Cottages in Hawke's Bay. — The Te Awanga Cottages are an amazing place to stay in Hawke’s Bay.

Te Awanga Cottages – This is a gorgeous option near the coast and close to several wineries, including Elephant Hill. They have bikes for hire onsite. This is an ideal spot if you want a quiet, scenic base to return to after a day of exploring Hawke’s Bay.

Thanks for reading my guide to the best things to do in Napier!

I truly hope this has helped you plan your visit to Napier and Hawke’s Bay.

If you have any questions or feedback for me, please leave a comment below—I always love hearing from you!

16 Best Things to Do in Napier & Hawke’s Bay