Independent tourism and recreation in the city of Napier Historical information about the city of Napeer Ancie...
Ancient history and indigenous peoples
Before the arrival of Europeans, this area was inhabited by the Maori, the indigenous people of New Zealand. The main tribes living in the area of future Napir were the Ngāti Kahungunu, as well as the Rangitāne and Ngāti Awa groups. These tribes were engaged in fishing, gathering and agriculture. Significant settlements were located in the areas of Petane, Te Whanganui-a-Orotu and Waiohiki. When Ngāti Kahungunu arrived, they came to dominate the region.
European explorers and the founding of the city
Europeans first saw this piece of land in October 1769 - it was explored by Captain James Cook, who described the estuary and the bay as a large salt lagoon between two narrow beaches.
In 1851, the crown acquired extensive lands, including the territory of the future city.
In 1854, A. Domette was appointed Commissioner of Crown Lands and Magistrate. He developed a plan for the future settlement and named it Napier after British General Sir Charles Napier, a campaign hero in India. Many streets also received names associated with British and literary figures of the XIX century.
By 1858, Napier's population had increased, and the trading port had become an important point for farmers and traders in the region.
Growth and development in the nineteenth century
In 1855, Napier officially became the Port of Entry.
In 1858, the Hawks Bay Provincial Council was established with the administrative center in Napier, an important stage in the development of the region.
By 1874, Napier had become a borough city with its own municipal government.
At this time, the improvement of urban infrastructure began: the construction of water supply, gas lighting, roads, protective dams.
In 1886, a serious fire destroyed a large part of the center, after which strict construction rules (brick and concrete) were introduced.
Economics in the early twentieth century
At the beginning of the XX century, Napier became an important commercial center for agriculture and export of products: wool, meat and other goods.
Factories, commercial buildings, hotels were built, and the city began to advertise itself as a resort with a warm climate and a beautiful coastline.
Earthquake of 1931 – the turning point
One of the most significant events in the history of Napier was the earthquake of February 3, 1931.
At 10:47 a.m., an earthquake measuring approximately 7.8 on the Richter scale shook the entire Hawks Bay area. It lasted about 2.5 minutes and was the most devastating natural disaster in the history of New Zealand.
Nearly the entire center of Napeer and nearby towns were destroyed, killing about 258 people across the region - 162 in Napeer itself. There were many burns in the area as numerous fires broke out after the earthquake.
The earthquake raised large tracts of land — some areas rose to 8 feet (~2.5 m), and about 4,000 hectares of seabed became dry land. This made it possible to expand the city, build an airport and new residential and industrial zones.
Restoration and architecture
After the earthquake, the city was completely rebuilt in the Art Deco style, which was then fashionable. The architectural style combined geometric shapes, simplicity and decorative elements, and proved not only aesthetic, but also more resistant to earthquakes.
Between 1931 and 1933, more than 100 new buildings were built in the city center.
Thanks to this, Napier today is considered one of the world centers of art deco architecture - the famous Art Deco festival is held here, attracting many tourists.
Due to the reputation of the architectural heritage, the protection of the buildings was initiated, and the city was nominated for the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Post-war and modernity
In 1950, Napier officially became a city.
The city developed as a regional center of agriculture, trade, tourism and culture.
Today, Napier is a popular tourist city with Art Deco architecture, museums, cultural events, a beautiful coast and an active city life.
Art Deco in every corner
After the devastating earthquake of 1931, Napier was completely rebuilt - and now it's a city made for photographs.
A walk through the city center is an excursion in the Art Deco era: symmetrical facades, decorative windows, bright colors and elegant forms.
Each building tells the story of the 1930s, and walking tours of Art Deco will allow you to feel the spirit of that time.
Every year, the Art Deco Festival takes place, when the whole city comes to life: people dress in the style of the 30s, parades, concerts and parties take place.
Winemaking paradise
Hawks Bay is considered one of the best wine regions in New Zealand:
You can visit famous wineries, try Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Riesling, as well as enjoy gastronomic tours.
Many wineries offer open-air tastings overlooking vineyards and the ocean – the perfect combination of nature and taste.
Beaches and sea walks
Napier is located on the sunny coast, with a mild climate and sandy beaches:
Marine Parade Beach is a place for walking, cycling and picnics.
Sea walks and kayaking along the bay allow you to enjoy the beauty of the coast and possibly meet dolphins and penguins.
Surf lovers will find zones with waves for any level of preparation.
Natural beauty and active recreation
If you love nature, Napier suggests:
Reserves and botanical gardens for quiet walks.
Tracks for hiking and cycling, where you can see rare birds and picturesque views of the bay.
The possibility of fishing and camping in the picturesque surroundings.
Culture, gastronomy and entertainment
Napier lives a full cultural life:
Cozy cafes, restaurants and bars with local cuisine and seafood.
Museums and galleries where you can learn about Maori, city history and contemporary art.
Regular fairs, festivals and open-air concerts where residents and tourists come together to celebrate life.
Luxury and comfort for those who love style
Napier boasts high-end hotels, where you will be greeted by cozy rooms, excellent service and stunning ocean views:
Art Deco Masonic Hotel is an elegant Art Deco boutique hotel right on the waterfront. Perfect for a romantic getaway.
Scenic Hotel Te Pania - with panoramic views of the bay and a convenient location for walking along the Marine Parade.
The Crown Hotel is a boutique hotel in the Akhuriri district, where comfort is combined with modern design.
These hotels are suitable for couples, families and anyone who appreciates the atmosphere and service.
Average level - coziness and home atmosphere
If you want space, cuisine and convenience, pay attention to:
Quest Napier - apartments with kitchen and spacious rooms, ideal for families or groups.
Swiss-Belhotel Napier is a combination of style and convenience at a reasonable price.
Expressotel Napier is a practical option in the city center for a comfortable stay.
Budget motels – convenient and affordable
For travelers who spend more time outside the hotel:
The Rocks Motel is near Westshore Beach, quiet and comfortable.
Edgewater Motor Lodge and Anchorage Motor Lodge are simple and comfortable options with affordable prices.
The Palm City Motor Inn and Deco City Motor Lodge are great options for those who appreciate practicality.
Hostels and campsites - for economical and active
If you want to save as much as possible or immerse yourself in the atmosphere of youth travel:
Crash Palace Napier is a hostel with beds and rooms where it is easy to meet other travelers.
Westshore Holiday Park & Motels is a campground with places for motorhomes, tents and budget accommodation right by the beach.
1. Marine Parade - Central Promenade
What to see:
Symbols of the city: sculptures, fountains and flower beds.
Beaches for walking and cycling.
The National Aquarium of New Zealand is an aquarium with marine and freshwater inhabitants, including penguins and sharks.
Transport:
Walking from most central hotels and apartments.
You can take a bicycle or a scooter.
Parking is available for cars near the aquarium.
2. Art Deco architecture
What to see:
The city center after the earthquake of 1931 was built entirely in the Art Deco style.
Walking through the streets of Tennyson Street, Emerson Street, Hastings Street is a real photo zone.
Architectural tours with guides tell about each building.
Transport:
It is easy to walk around all the key buildings in the center.
Tourist buses and excursion bikes are available for a more comfortable viewing.
3. Bluff Hill Lookout.
What to see:
Panoramic views of the city, the Bay of Napier and the surrounding wine-growing areas.
Great place to take photos at sunset.
Transport:
It is difficult to walk - you need to go by car or take a taxi.
For tourists, a mini-tour by bus or bicycle is often organized with a stop at the observation deck.
4. Hawks Bay wineries
What to see:
Famous wineries with tasting of red and white wine.
The opportunity to combine wine tour with gastronomic - restaurants and farm products.
Transport:
By car (it is better to rent a car).
Organized tourist bus tours with tastings and lunch.
5. Westshore Beach.
What to see:
A sandy beach popular for walking, surfing and picnics.
Fewer tourists than Marine Parade, but very picturesque.
Transport:
Walking from the western districts of Napier (10-20 minutes).
By bicycle or car – parking near the beach.
6. Napier Prison and Napier Art Gallery
Napier Prison:
Historic prison with cell tours and incarceration history in New Zealand.
Napier Art Gallery:
Contemporary and classical art, exhibitions by Maori and local artists.
Transport:
Both locations are in the centre – easy to walk from most hotels.
The city's bus routes also run nearby.
7. Transport accessibility of the city
Bus: Napier has a developed network of city buses (Napier Bus) connecting the center with the outskirts and beaches.
Taxi and car sharing: convenient for trips to observation decks, wineries and beaches.
Bicycle rental: The city is small and flat – most of the attractions are convenient to cycle around.
Renting a car: needed to travel to wineries and natural areas outside the city.
Nearest airport: Hawke's Bay Airport (Napier Airport) - 10-15 minutes by car to the city center, regular flights from Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch.
1. Napier Art Deco Festival (February)
The most famous festival of the city dedicated to Art Deco architecture.
Parade in the streets, costumed processions, retro cars, concerts, parties and markets.
A great opportunity to plunge into the atmosphere of the 1930s and take unique photos.
2. Mission Concerts and Hawke's Bay Arts Festival (January-March)
Open air concerts, musical and theatrical events.
Local and international performers perform in city parks and concert halls.
3. Hawke's Bay Wine & Food Festival (March)
The largest gastronomic and wine festival in the region.
Tasting wine and cheese, master classes on cooking.
Great opportunity to get acquainted with wineries and local cuisine.
4. Art & Craft Markets and Hawke’s Bay Farmers Market
Markets with products of local artisans, souvenirs, fresh products.
Especially interesting for tourists who love authentic souvenirs and gastronomic products.
5. Christmas & New Year Celebrations (December – January)
Decorated streets and promenade, concerts, fireworks.
It is popular with families with children and tourists relaxing on the beach.
6. Sports and Outdoor Events
Summer sports events: marathons, triathlons, kayaking and surfing competitions.
Beach volleyball tournaments and cycling routes.
Summer (December - February)
Air temperature: +20 ... +28 °C
Water temperature: +19... +21 °C
The weather: Sunny, little rain, moderate humidity.
Features: The ideal time for beach holidays, swimming and water sports, promenade walks and wine tours.
Disadvantages: High tourist season, crowded beaches and streets are possible.
Autumn (March-May)
Air temperature: +17 ... +24 °C
Water temperature: +17... +19 °C
The weather: Soft, pleasant; sometimes it rains.
Features: A great time for wine tours - harvesting in Hawks Bay, quiet walks around the city.
Pros: Fewer tourists, comfortable temperature for excursions.
Spring (September-November)
Air temperature: +15 ... +22 °C
Water temperature: +15... +17 °C
Weather: Gardens bloom, often sunny with little rain.
Features: Ideal for walking around Napier Botanical Gardens, exploring Art Deco architecture and outdoor activities.
Pros: Flowering and greenery make the city especially picturesque, fewer tourists.
Winter (June-August)
Air temperature: +10... +16 °C
Water temperature: +13... +15 °C
The weather: Cooler, rainier, but rare frosts; mild climate compared to other regions of New Zealand.
Features: Suitable for budget holidays, wine tours, visiting museums and cafes.
Disadvantages: Swimming and swimming in the ocean can be uncomfortable, with fewer outdoor activities.
Language of communication
Official language: English.
Maori (Te Reo Māori): also has official status; used in place names, organization names, cultural events and government documents.
Advice for tourists:
Knowledge of basic English phrases is enough for communication in hotels, restaurants and on excursions.
It is useful to learn a few words in Maori, for example:
Kia ora - greetings, hello
Haere mai - welcome
Whānau - family
Traditions and customs
Maori culture:
It is important to respect local traditions, especially when visiting historical sites, cultural centers and museums.
When visiting Maori villages (marae), permission and powhiri protocol are usually required.
Communication and behaviour:
Goodwill and courtesy are valued: greet people, smile, use "please" and "thank you."
Do not raise your voice or behave aggressively – this is perceived as impolite.
Nature and environment:
Collecting stones, shells and corals in nature reserves or on beaches is prohibited without permission.
Dispose of garbage only in containers intended for this purpose.
You should enter protected natural areas only on permitted paths.
Laws and regulations for tourists
Documents and visas:
Citizens of many countries require a visa or an NZeTA electronic permit to visit New Zealand.
The passport must be valid for at least 6 months.
Road rules:
Driving on the left.
Pedestrians have an advantage on pedestrian crossings.
The use of seat belts is mandatory.
Alcohol and tobacco:
The sale of alcohol to persons under the age of 18 is prohibited.
Smoking in public places is strictly limited.
Behavior on beaches and in water bodies:
Observe rescue signals and warnings about waves and currents.
Swimming is safe only in permitted places.
Conservation:
It is forbidden to capture or kill wild animals without permission.
Compliance with the rules of parks and reserves is strictly controlled.
Greetings and general phrases
Kia ora [Kia ora] - Hello/Hello. The universal greeting is sometimes used as a thank you.
Haere mai [Haere Mai] - Welcome.
Haere rā [Haere Ra] - Goodbye.
Ka kite -- See you later.
Tēnā koe (Tena koe) - Hello (formally, to one person).
Tēnā kōrua (Tena korua) - Hello (to two people).
Tēnā koutou (Tena Kotou) - Hello (to the group of people).
Hotel, café and restaurant
Kei te pēhea koe? [Kei te pahea koe] - How are you?
Ka pai - Good/Great.
Aroha mai [Aroha May] - Sorry/Sorry.
He aha tēnei? [Ha ha ha tani] - What is it?
He pai ki a koe tenei? [Hae pai ki koe teni ] - Do you like that?
He inu wai, tēnā - Water, please.
Ka taea e au te utu? [Kaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa - Can I pay?
In the store and the market
E hia tenei? [Ah, chia teni?] - How much does it cost?
Ka taea e au te hoko? [Kaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa - Can I buy this?
Tēnā, āwhina mai (Tena, Avina May) - Please help.
Kei hea te toa? [Kee ha ha ha?] - Where's the store?
Transport and navigation
Kei hea te pahi? [Kee ha ha ha ha ha pah?] - Where's the bus?
Kia tūpato [Kia Tupato] - Careful.
E hīkoi ki ... [E hikoai ki ...] - Walk to ...
Ka haere au ki ... I'm going to ...
Useful local words
Whānau [Fanu] - Family
Marae - Maori sacred site/village
Wai -- Water.
Kai [Kai] - Food
Moana - Sea, Ocean
Tino Pai (Tino Pai) - Very Good / Excellent
Haumaru [Haumaru] - Safe.
Food and drink
Hawks Bay wine
Napier is in the heart of the Hawkes Bay wine region.
Popular varieties: Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Riesling.
It will be perfect as a gift or souvenir.
Manuka honey
It is known for its antibacterial properties.
It can be used as a natural remedy for colds and for skin care.
Cheese and dairy products
Local farm cheeses with a mild taste, sometimes smoked.
In shops and markets, ready-made tasting sets are sold.
Maori Kai (traditional dishes)
Kūmara is a sweet potato, often baked or used in soups.
Hangi is a traditional dish cooked in an earthen oven.
You can buy spice sets and ready-made foods to try at home.
Fruits and nuts
Seasonal fruits (grapes, apples, kiwi) and almonds.
They are often sold in markets and farm shops.
Medicines and natural products
Manuka products
Honey, creams, lotions, skin ointments.
Antibacterial properties, useful for immunity and skin care.
Oils and natural extracts
Kiwi oil, avocado oil and essential oils with Maori herbs.
It is used for massage and cosmetic procedures.
Herbal fees and teas
To improve immunity and overall health.
Often sold in markets as a souvenir with useful properties.
Souvenirs and gifts
Maori products
Carvings – figurines, pendants, traditional symbols.
Pounamu (green jade) - amulets and jewelry, a symbol of luck and protection.
Kākahu (pen cloaks) – for collection or decor.
Handicrafts
Ceramics, textiles, local dolls and jewelry.
Often sold in markets such as Hawke’s Bay Farmers Market or Art Deco Market.
Local chocolate and sweets
Local chocolate factories offer gift sets and unusual flavors with local fruit.
Vintage Goods and Art Deco Souvenirs
Magnets, postcards, books and objects dedicated to Art Deco architecture.
This is a great souvenir for the city.
General security
Napier is considered one of the safest cities in New Zealand.
Crime is low, but the usual precautions are necessary:
Keep an eye on personal items in crowded places.
Do not leave valuables in the car.
Be careful on beaches and in water bodies - observe the rules of bathing and warning of rescuers.
Natural hazards: Earthquakes are rare, but the country is in a seismically active zone. In tourist areas there are instructions in case of earthquakes.
Documents required
Passport – must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.
Visa or Electronic Authorization (NZeTA) – Most foreign nationals are required to obtain an electronic permit in advance.
Travel insurance policy – highly recommended, covering medical care, transportation and possible trip cancellations.
Tickets and proof of residence – may be required when entering or crossing the border.
Driving license – it is desirable to have an international driving license for renting a car.
Emergency services phones
General emergency services: 111 (police, fire, ambulance)
Police: 105 (emergency situations that do not require immediate assistance)
Ambulance: 111
Fire service: 111
Local water rescue services: information in tourist centers or on beaches
Mobile communications
Main operators: Spark, Vodafone, 2degrees.
At the airport and in the center of Napier, it is easy to buy a prepaid SIM card for internet and calls.
Mobile Internet works almost throughout the city and on popular tourist routes.
Term of stay of the tourist
Without a visa, most tourists (citizens of countries participating in the visa waiver program) can stay in New Zealand for up to 90 days.
Extensions can be made through immigration if necessary.
Tourists with a visa must comply with the conditions of a specific type of visa (e.g. work, student or tourist visa).
Create a query and local guides will offer you the best options
