Napier Hotels

Natural Napier

With its surprising cluster of art deco buildings, striking natural setting and big-time wineries, it’s near impossible not to be charmed by Napier. At the very least, this North Island city will see you happily sozzled on some of the best wine in the country – nay, the world – and that’s gotta count for something! ... Read more »

When you visit Napier, you have to start with the wineries. Head to Park Estate, Moana Park and Te Mata for tastings galore and private restaurants with impeccable views. Don’t forget to hit up Church Road Winery, either – it’s one of the oldest in New Zealand and the perfect place to learn about the history of the region. For more liver-friendly pursuits, Kaweka Forest Park is another Napier must. With its mass of scented pines and its famous hot springs, you won’t ever want to leave.

NAPIER’S TOP 10

10. Centennial Gardens There’s nothing better than coming here for a chill after a full day of sightseeing. Bring a picnic and some brews.	5. National Aquarium Watch Izzy the croc go about her daily biz, swim with sharks and check out the massive array of tropical fishies.
9. Sheepskin Factory Tour Watch the mammoth process that turns sheep into Ugg boots (and presumably other wool products, too). Probably not the best place for animal lovers…	4. NZ Wine Centre This place is cool as. Head to a tasting before hitting the aroma-awareness rooms and museum. And yes, there’s a gift shop. Woo!
8. Mohaka River White water rafting! Trust us – it’s even more fun than it looks.	3. Te Mata Peak The scary drive is totally worth it. Head to the top and check out the best view in Napier.
7. Hawkes Bay Museum and Art Gallery Investigate the city’s history and then check out some traditional and modern art.	2. Mangatutu Hot Springs Sit back and relax amongst the greenery while you soak in the delicious, bubbling warmth.
6. Mission Estate Winery NZ’s oldest winery produces some of the best plonk there is. Bottoms up!	1. Town Centre Scope the art deco architecture while burying your face in a hearty meal.

NAPIER EVENTS

Dorks unite! The annual Model and Hobbies Expo is held every October and is a total geek wonderland.

If you’re young, cool and wanna dance to the best that Oz and NZ have to offer, head to Spring Break at the Pettigrew Green Arena in November.

The Christmas Shoppe is awesome! Watch King George Hall transform into a total Christmassy paradise and fill to the brim with Kiwi-style decorations, trees, homemade cookies, crackers and other festive bits and bobs.

The Hawkes Bay Craft Market is a Napier institution! Held every second and fourth Saturday of the month (except in winter), hundreds of stalls come together to sell everything from homemade ointments and soaps to original artwork and homewares.

WHEN TO GO

Napier’s summers rarely exceed 25°C (77°F). That being said, the sun is pretty harsh so don’t skip the sunscreen.

Winters are similarly mild, with daytime lows of around 8ºC (46°F).

July and August sees the heaviest rainfall. Head inside with a restorative bottle!

Visit our partner page Napier hotels by Hotel.com.au.

GETTING AROUND

If you’re coming from within NZ, it’s best to drive to Napier as the public transport is a bit craptacular.

Nimon buses are a decent option. They operate around 15 services (good) but only from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. (bad). There are also fewer buses on Saturdays and none at all on Sundays.

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