Things to do in Hawke's Bay Region, North Island: The Best Historical & Heritage Tours

July 8, 2021 Giuseppe Pratt

Discover the best top things to do in Hawke's Bay Region, New Zealand including Napier Art Deco Self-Guided Audio Tour, Private Napier Vintage Car Tour and Hooters Showroom Visit , Napier Highlights by Open Top Vintage Car , Shore Excursion - Art Deco Vintage Car Tour from Napier Art Deco Trust, Walk with the Ancestors, 2-Hour Guided Bicycle Tour, Scenic Te Mata Peak Tour by Supertrike, 75-minute Art Deco City Highlights Tour, Napier Art Deco Vintage Car Tour from Napier Art Deco Trust, Vintage Bus Tour of Art Deco Napier.
Restaurants in Hawke's Bay Region

1. Napier Art Deco Self-Guided Audio Tour

Napier i-SITE Visitor Information Centre, 100 Marine Parade, Napier South, Napier 4110, New Zealand Audio Tourist/Citywalksz Ltd
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

This cultural self-guided audio tour is highly recommended for all Art Deco and architecture lovers as this tour will guide you through the rebuilt city of Napier where you will learn interesting facts and information pertaining to the decades of the early 20th Century. Download the vibrantly-narrated mp3 audio guide combined with a map detailing the area of your tour.

Inclusions: Zip folder of audio files and map, Self-Guided Audio Tour, Self-paced, Downloadable link to download mp3 file and map

Exclusions: Audio device, Transportation, Food/Drinks, Headphones

Reviewed By victoriapQ8059YG

Absolutely stunning scenery if the weather is right - and go to the loo before setting off on the trek! Also remember to download the audio prior to your visit so you don't have any connection issues and because it is far cheaper with no roaming charges. Brilliant commentary I thought and the Maori element was welcomed.

2. Private Napier Vintage Car Tour and Hooters Showroom Visit

Napier i-SITE Visitor Information Centre, 100 Marine Parade, Napier South, Napier 4110, New Zealand Hooters Vintage and Classic Vehicle Hire
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5.0 based on 20 reviews

A perfect introduction to Art Deco Napier in your very own vintage car. This 2 hour tour gives you the chance to sit back and relax in a beautifully restored Art Deco period car. Your chauffeur will show you the beauty of Napier before whisking you off to see the Hooters Showroom, a must-see for all vintage car lovers. If you are arriving into Napier by cruise ship, please take a look at our Napier Highlights by Open Top Vintage Car option as it is better suited.

Inclusions: Private tour

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By Wolfam123

From the time we were picked up to drop off,we had a ball.A stunning day with the best guides.Great chance to sit back and enjoy the sights.I cannot recommend this tour more highly.From the older people in our group to the teenager.It was a highlight of our holiday up the coast.Keep up the great job and again thankyou KIM

3. Napier Highlights by Open Top Vintage Car

101 Marine Parade, Napier South, Napier 4110, New Zealand Hooters Vintage and Classic Vehicle Hire
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Our entry level bespoke tour, your chauffeur will show you the beauty of Napier's Art Deco buildings and then you have the option of visiting a local winery, sampling some local chocolate or take the chance to see the Hooters Showroom, a must-see for all vintage car lovers. You can let us know your preference in advance otherwise your chauffeur will discuss the options to see what you fancy on the day. Please note that this tour does not include wine tasting fees which will need to be paid directly to the winery on the day. On busy cruise ship days as many as half of the Hooters vintage vehicles will be out on tour so there will be a few empty spaces in the showroom, but still plenty of automobilia to see and stories to hear.

Inclusions: Private transportation

Exclusions: Gratuities, Alcoholic Beverages, Snacks

Reviewed By MelissaEdwards1111

Our autistic daughter loves the car BRUM so we decided to do a vintage car tour. Bob Rob was an amazing guide and told us all about the Earthquake back in 1931 and what happened to Napier. I honestly wouldnt have known half of what he told us if we hadnt of done the tour!

4. Shore Excursion - Art Deco Vintage Car Tour from Napier Art Deco Trust

The Art Deco Trust, 7 Tennyson Street, Napier South, Napier 4110, New Zealand Art Deco Trust
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5.0 based on 6 reviews

A luxurious way to see Napier while in port - your driver can meet you ship side and take you on a tour through Napier in a 1930's vintage car - Join this 75-minute tour for the chance to step back into the 1930’s. Immerse yourself in Napier’s Art Deco heritage as you visit some of the key attractions while in a luxurious 1930s vintage car. See famous buildings such as the Napier Municipal Theatre and National Tobacco Company building.

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Live commentary on board, Local guide, Professional guide, Port pickup and drop-off, Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points, Private tour, Private transportation

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Reviewed By SophieAM12345678910

The short film was very informative and our guide was pleasant but the tour lacked depth and seemed centred around looking at the information boards that are readily available for everyone to look at for free! Perhaps better to go in the morning when you can enter the foyers of some of the buildings if you’re very keen, as although many buildings were pointed out I did not see or find out anything of interest other than what I was able to observe walking along Emerson and Tennyson without a guide! I certainly won’t be recommending this tour!

5. Walk with the Ancestors

20 Airini Road, Waimārama 4294, New Zealand Waimarama Maori Tours
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

The preservation of this culturally important and archaeologically significant site, Hakikino is a fascinating mix of old world wisdom and new world innovations. Embracing all that is available today, we have established a native plant nursery and created the Hakikino Conservation Reserve. Let one of our family members share with you these sacred sites: the bush lore, the folk lore, the culture and the language: all of which continue to shape the hopes and aspirations of the people today. This tour provides you with an insider’s perspective on being Maori and relates historical and contemporary Maori culture from a unique and personal point of view in our home village of Waimarama. It’s a friendly and relaxed encounter.

Inclusions: Private transportation

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Reviewed By raodca

We choose this tour as a substitute for another Maori experience we could not attend. Fortune smiled - it was the highlight of our trip to New Zealand. Authentic, warm, spiritual, and educational, we were drawn in to the enveloping lifestyle and balance of this beautiful culture. It was a privilege to meet this wonderful family who shared openly and inclusively. The best part is that it was impossible to leave without taking the aura along. It is with us still - hopefully, forever.

6. 2-Hour Guided Bicycle Tour

FishBike, 26 Marine Parade, Bluff Hill, Napier 4110, New Zealand Fishbike bike hire
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Enjoy a 2-hour guided bike tour of Napier City and its surrounds, you will discover this beautiful area, the architectural heritage, art, culture and wildlife of Napier. Participants MUST be competent cyclists.

Inclusions: all necessary equipment eg helmets , Use of bicycle

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Reviewed By rongomaiwahineteiwio

Took my 6yr old niece out for a Sunday treat & thought it would be nice to hire a bike & do the Cycleways. Was basically ignored by the Manager then when I enquired further to their bikes on offer & the suitability for my niece, whom is small for her age, I got abrupt answers. As I was only making enquiries I left my ID in my vehicle. As I made my way to retrieve it, on my own accord, he “yelled” out across the car park that I would need ID & not in a nice tone. I let that go as my niece was “so excited” & I proceeded to try & find a bike suitable for us. Upon finding the right vessel I noticed the seat cushions were very dirty & stained, not just one but all of them! I’ve tried uploading more pics but it won’t let me. Now I don’t expect it “spik & span” , I know worked in Hospitality for a few years so know what it’s like but if I’m going to put my niece on there I’d like it to be at least clean...The Manager looked at me in disbelief & basically laughed at what I was saying. I proceeded to point out the obvious to which he finally acknowledged. However instead of offering something else to sit on or suggesting another bike he just walked off & left us standing there. I ended up walking back into the shop & found him walking around in the Shed??? What the heck m8?? I understand we all have bad days but in all honesty, your customer service was one of the worst I’ve had in a long, long time! No apology, no nothing!! There was actually a group of us coming to book in & I was there to try it out before bringing them all down, definitely won’t be back after this experience

7. Scenic Te Mata Peak Tour by Supertrike

Napier i-SITE Visitor Information Centre, 100 Marine Parade, Napier South, Napier 4110, New Zealand Supertrike Tours and Hire
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5.0 based on 5 reviews

Our most popular tour. This scenic tour will take you out of Napier following the coastline before heading inland to follow the beautiful Tukituki River with stunning views across the valley and the Havelock North hills to Te Mata Peak. You will then cross the river, heading past Craggy Range winery and into Havelock North before starting the exhilarating climb, almost 400m, to the top of the Peak with spectacular, 360-degree panoramic views of Hawkes Bay and on a clear day as far as the volcanic Ruapehu! Climbing a mountain on a V8 trike can be an experience to remember, great for celebrating birthdays or that special occasion. Please note that this tour is not available to cruise passengers.

Inclusions: Certified guide

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Reviewed By jenmarknz

This was a great time.Our guide Bob was great.Very funny and friendly and we got on so well.He told us so much information that we didnt know about Napier.We had a great ride and felt so safe as Bob opened up the throttle and it was great! Safety was important and we had a great morning.The cider tasting was lovely and we came back really raving about our time on the bike.

8. 75-minute Art Deco City Highlights Tour

The National Aquarium of New Zealand, 546 Marine Parade, Napier South, Napier 4110, New Zealand Tour Napier
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Tour the world-famous Art Deco City with our friendly local driver/guides to tell you all about how Napier was destroyed by earthquake in 1931 and rebuilt in the Art Deco style. Also see Bluff Hill Lookout and Ahuriri. We use a modern comfortable Mercedes-Benz vehicle with extra large windows for a superior viewing experience.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle

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Reviewed By Lynette W

We did a vintage car tour. It was 1 hour in a lovely old car called buttercup. We loved it. I booked it because my 87 year old Dad came to visit us in Napier. I’m not sure who enjoyed it more my 87 year old Dad or my 12 year old Son. Definitely recommend this trip.

9. Napier Art Deco Vintage Car Tour from Napier Art Deco Trust

7 Tennyson Street, Napier South, Napier 4110, New Zealand Art Deco Trust
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5.0 based on 50 reviews

Join this 75-minute tour for the chance to step back into the 1930’s. Immerse yourself in Napier’s Art Deco heritage as you visit some of the key attractions while in a luxurious 1930s vintage car. See famous buildings such as the Napier Municipal Theatre and National Tobacco Company building.

Inclusions: Private tour, Live commentary on board, Local guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off (Napier central city only), Private transportation

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Personal expenses

Reviewed By SophieAM12345678910

The short film was very informative and our guide was pleasant but the tour lacked depth and seemed centred around looking at the information boards that are readily available for everyone to look at for free! Perhaps better to go in the morning when you can enter the foyers of some of the buildings if you’re very keen, as although many buildings were pointed out I did not see or find out anything of interest other than what I was able to observe walking along Emerson and Tennyson without a guide! I certainly won’t be recommending this tour!

10. Vintage Bus Tour of Art Deco Napier

Napier i-SITE Visitor Information Centre, 100 Marine Parade, Napier South, Napier 4110, New Zealand Hooters Vintage and Classic Vehicle Hire
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4.9 based on 9 reviews

A one hour city tour in New Zealand's only Ford Model AA vintage bus. A great way to introduce yourself to Napier and our Art Deco City. Your friendly, knowledgeable driver/guide will entertain you with stories of Napier's past as you soak up the sights through the open sides. No glass in the windows means no nasty reflections and a cool breeze on those warm summer days. The bus has been fitted with modern speakers so that everyone can enjoy the commentary. Please note that due to the nature of the vehicle, some of the seats are quite narrow. Larger passengers are advised to arrive early to get a double seat when possible. On cruise ship tours, times may vary slightly due to delays in docking; please head directly to the Hooters stand at the first shuttle stop to confirm your departure time.

Inclusions: Ford Model AA vintage bus tour, Certified English-speaking guide

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Reviewed By Wolfam123

From the time we were picked up to drop off,we had a ball.A stunning day with the best guides.Great chance to sit back and enjoy the sights.I cannot recommend this tour more highly.From the older people in our group to the teenager.It was a highlight of our holiday up the coast.Keep up the great job and again thankyou KIM

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