Top Things to do in Napier
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What to do and see in Napier, North Island: The Best Historical & Heritage Tours
If you like Art Deco architecture, you must visit Napier. The town was completely destroyed by an earthquake in 1931, then completely rebuilt in gorgeous Art Deco style. A number of local wineries also offer tours and tastings.
Restaurants in Napier
1. Napier Art Deco Self-Guided Audio Tour
Overall Ratings
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
Overall Ratings
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
Overall Ratings
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
Overall Ratings
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
Exclusions:
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. 2-Hour Guided Bicycle Tour
Overall Ratings
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
Exclusions:
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
6. Scenic Te Mata Peak Tour by Supertrike
Overall Ratings
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
Exclusions:
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.
7. 75-minute Art Deco City Highlights Tour
Overall Ratings
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
Exclusions:
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.
8. Napier Art Deco Vintage Car Tour from Napier Art Deco Trust
Overall Ratings
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!
9. Vintage Bus Tour of Art Deco Napier
Overall Ratings
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
Exclusions:
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
10. Shore Excursion: Small-Group 4-Hour Napier Art Deco and Wine or Beer Tasting
Overall Ratings
4.8 based on 31 reviews
This 4.0 to 4.5 hour shore excursion covers everything the region is famous for; Napier's Art Deco and Hawkes Bay Wines! You will visit 2 famous Wineries and an Ale House then discover why Napier is the Art Deco Capital of the World. This is an all inclusive tour.. includes entrance fees, all tastings and three glasses of beer or Cider. Tour size is by the van of just 11 passengers, larger numbers can be assisted also if required. This tour is operated by a 16 year "local veteran" of Napier tours. A tour to remember for a very long time. Enquire now, seats are strictly limited and only available as pre-booked. NO sales on the day.
Inclusions: Wine tasting, 3 glasses of Beer or Cider, Live commentary on board, Transport by air-conditioned minivan
Exclusions: Lunch, Any private purchases
Reviewed By sammiet08
11 of us got the pleasure of attending this tour with the amazing John. Everything about this tour went up and above what we had expected. The platters were plentiful, the service was amazing & John accommodated for our large group effortlessly. The value for money for this tour was well worth it! We would definitely do this again. Thanks again John for all your knowledge & for taking such good care of us all.
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