7 best experiences in Napier

FOLLOWING A DESTRUCTIVE 1931 EARTHQUAKE, NAPIER REBUILT ITSELF INTO THE ART DECOINSPIRED ENCLAVE THAT YOU SEE TODAY. THERE IS NO LIMIT TO THIS TOWN’S KOOKY, COOL STYLE.

1. Ascend Bluff Hill

For a walk to get your blood pumping, Bluff Hill Lookout is a steep 35-minute walk from the city centre, but the puff is worth it for glorious vistas over the port.

2. Wine tasting… with eggs!

Marvel at the giant-sized fermenters at The Urban Winery. Home to Tony Bish Wines, his cellar, located in the National Tobacco Company art deco building (known as the ‘Rothmans’ building) harbours huge eggshaped wine barrels made from concrete and French oak.

3. Admire art deco

Almost as plentiful as the wine is Napier’s art deco scene – don’t miss the iconic T & G building with its copper clock and the Central Fire Station Bistro, a fabulous restaurant named after the magnificent art deco building in which it is housed. For something truly unique, book a guided tour around town in a striking 1930s classic car.

4. Explore Te Awanga

Te Awanga is on the city’s doorstep and attracts many visitors. Twenty minutes from central Napier, there are several wineries here, including Elephant Hill and Clearview Estate Winery.

DON’T MISS! If you’ve ever yearned to live in a glitzy, glamorous Great Gatsby era, here’s your chance. Every year, over five fabulous days in February, Napier’s streets erupt with hundreds of art deco events, including outdoor concerts, vintage car parades, fashion shows and Flapper-inspired shindigs.

Napier Classic Cars © Hawke's Bay Tourism

5. Go to prison

Provided with an audio device, you’ll be hanging on the narrator’s every word at Napier Prison. Built in 1862, this former penitentiary has stories to tingle your every vertebrae. Fortunately, fingerprinting and mugshot photographers keep the mood light for children.

6. Get artsy

Pick up a local art guide map and stride from gallery to home studio. Visit the MTG Hawke’s Bay Museum Theatre which also has contemporary exhibitions of art and craft.

7. Soak up Marine Parade

Stroll along Marine Parade, soaking up the blue infinity that is sky touching sea and saunter to the end of the Napier Viewing Platform which juts out into the Pacific Ocean. Also along the 7 parade is The National Aquarium of New Zealand, mini-golf, a BMX and skateboard park, basketball courts and the serene Sunken Garden with its colour wheel of bold blooms. When it’s time to relax, the open-air Ocean Spa hot pools stay open late.

Smith & Sheth, Havelock North © Hawke’s Bay Tourism

Main Image: Tuki Tuki Valley, Hawke’s Bay Trail © Hawke's Bay Tourism