Things to do in Napier

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Napier

Types of activities

Where to stay

Napier Travel Guide

Napier featuring a sunset and a square or plaza

Cape Kidnappers featuring general coastal views, landscape views and tranquil scenes

Explore activities
Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
Book with ease
Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
Treat yourself
Members save % or more when you book activities.

What to do in Napier

Popular places to visit

Art Deco Weekend!!

Art Deco Weekend is a celebration of the rebuilding of Napier after the 1931 Hawke's Bay earthquake- it celebrates our beautiful city and it's iconic buildings, memorializes the people of the city during the 1930's and makes for a great weekend! The event is planned extremely well, has an incredible amount of era-appropriate events and a magnificent setting. Everybody dresses up - frocks, heels and accessories, bow ties and suspenders... Add vintage car parades, over 200 different events - it's a great weekend!

Marine Parade

After visiting Marine Parade, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Napier. Amble around this relaxing area's seaside and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Mission Estate Winery

Leave the city behind for a day to experience idyllic countryside surroundings and sip a range of magnificent wines.

National Aquarium of New Zealand

The tanks at this modern aquarium play host to all kinds of underwater life, from cute sea creatures to fearsome marine predators.

The Sunken Gardens in Napier this was taken on our weekend away in this beautiful city. If you get the chance to visit Napier make sure you do.

Napier Beach

Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Napier Beach during your travels in Awatoto?

Bluff Hill Domain Lookout

As one of the best vantage points in Napier, this rocky viewpoint has commanding views of the turquoise waters of Hawke’s Bay and the Port of Napier.

Church Road Winery

Delve into the history of winemaking and indulge in some fine local food and an assortment of delicious reds at this Hawke’s Bay winery.

Napier Prison

Enter spooky cells and hear terrifying tales about some of the nation’s most notorious criminals in one of the oldest prisons in New Zealand.

National Tobacco Company Building

Admire this stunning pastel-coloured building, which combines art deco architecture with lavish art nouveau details.

Pania of the Reef

Surrounded by tranquil gardens, this elegant life-size statue is symbolic of the city’s coastal location.

Areas of Napier

Ahuriri

If you're spending some time in Ahuriri, National Tobacco Company Building and The Urban Winery are top sights worth seeing.

Dawn rises over the city of Napier, with St Paul's Cathedral to the left of shot

Napier South

While visiting Napier South, you might make a stop by sights like McLean Park and National Aquarium of New Zealand.

Taradale

You'll enjoy the wineries and churches in Taradale. You might want to make time for a stop at Church Road Winery or Pettigrew Green Arena.

Bluff Hill

While visiting Bluff Hill, you might make a stop by sights like Napier Prison and Bluff Hill Domain Lookout.

Hospital Hill

Hospital Hill might not have many top sights, but War Memorial Conference Center and McLean Park are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Coastal landscape with a road, bridge, and estuary. Cars travel on the road, while the beach and surrounding wetlands are visible. Waitangi Regional Park, Napier, Hawke's Bay, New Zealand

Marewa

While Marewa might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like McLean Park and National Aquarium of New Zealand.

Frequently asked questions

Is Napier worth visiting?

Famous for its bars and pubs and culture, discovering awesome things to do in Napier is simple. Make sure to add MTG Hawke's Bay Museum to your itinerary while here.

How do I spend a day in Napier?

Once you've checked off leading attractions like Faraday Centre and Haumoana Beach, spend the rest of your day enjoying Napier's shopping and food scene.

What is the top tourist attraction in Napier?

You can't go home without exploring MTG Hawke's Bay Museum, rated the top tourist attraction in Napier.

Is three days enough to stay in Napier?

Three days in Napier is more than enough to enjoy the city's major highlights. Many travelers stay for two days on average. MTG Hawke's Bay Museum, Faraday Centre and Marine Parade are top-rated sights. Like to discover more? Stick around a while longer to visit nearby hotspots like Havelock North.

Is Napier a walkable city?

It depends on what you plan to do and see in Napier. Several top sights, like MTG Hawke's Bay Museum and Faraday Centre, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll around some of Napier's best neighborhoods, Napier South is 0.97 kilometers away from downtown, while Ahuriri is 2 kilometers away from the center and also within walking distance.

What are some activities to do in Napier with kids?

Whether you're vacationing with hard-to-please teens or tiny adventurers, a schedule filled with fun activities makes all the difference. Take a look at our recommendations for what to do in Napier with kids.

What to do in Napier for adults?

There are lots of things to do in Napier, with experiences for adults of all ages. Round off your day with a visit to Beach House Wines or War Memorial Conference Center.

Are there free things to do in Napier?

One of the top ways to discover free things to do in Napier is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider advice on vibrant neighborhoods, parks and other top attractions you can enjoy without reaching for your wallet. MTG Hawke's Bay Museum is one spot that doesn't have an entrance fee.