North Island · Explorer’s field notes
How to Napier
Art Deco streets, Hawke’s Bay flavours and Ahuriri’s waterfront: a more relaxed base with plenty of free parking to look for.
Napier videos from the Hôtel du Van founders are coming soon to the Stay Scene channel.
AVOID · Napier
What to avoid in Napier
- Swimming at Marine Parade beach — steep shingle and strong undertow.
- The Masonic Hotel bar and restaurant if you want good-value food or coffee; parking around it can be tightly controlled. Try Ahuriri for a more relaxed stop instead.
The top ten
Where to go, eat & take coffee
Places to explore, eat and stock up along the way.
- 1See & do
Art Deco walking tour
A guided stroll through the world's most complete Art Deco town.
Art Deco Centre, 7 Tennyson Street, Napier 4110 
2See & doNational Aquarium of New Zealand
Kiwi, tuatara and a walk-through ocean tunnel on the seafront.
546 Marine Parade, Napier 4110
3See & doTe Mata Peak
Drive to the summit for a 360-degree view over Hawke's Bay.
Te Mata Peak Road, Havelock North 4130
4See & doCape Kidnappers gannets
Ride the beach at low tide to the world's largest mainland gannet colony.
Gannet Beach Adventures, 475 Clifton Road, Te Awanga 4180
5See & doBluff Hill Lookout
Watch ships come into the port with a picnic at golden hour.
Lighthouse Road, Bluff Hill, Napier 4110
6EatMission Estate Winery
New Zealand's oldest winery, founded by French missionaries in 1851.
198 Church Road, Taradale, Napier 4112
7EatCraggy Range
Long lunch beneath Te Mata Peak — a Hawke's Bay splurge.
253 Waimarama Road, Havelock North 4294
8EatVinci’s Pizza
Excellent-value sourdough pizza by the slice or a whole pie to share.
29A Hastings Street, Napier 4110
9CoffeeGeorgia on Tennyson
A friendly city-centre café for a coffee stop between Art Deco streets.
42 Tennyson Street, Napier 4110
10CoffeeHawke's Bay Farmers' Market
Sunday mornings: coffee, stone fruit, cheese and bread for the road.
A&P Showgrounds, Kenilworth Road, Hastings 4122
More worth a stop
Eat
Aroy Thai
A relaxed, good-value Thai meal in the centre of town.
141 Hastings Street, Napier South, Napier 4110Eat
Rogue Hop
Fresh craft beers on tap and casual food; ask about taking beer away for later.
113 Hastings Street, Napier 4110Eat
Ilona Pasta
Fresh pasta and an easygoing little table on Emerson Street.
80A Emerson Street, Napier 4110Eat
Madame Social
Refined but casual waterfront dining. Pick a fine day for the sunny terrace overlooking the water.
Cnr West Street & Customs Quay, Ahuriri, Napier 4110See & do
Globe Theatrette
An intimate boutique cinema in Ahuriri Village, with free public parking nearby.
15 Hardinge Road, Ahuriri, Napier 4110See & do
Ahuriri waterfront
A slower, more enjoyable side of Napier to explore on foot; much of the nearby parking is free, but check the signs.
West Quay, Ahuriri, Napier 4110Coffee
F.G. Smith
A good coffee stop in Ahuriri — fresh, locally minded café fare for breakfast or lunch.
9A Ossian Street, Ahuriri, Napier 4110See & do
Napier Pool & Spa
A swim in the seaside pool, then a soak in the spa — an easy stop on the Marine Parade foreshore. Check times before you go.
Marine Parade, Napier 4110Eat
Giant Brewing
Wider Hawke’s Bay · A locally brewed pint and a bite at the Havelock North public house. Ask about takeaway beer for the road.
6 Treachers Lane, Havelock North 4130Visit websiteSee & do
Zaria Wines by Bryce Edmonds
Wider Hawke’s Bay · Discover Bryce Edmonds’ boutique wines from his family vineyard. Visits are by appointment; ask Bryce directly about boutique vineyard accommodation.
Lesley’s Vineyard, 1739 Maraekakaho Road, Bridge Pa, Hastings 4171Visit website
Do not make these mistakes!
1. Ignoring the tide at Cape Kidnappers
The beach walk is only safe around low tide. Check times first or book a guided tractor tour.
2. Swimming off Marine Parade
It looks inviting, but it's a no-swim beach. Head to Westshore or Waimārama instead.
3. Visiting winery cellar doors late
Most close by 5pm. Plan tastings before lunch and have a designated driver.
Continue the voyage
Photos are AI-generated illustrations. Opening hours and rules change — check before you go.