The local atlas / Aotearoa New Zealand
A place to get lost in.
Choose your next stop
The town guides
Hawke’s Bay · Pacific coast · North Island
How to Napier
A seaside city redrawn in Art Deco lines. Walk the streets slowly, then linger by Ahuriri’s waterfront.
A day, loosely planned
- 01Walk the Art Deco streets
- 02Coffee on Tennyson Street
- 03Dinner and a film in Ahuriri
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 shortlist
Worth stopping for
See & do
Art Deco Napier
Explore the architecture and stories of the city’s celebrated Art Deco quarter.
See & do
National Aquarium
A family-friendly stop right on Marine Parade.
See & do
Globe Theatrette
An intimate film night in Ahuriri, where there is free public parking near the cinema.
See & do
Napier Pool & Spa
A swim in the seaside pool and a soak in the spa on the Marine Parade foreshore — check times before you go.
Coffee
Georgia on Tennyson
Pause for a coffee on Tennyson Street.
Eat
Vinci’s Pizza
Pizza by the slice or a whole pie for an affordable meal.
Eat
Aroy Thai
An easy, good-value Thai dinner in town.
Eat
Rogue Hop
Craft beers and casual bites; ask about takeaway beer.
Eat
Ilona Pasta
Fresh pasta on Emerson Street.
Eat
Madame Social
Refined casual dining on a sunny terrace overlooking the Ahuriri waterfront.
Coffee
F.G. Smith
Coffee and fresh café fare at 9A Ossian Street, Ahuriri.
Eat
Giant Brewing
Wider Hawke’s Bay · House-brewed beer and food at 6 Treachers Lane, Havelock North.
See & do
Zaria Wines by Bryce Edmonds
Wider Hawke’s Bay · Visit Lesley’s Vineyard in Bridge Pa by appointment. Ask Bryce about his boutique vineyard accommodation; the Airbnb listing is not yet confirmed.
Fresh Food
Saltwater Seafoods
Seafood for the van from 17 Mahia Street, Ahuriri.
Fresh Food
CJ Asian Supermarket
Asian ingredients and pantry supplies at 57 Dickens Street.
See the place
A little moving picture
Browse videos of Napier on YouTube before you set off. These are general search results, not Hôtel du Van films.
Find Napier videosFrom the wider journey
Stay Scene on YouTube
Explore the Stay Scene channel. New Zealand road-trip films and Southeast Asia villa stories can live in their own collections there.
Visit Stay Scene