Things to do in Napier

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Napier showing a square or plaza and a sunset
Cape Kidnappers showing general coastal views, landscape views and tranquil scenes
Napier
Napier showing a garden
Church Road Winery

Napier Attractions

You'll soon understand why people adore Napier. Whatever your interests or age, there are numerous activities and attractions to delve into. Lock in your flights, pack your suitcase and prepare to explore this happening metropolis.

Discover the best sights in Napier with some popular tours & day trips, or get through our list of {44 fun activities in Napier fun activities in Napier}. We have no booking fees as well as free cancellation, so you can relax and channel all your energy into planning your perfect vacation.

  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    One Key members save % or more on select activities, hotels, cars and vacation rentals.
    Learn about One Key

Napier must see attractions

1. Mission Estate Winery

Explore the old cellar at Mission Estate Winery for the chance to learn the secrets behind producing award-winning wines. Enjoy fabulous views while dining on sumptuous meat and seafood at one of the oldest wineries in the country.
Learn more
Mission Estate Winery which includes heritage elements

2. National Aquarium of New Zealand

Admire huge sharks as well as stingrays and octopuses at the National Aquarium of New Zealand. See piranhas gliding around and interact with adorable penguins and kiwi birds.
Learn more
National Aquarium of New Zealand showing marine life

3. Church Road Winery

With a fascinating wine museum and guided tours, Church Road Winery is a great place to learn about the history and art of winemaking. Discover artefacts dating back 3,000 years and examine walls studded with glimmering tartrate crystals. Find out how some of the finest wine in New Zealand is made and enjoy a meal of organic meat and fish in the winery’s restaurant.
Learn more
Church Road Winery

4. Bluff Hill Domain Lookout

Drive up to the Bluff Hill Domain Lookout to see the Port of Napier from above and take in the stunning colors and features of Hawke’s Bay.
Learn more
Bluff Hill Domain Lookout showing general coastal views and views as well as a small group of people

5. Napier Prison

Step into the cells of a convicted offender and discover what life was really like at the haunting penal complex of Napier Prison. Visit the chilling isolation cells and trudge toward the site of the old gallows where criminals were once hanged.
Learn more
Napier Prison

Recommended things to do in Napier

Number of things to do
44
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
National Aquarium of New Zealand in Napier General Admission: $18
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Napier

Free Things to Do in Napier

They say the best things in life are free. Be sure to explore the following around Napier:

MTG Hawke's Bay Museum - If you want to find out more about the area's buzzing arts and culture scene, make sure you stop by.

Tom Parker Fountain - If you enjoy delving into the days of old, this is one stop you ought not to miss.

Napier Soundshell - Spend some time here and find out the importance of this place to the locals.

Napier Beach - Keep your eyes peeled for exotic shells and other seaside gems peppered along the foreshore here.

Bluff Hill Domain Lookout - Let the rugged natural beauty soothe your soul.

Centennial Gardens - If you like digging around the garden, this place will delight your green thumb.

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Napier? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Napier

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

4.5/5(26 reviews)

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.

Marine Parade
Mission Estate Winery

Mission Estate Winery

4.5/5(18 reviews)

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

Mission Estate Winery
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

4/5(37 reviews)

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

Napier Beach
National Aquarium of New Zealand showing marine life

National Aquarium of New Zealand

3.5/5(9 reviews)

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

National Aquarium of New Zealand
Church Road Winery

Church Road Winery

4.5/5(9 reviews)

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.

Church Road Winery
Napier Prison

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.

Napier Prison
Bluff Hill Domain Lookout which includes general coastal views as well as a couple

Bluff Hill Domain Lookout

4.5/5(7 reviews)

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.

Bluff Hill Domain Lookout
National Tobacco Company Building

National Tobacco Company Building

5/5(7 reviews)

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

National Tobacco Company Building
Pania of the Reef

Pania of the Reef

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

Pania of the Reef

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Napier

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.

Napier South
National Tobacco Company Building

Ahuriri

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

Ahuriri
This cycle/walk way is VERY near the tidal waterways - or in this case, under it. Nice area to walk near the airport, with quite a few birds to be seen.

Westshore

4/5(1 area review)

Beaches, spas, and seafood restaurants highlight some of the notable features of Westshore. Make a stop by Westshore Beach while you're exploring.

Westshore
Church Road Winery

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.

Taradale
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!

Bluff Hill

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

Bluff Hill
📍Apricot farm, Bay View A large apricot farm in Bay View. We often took strolls through the trees with the dog as it was close to where we were staying.

Bay View

While visiting Bay View, you might make a stop by sights like Petane Domain and Westshore Beach.

Bay View
See our Where To Stay guide

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Napier

Photo by Jessie Broad

Clive

Photo by Natalie Robinson

Eskdale

Frequently asked questions

Is Napier worth visiting?
Famous for its bars and pubs and culture, discovering cool things to do in Napier is simple. Make sure to add Haumoana Beach to your itinerary while here.
How do I spend a day in Napier?
Haumoana Beach and Faraday Centre are two good places to kick-start your sightseeing adventures. Be sure to explore the dining and retail options in Napier while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Napier?
Haumoana Beach is one of the top tourist attractions in Napier and should be high on every itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Napier?
Three days in Napier is more than enough to enjoy the city's main attractions. Many guests book for two days on average. Faraday Centre, MTG Hawke's Bay Museum and Marine Parade are highly rated sights. Like to discover more? Stick around a bit longer to visit nearby hotspots like Havelock North.
Is Napier a walkable city?
With exciting neighborhoods and top attractions within walking distance of the city center, Napier is a good destination to visit on foot. Enjoy wandering between Faraday Centre and MTG Hawke's Bay Museum. Then take a stroll through Napier South, located 0.6 miles from the center, and Ahuriri, which is roughly 1 mile away.
What are some activities to do in Napier with kids?
If you're looking for sights and tours for all of your group, have a look at these awesome ideas for what to do in Napier with kids.

What to do in Napier for adults?
There are loads of things to do in Napier, with activities for adults of all ages. Finish your day off at Beach House Wines or War Memorial Conference Center.
Are there free things to do in Napier?
One of the top ways to find free things to do in Napier is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on vibrant neighborhoods, parks and other attractions you can enjoy without getting your cash out. MTG Hawke's Bay Museum is one sight that doesn't have an entrance fee.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia