Situated in Hawkes Bay which is one of New Zealand’s most beloved wine regions, Napier is a coastal city known for its art deco architecture. On the lower east coast of the North Island, Napier enjoys a warm and relatively dry climate. The art deco style for which Napier is known is a result of the city having been rebuilt after the earthquake in 1931. With a wealth of history and surroundings of natural beauty, Napier offers family activities, local flavor, and outdoor fun for any who visit. Check out this list of things to do in Napier to discover what makes this historical city unique.
1. National Aquarium of New Zealand
Of the things to do in Napier for families, a visit to the National Aquarium of New Zealand is as educational as it is fun. A trip to the aquarium gives visitors insight into native marine species, even allowing them to dip below the surface in the underwater oceanarium. It’s not all about the gilled animals though, as they also feature exhibits of reptiles, penguins, and even kiwis! For visiting New Zealanders it’s a great way to brush up on our country’s unique fauna, and for overseas tourists, the aquarium offers a comprehensive introduction to some of the species that make New Zealand so special.
2. Marine Parade
One of the great free things to do in Napier is to stroll along its seafront Marine Parade. Dotted with art installations and meaningful monuments, the parade is a must-visit for anyone who wishes to experience the historical past and contemporary art of Napier while soaking up its coastal charm. Aside from the Sunken Gardens and the Marine Parade Gardens, the most iconic feature is the bronze Pania of the Reef statue. The statue features Pania, a figure of Māori mythology lured into the ocean by sea people, never to return to land again.
3. Wine Tour by Bike
If you’re looking for things to do in Napier for couples, an experience that provides as much refreshment as it does outside fun is renting a bike and taking a self-guided wine tour. Companies like On Yer Bike Winery Tours hire both electric and standard bikes for enthusiasts of all experience levels. Couples can spend quality time together while peddling to wineries in the Bridge Pa Triangle, and Gimblett Gravels Wine growing districts, some of the best in the country!
4. Visit a Māori Fortified Village
In the Otatara Pa Historic Reserve, are the remains of an historic Māori Pa site, or fortified village. The Pa site covers 40 hectares representing one of the country’s most important archaeological locations. Now, the village’s food pits and foundations are still visible thanks to preservation efforts. In addition to the historical insight the reserve provides, visitors also enjoy the view from the top of the Pa’s hill, which can offer panoramic views of the area.
5. Hike Te Mata Peak
According to myth, Te Mata Peak is the figure of a giant by the name of Te Mata, whose horizontal silhouette forms the range’s skyline. Today, Te Mata Park spans 107.5 hectares and offers recreational activities for hikers and mountain bikers. The park features many trails, which lead hikers through native forests and areas with eucalyptus, gum tree, and redwood forests. If adrenaline-chasing is your thing, you may enjoy hang gliding or paragliding high on the updrafts of Te Mata Park.
6. Visit the MTG
If you love theatres, art galleries, and museums all wrapped up into one, then the MTG Hawkes Bay has to be on your Napier itinerary. The MTG is on the cutting edge of modern New Zealand art, while representing the rich cultural history of New Zealand. Visiting this museum is one of the best free things to do in Napier, and offers education and enjoyment for the whole family. You can learn about the earthquake of 1931, or peruse the Māori gallery for a deeper understanding of the history of the region’s indigenous heritage.
