Napier and the Hawke's Bay region on the east coast of the North Island are a sun-drenched combination of architecture, wine, nature, and food that makes this one of New Zealand's most rewarding destinations. Napier is famous for its stunning Art Deco architecture - rebuilt in the fashionable style of the 1930s after a devastating earthquake in 1931 levelled the original town. Today, the pastel-coloured facades, geometric patterns, and heritage streetscape make Napier one of the most visually distinctive small cities in the world. Beyond the city, Hawke's Bay is New Zealand's premier wine region, producing exceptional Syrah, Chardonnay, and Bordeaux-style reds in a landscape of sun-baked vineyards, olive groves, and orchard country. At the end of the headland, Cape Kidnappers hosts the world's largest mainland gannet colony - a spectacular wildlife encounter.
Getting There
Napier is 320km (4 hours) southeast of Auckland, 330km (4 hours) northeast of Wellington. Hawke's Bay Airport (NPE) has daily Air New Zealand flights from Auckland and Wellington. InterCity buses connect Napier with Auckland, Rotorua, Taupo, and Wellington.
Art Deco Napier
Napier's Art Deco heritage is world-class - the most concentrated collection of Art Deco architecture outside Miami:
- Art Deco guided walk: The Art Deco Trust runs excellent 1.5-hour guided walks through the city ($24), explaining the architectural styles, the 1931 earthquake story, and the rebuilding effort. Self-guided walks are also available (free map from the Trust).
- Key buildings: The Daily Telegraph Building (Tennyson Street), the ASB Bank, the Municipal Theatre, and the T&G Building are standouts. Look up - the parapets, friezes, and decorative motifs are extraordinary.
- Art Deco Weekend: Held every February, the annual Art Deco Weekend is Napier's biggest event - vintage cars, 1930s costumes, jazz bands, swing dancing, and a joyful celebration of the city's heritage. Book accommodation months in advance.
- Marine Parade: Napier's beachfront boulevard, lined with Norfolk pines, the Pania of the Reef statue, the National Aquarium, and the Sunken Gardens.
Hawke's Bay Wine
Hawke's Bay is New Zealand's oldest and second-largest wine region - with over 70 wineries producing world-class wines:
- Key varieties: Syrah (internationally acclaimed - Hawke's Bay Syrah is among the best outside the Rhône), Chardonnay, Cabernet-Merlot blends, and Viognier.
- Top wineries: Craggy Range (stunning Gimblett Gravels estate), Te Mata Estate (New Zealand's oldest winery, est. 1896 - Coleraine is iconic), Church Road (heritage winery with excellent cellar door), Trinity Hill, Elephant Hill (beachfront winery with exceptional restaurant).
- Wine trails: Self-drive or join a guided wine tour - the flat terrain makes cycling between wineries popular (e-bike hire from $50). The Gimblett Gravels sub-region is the premium red wine area.
- Food: Hawke's Bay is also a food destination - artisan producers, olive oil, farmers' markets (Hawke's Bay Farmers' Market, Sunday mornings in Hastings - one of NZ's best), and several outstanding winery restaurants.
Cape Kidnappers
Cape Kidnappers hosts the world's largest and most accessible mainland gannet colony:
- The colony: Over 20,000 Australasian gannets nest on the dramatic clifftop plateau from September to April. The birds are remarkably unafraid - you can observe them from just metres away.
- Getting there: Access is by a scenic 4-hour coastal walk (each way) at low tide, a tractor-trailer tour along the beach from Clifton (from $49), or a 4WD overland tour from the top ($70). The walk is free but tide-dependent.
- Best time: November–February is peak nesting season. Chicks begin fledging in March.
- Cape Kidnappers Golf Course: The famous Tom Doak-designed course on the clifftop headland is one of the most spectacular in the world ($450 green fee - worth it for the views alone).
Where to Eat
- Bistronomy (Napier): Outstanding French-NZ bistro, excellent wine list. - Elephant Hill (Te Awanga): Winery restaurant with spectacular ocean and vineyard views - one of the best in the region. - Mister D's (Napier): Cool, contemporary dining on Tennyson Street - inventive cocktails and shared plates. - Pacifica (Napier): Jeremy Rameka's acclaimed restaurant celebrating seafood and Māori culinary traditions.
Where to Stay
- The Farm at Cape Kidnappers (luxury lodge, one of NZ's finest - from $1,200/night) - The Crown Hotel (Art Deco boutique, central Napier - from $220/night) - Mangapapa Hotel (elegant estate hotel in Havelock North - from $400/night) - Napier YHA (budget, central - from $35/dorm)
Practical Tips
- Hawke's Bay enjoys over 2,200 sunshine hours per year - one of the sunniest regions in New Zealand. - The best time to visit is January–March (warm, dry, harvest season). - If cycling the wine trail, use a designated driver or e-bike tour operator - the wineries are generous with tastings. - Cape Kidnappers coastal walk is tide-dependent - check tide times and allow adequate time.
AUBIS Tip
: Napier and Hawke's Bay are ideal for a 2–3 day stay combining culture, wine, and nature. Use AUBIS to plan a wine trail itinerary, book Cape Kidnappers tours, and find Art Deco accommodation - the platform will coordinate everything into a smooth schedule.