Things to do in Napier

Activities, attractions and tours

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

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Top places to visit

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.
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Mission Estate Winery

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.
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National Aquarium of New Zealand which includes 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.
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Church Road Winery

4. 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.
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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.

5. National Tobacco Company Building

The National Tobacco Company Building, like much of the city of Napier, was built to replace an earlier building after a devastating earthquake hit the town in 1931. Gaze at the exquisite rose motifs and subtle vine patterning of its façade as well as the rows of perfectly receding rectangular forms. Step through the door to explore a sumptuous marble interior.
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National Tobacco Company Building

What to do in Napier

Popular places to visit

National Aquarium of New Zealand which includes marine life

Marine Parade

4.5/5(27 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

5/5(11 reviews)

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

Mission Estate Winery
Napier Beach

Napier Beach

4/5(27 reviews)

Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Napier Beach during your travels in Awatoto?

Napier Beach
National Aquarium of New Zealand which includes marine life

National Aquarium of New Zealand

4/5(6 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(7 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

3.5/5(3 reviews)

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
National Tobacco Company Building

National Tobacco Company Building

4.5/5(7 reviews)

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

National Tobacco Company Building
War Memorial Conference Center

War Memorial Conference Center

Learn about the local history of Napier when you take a trip to War Memorial Conference Center. Stroll along the area's seaside or experience its acclaimed art galleries.

War Memorial Conference Center
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

Areas of Napier

National Tobacco Company Building

Ahuriri

While visiting Ahuriri, you might make a stop by sights like National Tobacco Company Building and The Urban Winery.

Ahuriri
Napier featuring a lake or waterhole

Napier South

If you're spending some time in Napier South, McLean Park and National Aquarium of New Zealand are top sights worth seeing.

Napier South
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
Pania of the Reef which includes art and a statue or sculpture

Bluff Hill

While visiting Bluff Hill, you might make a stop by sights like Napier Prison and Pania of the Reef.

Bluff Hill
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Marewa

Marewa might not have many top sights, but McLean Park and National Aquarium of New Zealand are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Marewa
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Hospital Hill

While there might not be top attractions in Hospital Hill, you can explore the larger area and discover places like National Tobacco Company Building and War Memorial Conference Center.

Hospital Hill
Photo by Jessie Broad

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