City in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand
Photo: Alan Liefting, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Napier in New Zealand is the most consistently Art Deco city in the world, due to being largely rebuilt in the 1930s following a devastating earthquake in 1931. It is in Hawke's Bay, on the sunny east coast of the North Island.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Take a guided walking tour ($33–35:50, 1½–2½ hr) or buy a booklet at the Information Centre and give yourself a self-guided tour. Even a few blocks will take you past many of the most significant buildings that exemplify the style. One-hour tours in vintage cars available from $270 for up to 4 people.
Technology museum housed in a former powerhouse. Exhibits range from household appliances through commercial equipment to the massive engine that was used to generate electricity.
formerly MTG Hawke's Bay
Permanent exhibition on the 1931 quake with changing art and social history displays.
Has a reef tank, a travelator that spirals its way beneath the enormous Oceanarium, creating the impression of a true underwater experience, and a typical New Zealand rocky shore environment. There are sharks, stingray and hundreds of fish species, many of them representative of the catches from along the East Coast. There are eels, sea horse, turtles, octopus, tropical marine fish, kiwi, tuatara, water dragons, frogs and penguins on display. There is also an exhibition about the Hikurangi plate boundary and associated hazards like earthquakes and tsunami.
One of the most photographed landmarks in New Zealand, Pania is a figure of Māori mythology, and a symbol of Napier. She is beside the Tom Parker Fountain, which has a coloured lightshow until midnight.
An Art Deco outdoor stage, built in 1935 with a shell-like roof.
Art Deco Anglican cathedral consecrated in 1960. The original cathedral was destroyed in the 1931 earthquake with the loss of two lives.
With a capacity of 19,700, in summer this hosts Central Stags cricket team in all formats. In winter Hawke's Bay and Hurricanes play rugby union here.
Heated and unheated bathing pools and gym. Run by the city council.
At the southern tip of Hawke Bay is a gannet colony. These birds migrate seasonally and are popular with tourists during the season. You can jump on a trailer towed by tractors to reach the Cape, run by a local business out of the small community of Te Awanga. Bookings and information about these tours are available from the information centre.
A popular family friendly restaurant in the middle of Napier city. Community Burgers uses the proceeds from their burger sales to help local community causes.
French cuisine from French restaurateurs. Expect fine dining rather than a hearty meal – you'll have room for dessert.
Café and pizzeria
A legendary live music pub since the 1950s (albeit with a break from 1997 to 2008). The Spanish Mission/Art Deco style building was designed by leading architects Finch and Westorholm and was the first Napier hotel to be rebuilt after the 1931 quake.
The first establishment to emerge on West Quay and an Ahuriri icon. Step inside and you step back 125 years, for the converted storage shed goes right back to the days the square-riggers tied up just metres from its front deck.
A bar with outdoor decking, big screen TVs, private bar, and mezzanine restaurant with sea views.
BBH hostel in a former hotel built in 1932.
Art deco hotel built in 1932 on the site of a hotel first built in 1861. It was designed by Wellington architect W J Prowse. The hotel has 43 rooms and an apartment.
1890 historic residence.
Free WiFi, free parking, room view options, on-site restaurant & bar, gym access, dog friendly rooms available.
By bus
National bus operator InterCity provides daily services in and out with connections throughout the North Island.
By plane
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Napier · Regional · NPE
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Napier and New Zealand.
Compare and apply for the Australia ETA and New Zealand NZeTA in 2026. Step-by-step mobile app guides, fees, the IVL levy, and trans-Tasman rules.
7 min read
The best places to visit in January for winter sun, deep powder snow and wildlife, comparing Niseko, Sri Lanka, Tromsø and New Zealand.
7 min read
Five of the best countries for solo female travellers, featuring safe night streets, easy public transit, and essential neighbourhood safety tips.
6 min read
Explore famous movie and tv filming locations around the world, from King's Landing in Dubrovnik to the Hogwarts viaduct in Scotland.
7 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.