Reservations 877·97·CRAFT  (877·972·7238)

Napier, New Zealand

Overview


Modern-day Napier was shaped by the deadly and costly 1931 Hawke's Bay Earthquake, which led to the rebuilding of the city in the popular architectural style of the time -- Art Deco.N apier’s art deco is resolutely low-rise – but you will find intact 1930s streetscapes, which can provoke a Great Gatsby like tangibility even in the least romantic soul. Known specifically for the wineries in Hawke's Bay, now New Zealand's second-largest wine-producing region behind Marlborough.


Ship Location


Cruise ships dock at the Port of Napier, about 1.5 miles from the city center. It's a working industrial port.


Getting Around


Cruise passengers are not allowed to walk off the ship and into town. Instead, a complimentary shuttle transports passengers from the ship to the i-SITE Visitor Centre on Marine Parade in the center of town. Return shuttles run every 15 to 20 minutes. Once in town, anything that a cruise passenger could desire is within a 10-minute walk.


Attractions


Explore Napier's architectural history with the original Art Deco Walk, sponsored by Napier's Art Deco Trust, departing from the i-SITE Visitor Centre daily for a one-hour guided walk. Extra one-hour tours are offered when ships are in port; check at the i-SITE Visitor Centre for times. Guides in authentic 130s costume provide lots of history while showing off Napier's architectural wonders. They also educate guests about the Art Deco style, which is known for sunbursts and fountains, symbols of speed and flight, geometric shapes and ancient cultures. For those who prefer not to walk, there are also Art Deco bus and vintage car tours. Explore the Hawke's Bay wine region without leaving Napier at the New Zealand Wine Centre . The venue's wine aroma awareness room uses various "sniffing" techniques to teach participants about the aromas (both good and bad) associated with wine. The centre features a wine museum, shop, a wine-tasting bar, and guided tours. If you are looking for a romantic stroll in the sunshine try Marine Parade. Look for the bubbling Tom Parker Fountain (a popular meeting spot for locals) and the beautiful Pania of the Reef statue. Further along Marine Parade, the National Aquarium of New Zealand explores the undersea world of alligators, piranhas, turtles, eels, kiwi, tuatara and lots of local fish. The building stretches out like a stingray along the shore at the end of Marine Parade, you can't miss it. A free shuttle runs from the i-SITE Visitor Centre to the aquarium when ships are in port.