🚢Cruise Port Guide to Napier, New Zealand
Welcome to Napier!
Table of Contents:
* Napier Information
* Napier Weather
* Napier Cruise Terminal
* Getting Around Napier
* Shore Excursion Napier and Beyond
* Highlights of Napier
* Discover Hawke's Bay Wineries
* Explore Napier’s Marine Life
* Best Views of Napier
* Napier for Adventure Seekers
* Napier for Nature Lovers
* Napier for Museum Lovers
* Napier for Art Lovers
* Fun Things to Do in Napier with Kids
* Shopping and Markets in Napier
* Eating & Drinking in Napier
* Where to Find Free Wi-Fi in Napier
* Supermarkets and Grocery Stores in Napier
Napier Information
Napier's Māori Name:
The Māori name for Napier is Ahuriri. It was named after Chief Tu Ahuriri, a prominent ancestor of Ngāti Kahungunu, the iwi (tribe) associated with the region.
Population:
As of 2024, Napier has an estimated population of around 66,300 people. This is part of the larger Hawke's Bay region, which also includes Hastings.
History:
Napier was an important area for the local Ngāti Kahungunu iwi due to its access to rich natural resources. European settlers arrived in the mid-1800s, establishing the town as a trading hub.
In 1931, a powerful earthquake destroyed much of Napier, raising land from the sea and leading to its reconstruction in the distinctive Art Deco style. Today, Napier is famous for this architecture, its wine industry, and as a key tourist destination in the Hawke's Bay region.
Geography:
Napier is located on the eastern coast of New Zealand's North Island in the Hawke's Bay region, along the Pacific Ocean.
The city is known for its stunning coastal views, with cliffs and flatlands that were significantly reshaped by the 1931 earthquake. The quake raised parts of the seabed, creating new land. Napier sits close to several rivers, such as the Tutaekuri and the Ngaruroro, which contribute to the fertile plains used for agriculture.
Currency:
New Zealand Dollar (NZD), Most places accept credit cards.
Language:
English is the primary language in New Zealand, but Māori is also an official language, and you'll encounter plenty of Māori place names and cultural references throughout the city.
Time Zone:
New Zealand Standard Time (NZST) and observes daylight saving time.
Emergency Services:
The emergency services number in New Zealand is 111 for police, fire, and medical emergencies.
Tipping:
Tipping is not expected in New Zealand but appreciated for exceptional service.
Napier Weather
Napier has a Mediterranean climate, with warm, dry summers and mild winters. It regularly ranks among New Zealand’s sunniest places, with an average of over 2,200 sunshine hours per year.
Napier Cruise Terminal
Your ship will dock at Napier Port. It's a working port so you won't be able to walk through the port. There are shuttles that will take you to the Napier i-SITE Visitor Centre and it's about five minute drive. Or you can get dropped off at the National Aquarium.
Getting Around Napier
* Napier i-SITE Visitor Centre
Cruise Ambassadors will be at the port to help you when you disembark. The shuttle drops you off at the main i-SITE in Napier.
* Walking
Napier is very walkable, especially within the town centre, which features beautifully preserved Art Deco architecture. You can explore popular spots like Emerson Street, the National Aquarium, and the Marine Parade on foot.
* Hawkes Bay Express
You will need to book directly through your cruise ship for this tour.
* Uber and Local Taxis
Hawke’s Bay Combined Taxis +64 6 835 7777
Baywide Taxis 0800 88 55 33
* Bike Hire
There's more than 200km of bike trails for exploring towns, coastlines, wetlands and wineries. You can choose routes that include wineries, a chocolate factory, scenic wetlands, beautiful coastlines and more.
* Supertrike Tour
This tour departs from National Aquarium which is the second shuttle stop.
* Go Bus
Take route 12 for the Napier to Hastings bus and route 13 to access Taradale, where many of the local wineries are located.
Shore Excursion Napier and Beyond
* Tours Leaving from Napier Port
Note - this is only if there are 6 booked. Otherwise pickup is in town.
* Tours - Leaving from i-SITE
Tours - Leaving from Aquarium
Highlights of Napier
* Walking Art Deco Tour
Napier, the Art Deco capital of the world. has many builidings with 1930s Spanish Mission architecture.
One of the most iconic Art Deco buildings in Napier is the Daily Telegraph Building, renowned for its vibrant yellow-and-blue facade and bold geometric design. Built in 1932, it is a prime example of the Art Deco style that defines the city.
* Emerson Street
Napier's main shopping street is Emerson Street.
* Marine Parade
Napier’s Marine Parade is a 3km-long promenade lined with attractions, including the National Aquarium of New Zealand, a mini-golf course, gardens, and views over the Pacific Ocean.
* Ocean Spa
These open-air heated pools are along Marine Parade.
Discover Hawke's Bay Wineries
Napier is the gateway to one of New Zealand’s premier wine-producing regions, Hawke’s Bay. The area is renowned for its vineyards and wine tours, especially for red wine varieties like Syrah and Bordeaux blends.
Explore Napier’s Marine Life
* National Aquarium of New Zealand
Home to Penguin Cove you'll see the little blue penguins. There is also an oceanarium tunnel with sharks, stingrays etc and you can also see the iconic kiwi and the tuataras.
Best Views of Napier
* Bluff Hill Lookout
Bluff Hill Lookout has one of the best views of Hawke’s Bay and your cruise ship.
To reach Bluff Hill Lookout from the Napier i-SITE Visitor Information Centre, it's a roughly 30-minute walk or a short drive. The walk involves uphill terrain, so if you're walking, be prepared for a bit of a climb. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or drive up to the lookout, which offers stunning views over the port and the city.
Napier for Adventure Seekers
* Rafting
Cruise ship passengers who want an active adventure while on land will love this white-water rafting expedition from Napier. The rapids are an easy class II, so even first-timers and older kids can join in. Admire the views of the native bush, listen to birdsong, and even go for a swim in the gentle river if you like.
Napier for Museum Lovers
* MTG - Museum Theatre Gallery
This is opposite where the Cruise Shuttle will drop you off. Entry is free. There is a permanent exhibition on the 1931 earthquake there is a rotating number of exhibits and shows during the year.
* Faraday Museum of Technology
Not just for kids, this museum has lot of interactive activities for young and old.
Napier for Art Lovers
* Napier Seawalls
The project began in 2016, with renowned contemporary artists from New Zealand and overseas and now has over 50 Sea Walls murals.
* Boyd-Dunlop Gallery
* Tennyson Gallery
Napier for Garden Lovers
* Botanical Gardens
There are several walking trails and well maintained gardens. Can be a little hilly.
* Sunken Gardens
Not far from the i-SITe on Marine Parade are these lovely garden beds and water feature.
Fun Things to Do in Napier with Kids
* Playgrounds
* Splash Planet
Here you'll find a themed water park rides with lots of water attractions plus a flying fox, playground with treehouse adventure course, go-kart track and jeep track.
Shopping and Markets in Napier
If your cruise ship arrives on a Saturday, you can mingle with the locals at this farmers market.
Eating & Drinking in Napier
* Napier CBD
* Ahuriri
Other Useful Information
* Where to Find Free Wi-Fi in Napier
Napier City Council offers free public Wi-Fi at various points around the city.
* Supermarket and Grocery Store
Was this Napier guide helpful?
Hopefully, this guide saves you hours of planning and helps you make the most of your visit to Napier!
If you have any feedback, suggestions or questions, feel free to reach out.
Happy cruising to Napier!
Anna @ New Zealand Cruises
www.new-zealand-cruises.com
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