Hawke’s Bay Airport, also known as Napier Airport or Napier-Hastings, is located on the northern edge of Napier on land that, until the 1931 earthquake, was below sea level. The airport links Napier with Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Blenheim.
A bustling adventure hub, wine-producing region, and seaport, Napier styles itself as the Art Deco Capital. The 1931 earthquake levelled the city but provided a foundation for rebirth. The wealth of buildings in Napier are now preserved in their classic form of 1930s architecture. Outside of Miami, it’s one of the world’s finest Art Deco cities with a creative Kiwi twist (such as the ASB Bank on the corner of Hastings and Emerson Streets with its Maori koru and zigzags). The Tremains Art Deco Festival celebrates the architectural heritage every February. Pick up a map any time of the year and take a self-guided walk to admire the buildings.
Must-see Napier attractions
Hawke’s Bay is one of the world’s finest wine regions, producing an excellent pinot gris and syrah (aka shiraz). There are many wineries within easy driving distance. Better still, book a winery tour or explore the lush countryside.
While you’re out and about enjoy the Hawke’s Bay region, a must-see stop needs to be Otatara Pa, a fortified Maori village that is widely considered one of New Zealand’s most important archaeological sites. It was the largest village of its kind in the Hawke’s Bay region, and today is a historical reserve where you can see excavation and careful preservation of terraced dwelling foundations and food pits.
Continuing your history kick in the area, don’t forget to visit Napier Prison, New Zealand’s oldest prison that only closed its doors to the incarcerated for the last time as recently as 1993. Today the well-preserved prison buildings are open to visitors and boast some spine-tingling ghost stories rooted in the terrible events that transpired during its past. Many tourists to the site report having hauntings and unexplainable experiences.
Napier is proud of its colony of gannets at the nearby Cape Kidnappers. The walk to this huge nesting ground of 3,000 pairs of seabirds is a profound sight. Even if you’re not a bird lover, the scenery is worth the hike alone.
If you’re looking to embark on a little adventure you can’t look past Ta Mata Peak. With paragliding, mountain bike riding and walking tracks, you won’t be short of activities to pursue. Occupying most adrenaline seekers, explore the unique topography, geology, flora and fauna.
Pick up your Hertz rental car at Napier Airport and the whole Hawke’s Bay Region is yours to explore.
Napier’s refreshments and dining
After a long day exploring, you’re going to want a beverage or two to unwind. There’s no better place in Napier to relax after a hard day’s exploring than The Emporium Eatery, Bar & Lounge, a gorgeous venue in one of Napier’s famous art-deco buildings offering specialty cocktails and delicious culinary delights.
The décor of Emporium is exquisite with rich, luxurious furnishings and perhaps best summed up by its self-description on its website as “a most intriguing and enchanting place that captures an era of elegance and grace where guests can dine in intimate surroundings.” Sounds pretty good, right? It is.
Then once you’ve ticked Emporium Lounge off your list, you can try these other fantastic foodie favourites for wining and dining:
-
MINT Restaurant – once a private home until it was converted into a restaurant in the 1980s. This Victorian house offers a contemporary cuisine of Hawke’s Bay fresh produce and quality wines.
-
Pacifica – high-end dining with a down-to-earth vibe. When the best local produce available dictates the dishes available, you know you’re in for a treat.
-
Mister D – a constantly bustling café and dining establishment. This joint has its own distinct, quirky style. If you’re looking to finish up with dessert, the injected donuts are one to try.
Although Napier may not be as well-known as other city destinations in New Zealand, this just makes it feel more like a well-kept secret. Hiring a car here and starting your adventure in this art-deco dream is something you’ll always be pleased you did. Make your reservation now and get started.
