Explore Napier, A Grand Day Out
Explore Napier, A Grand Day Out
This coastal city on New Zealand's North Island is amid the renowned wine-producing region of Hawke's Bay and is one of the most attractive cities in the country. Find palm-tree lined inner-city streets, parks, gardens and memorials that give the water's edge its distinct character.
Begin your day's adventure with the world-famous Art Deco City as your local, friendly, and knowledgeable guide will share with you the tragic story of destruction by the earthquake in 1931 and subsequent rebuild of the city as the Art Deco Capital of the world. The city is known for art deco landmarks like the zigzag-patterned Daily Telegraph Building and has the most comprehensive collection of inner-city art deco buildings in the world.
Continue and visit Bluff Hill Lookout for spectacular, panoramic views (weather and traffic conditions permitting). Drive through the historic fishing port of Ahuriri and see the famous National Tobacco Co. building.
Drive by the Art Deco houses in Napier's Marewa suburb as you make your way to your wine tasting experience at the Mission Estate, New Zealand's oldest working winery. Sample the finest chocolate at Silky Oak Chocolate Company and then drive out into the beautiful open countryside taking in views of rivers, estuaries and vast open farmland.
Stop for lunch at Birdwoods Gallery offering a full lunch menu, local wines, and beers, art gallery, traditional-style sweet shop plus a beautiful sculpture garden. (Lunch is at your own discretion and at your own expense.)
Next you will venture up Te Mata Peak for exceptional scenic views (subject to weather and traffic conditions permitting). Make your way to explore the visitor center at the largest beekeeping business in the Southern Hemisphere which includes a honey tasting and a live bee wall. Can you find the queen bee?
Return to central Napier for drop-off close to the shuttle bus pick up point at the end of this fantastic and informative day out in New Zealand, a day you will not soon forget!