Visiting Napier & Hawkes Bay
About the region
The City of Napier is the gateway to Hawkes Bay. It owes its glorious Art Deco heritage to the natural disaster that befell the City in 1931 during one of the country’s worst earthquakes. The City is now arguably the finest example of the Art Deco period in the world and is showcased through its heritage tourism offering.
The sweeping semi-circular Bay that marks an expansive waterfront is a favourite walking and jogging route and is dotted with historical references along the way.
Around Napier, visitors can explore an exciting vintage shopping scene, ideal for those who love a good fossick around antiques and curios stores. The flat landscape makes for easy wandering to take in the City’s sights, shops, cafes and history.
Beyond Napier lie Hastings and Havelock North, both of which offer their unique take on the region and are most well known for their world-class wineries, orchards and artisan products ranging from figs to apples. Hawkes Bay is known as the fruit bowl of New Zealand, and so a self-drive tour of the region will be punctuated with frequent stoppages at roadside produce stalls, drive-in orchards and wineries.
Beyond the region’s two main cities and townships are excellent beaches offering the perfect day outing and good swimming. Waimarama Beach is popular for swimming and family outings, whereas the neighbouring ocean beach is famous for surfing. All around the region are points of interest and welcome diversions from the direct route to anywhere! Te Mata peak, just outside of Havelock North, is a must-see for visitors either by driving to the summit or for the fit and active hike the peak for the most spectacular views of the region.
Visitors will be spoilt for choice, and the most challenging part of visiting this region is packing everything in as once on the ground, more “must see and do’s” will reveal themselves.
Getting to and around the region
The region is serviced by regular Air New Zealand flights from major centres to the airports of both Napier and Hastings. The region also lends itself well as a self-drive destination, especially for those travelling from Taupo. Once in the region, it is highly recommended to hire a car if you are not arriving in your own. This is one destination you really want to “free-wheel” in as there will be many points of interest and places to stop along any route.
Dining in Region
Guests at Scenic Te Pania Hotel, Napier, can soak up the sweeping views of the Bay and enjoy seasonal al fresco dining from the hotel’s ‘The Curve‘ Restaurant and Bar. With a menu showcasing regional produce, guests can enjoy flavoursome, fresh dishes cooked in a contemporary bistro style, a hallmark of Kiwi cuisine.
Beyond the hotel and for visitors out and about in the region, choices are plentiful. From café and restaurant vineyard dining to local restaurants, there is no shortage of exciting culinary experiences to be enjoyed right around the region. In peak season, booking well in advance of your arrival is highly recommended, especially to secure a seat at some of the more highly regarded winery restaurants.
Conferences, Meetings and Business Events
Scenic Te Pania Hotel is the perfect base for conferences and meetings in Napier with its close proximity to the Napier War Memorial Centre and a working partnership with this major venue that has served guests and delegates well for many years. Find out more on our meetings and events page.