Bike rides, ice cream, and free stays: A five-day winter break in Napier for active families

If you’re looking for an easy winter getaway where the kids can burn energy and you don’t spend the whole trip driving from one activity to the next, Napier is a winner. We spent five nights there with our three kids (1, 7 and 9), based right on Marine Parade at Scenic Hotel Te Pania, and barely needed to use the car. Think flat waterfront paths for bikes and scooters, playgrounds and mini golf, gelato stops, and a hot soak at Ocean Spa across the road — all wrapped up with sunrise views over the Pacific.

In a nutshell

Napier is an easy, kid‑friendly winter getaway. Base yourself on Marine Parade at Scenic Hotel Te Pania for walkable attractions, flat bike paths, playgrounds, gelato stops, and Ocean Spa across the road — perfect for active families who want a relaxed trip with minimal driving.

Why Napier should top your holiday list

I don’t know why, but Napier was never high on my holiday list — honestly, it wasn’t on it at all. But after a few days there, it quickly became a favourite. Napier had everything we didn’t even realise we were looking for in a family getaway.

It gave us that true holiday feeling — a bit like a mix of The Mount and the Gold Coast. Think long flat streets, palm trees, fresh sea air, ice creams on the beach, relaxed bike rides, and slower‑paced living. Add Napier’s famous Art Deco architecture and the whole place has a charm that feels like stepping into a different era (in the best way).

Scenic Hotel Te Pania on Marine Parade

Most of our time was spent along Marine Parade — a three‑kilometre stretch of iconic seafront packed with things to do. This is where everything happens, and staying right there meant our days felt easy from the moment we woke up.

We stayed at Scenic Hotel Te Pania, and genuinely don’t think we could’ve picked a better spot. Huge ocean views (we’re talking sunrise‑from‑your‑bed level) and just steps from the action. Our suite worked brilliantly for family life — interconnecting rooms, a lounge and kitchenette, three bathrooms, and enough space for everyone to spread out and relax.

There’s also an on‑site restaurant and bar, The Curve, which made life easier with kids. We had breakfast and dinner there most days — and yes, we absolutely snuck in a few cheeky late‑night room service desserts. It meant we could sit down to a proper meal, then be back in our room within minutes (ideal when little ones are in tow).

Some of our favourite moments were the quiet ones — movie nights in our room with snacks and dessert delivered straight to the door. It was the kind of trip where even downtime felt special.

Ocean Spa is a holiday highlight

One of the biggest highlights? Being directly across the road from Ocean Spa, a beachfront hot spa complex. It opens early, so we’d start the day with a sunrise soak, then stroll back across the road (in our towels, of course), get ready, and begin the day. Relaxing, fun, and genuinely effortless.

Kid-friendly things to do on Marine Parade

So what’s there to do along Marine Parade? Here’s a quick list of favourites:

• Huge playgrounds with ocean views
• Bike and scooter paths (you can easily rent bikes)
• Mini golf
• A big basketball court
• Ice cream and gelato stops
• Gardens, sculptures and water features to wander past
• Bay Skate (a great park where you can hire wheels)
• Ocean Spa
• The National Aquarium of New Zealand (penguins, stingrays, tropical fish — and even kiwis. You can watch feeding sessions and get hands-on too.)

Not a swimming beach — but perfect for walks and bike rides

The beach along this stretch is rocky rather than sandy, so it’s not really a swimming beach — but it’s still stunning. We loved walking beside it, biking past it, and just sitting nearby taking it all in.

On one of the days we hired bikes — our youngest sat in a little buggy on the back and loved every minute (he even fell asleep mid‑ride). We biked the full length of Marine Parade, stopping at Lick This, a bright, fun gelato spot we may have visited more than once.

Right next door is Bay Skate, a fenced outdoor skate park where you can hire scooters or skates. It’s open late too, so one evening we went after dinner for a skate and dessert.

The whole stretch is stroller‑friendly and super flat, which made getting around with young kids a breeze. Having everything in close proximity meant we barely used our car — and that instantly made the trip feel more relaxing (we all know how long it can take to get everyone into the car with kids!).

Tips for shoppers and foodies

If you’re into shopping, just a street back from Marine Parade are all the main stores and essentials you’d expect from a bigger city, and it’s all easily walkable.

And for foodies, there’s a great selection of cafés and restaurants along the seafront. We didn’t get a chance to try many (Scenic’s on‑site dining was simply too easy with kids), but there are plenty of options to explore if you’re keen to mix it up.

Napier is great in winter (especially for active families)

We spent five nights in Napier and honestly could’ve stayed longer. We visited in winter, and with Ocean Spa, indoor dining, and so many activities nearby, it worked perfectly in the cooler months.

But it’s easy to imagine Napier being just as good (if not better!) in summer — especially with Splash Planet open. It’s New Zealand’s best water theme park (we’ve been before and it’s seriously cool) and it’s only a 25‑minute drive from Scenic Hotel Te Pania. Definitely one to add to the list if you’re visiting in warmer months.

Whether you’re after an active family trip or something slower‑paced, Napier hits the mark. It’s easy, entertaining, and full of that classic holiday feeling — with ocean views from the moment you wake up.

Plan your stay

If you’re planning a family break, Scenic’s Kids Stay Free offer can be a great way to stretch the holiday budget — especially for trips where you want to stay central and walk to the fun. Have a look at what’s included and which hotels are participating, then choose the stay that suits your family.

View the Kids Stay Free offer

Plan your stay at Scenic Hotel Te Pania, Napier