Napier

New Zealand

Stroll through stunning 1920s Art Deco architecture and relax on golden sandy beaches where dolphins often play in the bay.

Currency New Zealand Dollar (NZD)

Language English, Te Reo Māori

Time Zone NZDT (UTC+13) or NZST (UTC+12)

Best Time to Visit Dec–Feb

Typical Duration 14-36 nights

Price Range From $759 pp

Port Type Port of Call

Tender Port No

Gateway to New Zealand's North Island with Art Deco architecture, stunning coastal scenery, and access to wine country and geothermal attractions.

Cruises that visit Napier

Build Your Day in Napier

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 5:00 PM

Usually about 9 hours ashore

My ship arrives around: Getting around:

National Aquarium of New Zealand Lots of interactive games and worksheets for little ones. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.3 · 5k

Bluff Hill Lookout Free entry and wheelchair accessible to some extent. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 3k

The Thirsty Whale Bar & Restaurant Great venue, good food, yummy cocktails and absolutely lovely staff Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 2k Closed · Opens 11 AM

Ocean Spa There is an on-site day restaurant for treats and a variety of light meals. Spa and health club · ★ 4.3 · 2k

Boardwalk Beach Bar & Bistro Wonderful setting, excellent service and superb drink selection. Restaurant · ★ 4.1 · 1k

Napier isite Visitor Information Centre We loved the aquarium and history museum and art deco museum! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 1k

The Rose Irish Pub Great drinks, great service, and an all-round fantastic experience. Pub · ★ 4.3 · 1k Closed · Opens 12 PM

The Gintrap Restaurant & Bar Chilled vibe, good service and great location. Bar · ★ 4.4 · 1k Closed · Opens 11 AM

Mister D The food and service are outstanding and the space is absolutely beautiful. Bistro · ★ 4.5 · 1k Closed · Opens 11 AM

Perfume Point Great place to Relax,read a book,have some lunch,get out of house. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 1k Open now

Hunger Monger Seafood The food was incredible, and the ambiance was warm and inviting. Seafood · ★ 4.5 · 1k Closed · Opens 5 PM

Mission Estate Restaurant An excellent birthday dinner, awesome food, wine, and service Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 1k Closed · Opens 11:30 AM

Farmers Napier Good variety of stock and sales staff were very helpful Department store · ★ 4.2 · 1k Open · Closes 5 PM

The Warehouse Napier Great place for bargain prices with lots of variety. Clothing store · ★ 4 · 1k Open · Closes 10 PM

Hawke's Bay Museum ... floors with Exhibition spaces and sometimes interactive activities. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 1k

Botanical gardens Ever feel like you need to escape to a nature retreat but can't get to one? Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 1k

ILONA pasta The pork belly pasta and tiramisu were the highlights. Italian · ★ 4.9 · 1k Closed · Opens 5:30 PM

Market St Excellent service, good drinks and great drinks. Bar · ★ 4.5 · 1k Closed · Opens 12 PM

Timezone Napier Lots of things to do, staff were friendly. Video arcade · ★ 4.9 · 1k

Mission Estate Winery Child friendly (and they can run around in the garden). Winery · ★ 4.3 · 1k

Church Road Winery I would happily recommend this experience to anyone, we had a fabulous time. Winery · ★ 4.5 · 1k Opens soon · 10:30 AM

Madame Social Eatery & Bar Lovely vibe, great atmosphere, excellent food, top notch service! Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 1k Closed · Opens 11 AM

Art Deco Trust There is an interesting 20 minute film ($5 NZ) that plays every 30 minutes. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 1k

Bistronomy & Vinotech The food, drinks, service, atmosphere and pace were all perfect. Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 1k Closed · Opens 3 PM

Central Fire Station Bistro The food was fantastic, the service professional, friendly and kind. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 5:30 PM

K Kitchen and Bar Food and service is top-notch in a lovely and relaxed setting. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k

Faraday Museum of Technology Lots of hands on stuff to do, the staff are very friendly and helpful. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 9:30 AM Fri

Monica Loves We had a great time here, reasonably priced and awesome atmosphere Bar · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 3 PM

Kork n Barrel Friendly staff serving up some of the best cooked food in The Bay area. Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 11 AM

Rogue Hop Trendy bar, great craft beers and the waiter was very friendly. Bar · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 3:30 PM

Centennial Garden Waterfall Two kids under five loved exploring and the gardener on site was very kind. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 0k

Marine Parade Great kids playing area and walking path. Park · ★ 4.7 · 0k

Balmoral Centre Well stocked good modern shopping area but small. Shopping mall · ★ 4.2 · 0k Open now

Goldie's Stunning food, service is super friendly, and the atmosphere is fantastic. Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 3 PM

Onekawa Shopping Centre (Supermarket, restaurantx2, landromat, pharmacy, fruit n veg shop) Shopping mall · ★ 4.2 · 0k Open now

Ocean Boulevard Lots of different shops and cafes as well as being pedestrian friendly Shopping mall · ★ 3.9 · 0k

Napier Beach Lots to do for kids along the way. Beach · ★ 4.4 · 0k

Sunken Gardens Nice garden area to relax and or read a book. Park · ★ 4.5 · 0k

Art Deco walk You can spend and hr to several hours there. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 0k

Trinity Crescent Shopping Centre Gr8 shops.. bakery, fish n chip shop, dairy and neat park Shopping mall · ★ 4.1 · 0k Open · Closes 7 PM

The Department of Curiosities and Fine Things An interesting selection of items for sale Clothing store · ★ 4.9 · 0k Open · Closes 4 PM

Jade Centre There’s many style and sizes to choose from and very affordable prices! Shopping mall · ★ 4.1 · 0k Open · Closes 5 PM

Clive Square Pub Fantastic pint of Guinness and a beautiful Irish Coffee (delicious). Pub · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 1:30 PM

Adore Collection Plenty of novelty items and the most amazing range of earrings. Gift shop · ★ 4.7 · 0k Open · Closes 5:30 PM

The Horse & Harvest Great atmosphere very clean and tidy new owner doing well Bar · ★ 4.5 · 0k

Churchills Lounge Bar & Restaurant The service was impeccable and the drinks were delicious. Bar · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 5:30 PM

Brocante An amazing store with beautiful items… love this store Gift shop · ★ 4.4 · 0k Open · Closes 5 PM

Napier The city is known for art deco landmarks. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.2 · 0k Open now

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Next Departures from Napier

About Napier

Napier stands as a vibrant port of call in New Zealand's Hawke's Bay region, attracting ten major cruise lines including Viking Ocean Cruises, Holland America Line, Oceania Cruises, and Royal Caribbean International. With over 100 upcoming cruises calling here, Napier serves as an ideal stop on longer 14-night itineraries exploring the Australia and New Zealand circuit. The port's peak season runs from November through March, making it a popular destination during the Southern Hemisphere summer months.

Stepping ashore in Napier, cruise passengers discover a charming coastal town renowned for its distinctive Art Deco architecture and vibrant cultural scene. The nearby Hawke's Bay wine region offers excellent opportunities for wine enthusiasts, while the town's waterfront precinct provides easy access to local shops, galleries, and restaurants. Whether you're seeking a leisurely day exploring the town's character or venturing inland to experience world-class wines and stunning countryside, Napier delivers memorable experiences that complement your cruise journey perfectly.

Art Deco Architecture Walking Tour

Napier boasts the Southern Hemisphere's finest Art Deco buildings, meticulously restored after the devastating 1931 earthquake. Stroll through the compact city center to admire pastel-colored facades, ornate details, and period storefronts along Tennyson Street and Emerson Street. The architectural heritage creates a uniquely photogenic experience you won't find elsewhere in New Zealand.

Fresh Seafood at Waterfront Markets

Sample exceptional local cuisine at Napier's vibrant waterfront precinct, where fresh fish, oysters, and Hawke's Bay wines are showcased at casual eateries and markets. The harbor-side setting offers stunning views while you taste regional specialties like Bluff oysters and locally caught snapper prepared with contemporary flair.

Cape Kidnappers Gannet Colony

Witness thousands of Australasian gannets nesting on dramatic clifftops at Cape Kidnappers, accessible via scenic tractor-tram rides across Clifton Beach. This natural spectacle features stunning coastal views and intimate encounters with these magnificent seabirds in their natural habitat, making it an unforgettable wildlife experience.

Hawke's Bay Farmers Market Treasures

Explore the Saturday farmers market bursting with local produce, artisan crafts, and handmade goods from regional producers. Browse fresh fruits, organic vegetables, local honey, and unique souvenirs while mingling with friendly locals in this authentic community gathering that captures Napier's vibrant character.

Mission Estate Winery Tasting

Visit one of New Zealand's oldest wineries, Mission Estate, perched on hillsides overlooking Napier and Hawke's Bay. Enjoy wine tastings of award-winning Chardonnays and Merlots while soaking in panoramic vineyard views, then browse the estate's restaurant and gift shop for memorable local products.