Napier           Hastings

Napier is a city of fun with entertainment and activities for everyone of all ages.

The sparkling Pacific Ocean forms a stunning backdrop to internationally renowned vineyards that produce award-winning wines. You can dine alfresco style in one of the many cafes and wineries. Absorb the art deco and Spanish Mission Buildings that make the region one of the most unique architectural centres in the world. There are many attractions in and around Napier City such as Marineland, Aquarium, Art Gallery & The Museum.

Marine Parade showing the War Memorial Center, Salt Water Pool and Te Pania Hotel. --Credit:NAPIER CITY COUNCIL--

Beaches stretch for miles, swim with the dolphins, visit the aquarium, learn about our injured penguin programme and visit the amazing site of Cape kidnappers and view the gannets first hand.

For the more active there is ocean sailing, jet boating between the wineries, hot air ballooning, caving, paragliding, windsurfing, deep sea fishing or trout fishing in many of the pristine clear lakes or rivers. For the shopper there are antique shops, art galleries studios of potters, wood turners and craftsman. For more information visit the Napier Visitors Information Centre, then step next door for an enjoyable game of miniature golf.

The Municipal Theatre, Tennyson Street, at night. --Credit:NAPIER CITY COUNCIL--

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Hastings           Napier

On top of your list put the "must see" places unique to Hastings. Places that define us. And even amongst those there's a broad spectrum - enough to suit every interest.

--Credit:Hastings Tourism--

Visit Te Mata Peak, stand at the top and slowly turn taking in the scenery. See the plains spread out before you, their rich quilting of orchards, vineyards, villages and towns, the folding, rolling hills, the meandering Tuki Tuki River, the distant mountains and the sea. The Peak is part of a reserve offering many differing walks through bushed valleys or over open ridges spanning "leisurely stroll" to "serious exercise". There's a magnificent stand of giant redwoods to explore too. On a hot summer's day their somber shade is bliss.

If you're here in summer, then Splash Planet is the answer to the heat. Stop the sizzle and play all day in a water-theme park. Splash Planet has the slides, rides and facilities to keep you and your children happy all day long. Set in a 6.5 hectares park, there's room enough for everyone.

For more "water activities" open any time of year, there's Marineland and the National Aquarium of New Zealand. Both offer "hands-on" experience. See the sharks being fed. Swim with the dolphins. Learn from the experts about our marvelous marine life.

--Credit:Hastings Tourism--

Hastings has its share of the famous Hawke's Bay Art Deco architecture: a stunning reminder and legacy of the devastating 1931 earthquake and its subsequent fires that ravished the business district. Stroll through our streets. Visit the past and admire the new. Our Council is proud of its efforts to enhance and beautify the inner city. You'll find "street art": sculptural works by local artists side by side with carefully preserved and presented Spanish Mission or Stripped Classical buildings and all of it set amid a gardened landscape.

And when you've finished wandering the streets and need refreshment or simply love good ice cream, a visit to the original home of Rush Munro's is a must. Generations of Hastings people have thronged through its green painted doors, sat in the gardens, dabbled hands in the fountain and licked up delicious creamy real fruit treats. Their old favourites are still served unchanged.

What sort of art do you want to see - Glass or sculpture? Paintings or pottery? How about visiting artist's workshops? Talk to them. See their work. Perhaps even take some home. If this is you, follow the Hawke's Bay Art Trail for a tour of the area's creative talent.

Explore the galleries and be delighted. You'll find a tempting array of the best available in NZ and yes, some of those internationally known artists live right here.