Photo of Napier

About Napier

Dubbed the ‘Art Deco Capital of the World’, sunny coastal Napier is filled with striking heritage buildings, brilliant for artsy travellers and history buffs eager to soak up a lively vibe whilst in the spectacular Hawke’s Bay wine country. Charming B&Bs and intimate historic hotels are clustered close to the city centre and the port, but we also have a few favourite spots amidst the vineyards. Peruse our list of the best places to stay in Napier as you begin to plan your trip!

Carefully rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in 1931, Napier is home to an impressive 147 Art Deco buildings. Wander down Marine Parade, take a guided city tour with the Art Deco Trust or delve into the area’s history at MTG Hawke's Bay. The fantastic Sea Walls street art murals are also well worth seeing. For a sense of ancient Māori history, visit the Otarara Pa Reserve.

The countryside surrounding Napier offers 200km of flat cycling and walking trails, as well as opportunities to horse ride and play golf. Tours and tastings of nearby wineries are world-class — Craggy Range and Clearview Estate are particular highlights. Take the whole family to the National Aquarium of New Zealand, or head to Bay View Beach and Sandy Bay for sailing, swimming and kayaking.

Great for romantic couples, fun-filled trips with friends or memorable family holidays, the best places to stay in Napier promise a very special Hawke’s Bay experience.

The Best Places to Stay in Napier

For a Charming B&B

  • Cobden Garden B&B offers three spacious bedrooms in a historic residence — think antiques and chintz fabrics — high on Bluff Hill. Kick off the day with full English breakfasts. A great B&B for heritage buffs.
  • Tequila Sunrise B&B has four guestrooms in the rolling countryside beyond Napier. Stay here for the quiet, relaxed vibe, the proximity to vineyards and cycling trails, and the welcoming hosts. Book the whole place if travelling as a group. A cosy B&B.

For Waterfront Views

  • The Art Deco Masonic Hotel promises panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, close to Hawke’s Bay’s MTG and the coast. With 43 stylish rooms and suites — and a two-bedroom apartment — in a 90-year-old building, this is a lovely choice for those keen to explore historic Napier. The friendly Irish pub, restaurant and lounge are excellent and well-suited to events.
  • The Crown Hotel Napier sits in the charming fishing village of Ahuriri, on Napier's northern side. An Art Deco gem, the hotel's main building dates back to 1932. Expect waterfront views, attractive rooms and suites — some heritage, some contemporary — and a warm welcome.

For a Luxury Lodge

  • McHardy Lodge is an elegant hotel in a restored 1890s residence on Napier Hill, with six characterful suites — some with free-standing baths — a swimming pool and billiards table. Intimate and ideal for small weddings or romantic escapes.
  • Breckenridge Lodge offers five individually designed guestrooms, and an impressive focus on homegrown produce paired with Hawke's Bay wines. Foodies can savour five-course menus crafted by Chef Malcolm Redmond or hone their skills with cooking classes. Intimate and romantic.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY COTTAGE

  • If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel Information

  • Fly to Hawke's Bay Airport from Auckland Airport or Wellington Airport, and journey to your hotel by car or airport shuttle.
  • The North Island is wonderful for a road trip. Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
  • Travel during the spring or summer (November to February) for the best weather, with temperatures peaking at around 20°C. The winter months of June and July can be rainy.

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Best Hotels in Napier

  • Tequila Sunrise B&B RD2 Napier 4 rooms from CA$224

    Active Holiday  -  There's plenty to do locally between the wineries, the beaches and the tropical forest
    Groups  -  With just four rooms this is an ideal choice for groups, who can book the whole place
    Great walks  -  There are beautiful walks starting straight from the property's front door
    Views  -  Admire magnificent views of Hawke's Bay and Napier city from the gardens
    Air conditioningGardenDisabled accessViewsParkingNo pets

    A small contemporary B&B commanding spectacular ocean views and backed by thick tropical forest. The four bedrooms are spacious and chic with sliding doors leading out onto the garden. A large terrace features a professional BBQ, best used and enjoyed with the property's own wines. See More

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  • Cobden Garden B&B Napier (Bluff Hill) 3 rooms from CA$207

    Local exploring  -  Whether interested in culture, food and wine, nature and wildlife or something more active, there's plenty to explore locally
    Sights nearby  -  Stroll down the Marine Parade Rotary Walkway to the National Aquarium, enjoying the vista across the deep green Pacific Ocean
    Views  -  Rooms on the upper floor have great views both of the harbour and mountain
    Fishing  -  The Hawke’s Bay region has a great diversity of fishing opportunities
    ViewsParkingNo pets

    An elegant, colonial style B&B a short walk from Napier Port. Charming rooms are traditionally dressed with antiques, chintz fabrics and sink-into beds. Serving up full-English breakfasts, with a number of dining options not far away. An intimate and comfortable stay. See More

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  • The Crown Hotel Napier Napier (Ahuriri) 39 rooms from CA$215

    Local exploring  -  Overlooking the stunning waterfront in historical seaside village Ahuriri, Napier, with sun, sea and landscape on your doorstep
    Great walks  -  From coastal strolls through to multi-day walks around Lake Waikaremoana, Hawke’s Bay is a walkers paradise
    Restaurant  -  Milk and Honey Restaurant sits within the hotel complex and offers elegant yet casual dining
    Fishing  -  Hawke's Bay is home to some of New Zealand's best fishing and hunting
    Air conditioningRestaurantGardenDisabled accessViewsParkingNo pets

    An old-meets new boutique hotel, with art deco features, set on the waterfront in the charming fishing village of Ahuriri in Napier. Retro styled suites are light and bright with floor to ceiling windows, softly patterned fabrics and large living areas. A charming base to explore the region from. See More

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  • Art Deco Masonic Hotel Napier South 43 rooms from CA$232

    Wine tasting  -  Hawke's Bay is renowned for producing the best of the country's red wines. Make time for tours and tastings!
    Local exploring  -  Napier is known as the Art Deco Capital of the world and is famous for its jazz age architecture
    Restaurant  -  A popular restaurant serving International cuisine small plates style, and friendly Irish pub
    Boutique  -  Rooms and suites are individually designed with chic up-to-the-minute interiors
    Air conditioningRestaurantParkingNo pets

    An iconic Art Deco hotel in the 'Art Deco capital of the world'. Expect elegant period luxury and a town dripping with interesting history. Featuring a superb bar and restaurant; a great base during the annual Art Deco Festival or the numerous gastronomic and wine festivals in the region. See More

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  • McHardy Lodge Napier (Hospital Hill) 6 rooms from CA$472

    Local exploring  -  Enjoy the attractions of Napier and Hawke’s Bay- wineries, Art Deco Heritage, the Gannet Colony and golf at Cape Kidnappers
    Weddings  -  The ideal venue for an intimate wedding party or for bridal party preparations
    Sights nearby  -  Stroll down the Marine Parade Rotary Walkway to the National Aquarium, enjoying the vista across the deep green Pacific Ocean
    Fishing  -  The Hawke’s Bay region has a great diversity of fishing opportunities
    Swimming PoolGardenDisabled accessViewsParkingNo pets

    Luxury boutique lodge close to the Boardwalk Beach and Napier Port. Elegant rooms feature polished wooden floors, antiques, rich hues and indulgent bathrooms (some with free-standing baths). Featuring a pool and billiards room. An 1890s residence which will delight romantics and history buffs. See More

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  • Breckenridge Lodge RD3 Napier 4183 5 rooms from CA$624

    Foodies  -  Chef Malcolm Redmond creates dégustation menus using local produce and paired with regional wines
    Restaurant  -  Gourmet five-course dinners with daily changing menus and many ingredients grown in the lodge's organic kitchen garden
    Great walks  -  Napier is the Art Deco capital of the world - take a guided walking tour to learn about the town
    Cooking classes  -  Hone your skills with an expert-led cooking class, showcasing the hotel's homegrown produce
    RestaurantGardenDisabled accessViewsParking

    A boutique lodge set in an enviable spot offering 360-degree views of chardonnay vineyards. The five rooms are all individually styled and have a homely feel. The owner and chef make this a real foodies destination - serving five-course meals paired with regional wines. Ideal for a romantic break. See More

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