The 9 Best Shore Excursions in Napier

1.Shore Excursion: Scenic Rafting from Napier

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 179 reviews · from $139Our pick

Raft the Mohaka River from Napier on a five-and-a-half-hour family-friendly trip with easy grade II rapids, native bush, birdsong, local Maori history, equipment, pickup, photos, and a homemade lunch. Deon, Jo, and guides such as Mike, Jen, Dallas, and Lottie keep the day relaxed, safe, and fun.

“Deon, his wife and guide all did great in preparing, equipping and feeding everyone on this adventure. The water level was below average for the time if year (end of February), but very enjoyable and informative.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Shore Excursion: Napier/ Hawke’s Bay & Premium Wineries tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 93 reviews · from $96

Spend four hours touring Napier’s Art Deco streets, Bluff Hill, historic parks, and Hawke’s Bay wineries in a small air-conditioned minivan. Mission Estate is a highlight, while the second premium winery may vary. Guides including Kirsty, Anil, Tere, and Mark add local stories, earthquake history, and practical port-day help.

“Good tour with a friendly, knowledgeable driver. The beer & cider tasting was very good. Enjoyed the information provided about how Napier was changed by the earthquake”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Shore Excursion: Napier and Surrounding Countryside Scenic Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 91 reviews · from $86

Explore Napier from the port in an air-conditioned vehicle, often an Art Deco bus with a rear viewing deck. Mark, Ron, Bob, or another local guide may lead you through the 1931 earthquake story, Marine Parade, Waitangi Regional Park, Marewa, the Tobacco Company Building, and nearby countryside. Expect several drive-bys, short stops, and possible free time downtown.

“We had a great site seeing tour today with Mark . Being local of many years Mark new all the best spots and gave excellent commentary along the way. He has grown up in the area and had lots of interesting stories. It was excellent value for money. Plus Mark was very accommodating with our arrival time and flexibility on this day. Thanks Mark.”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Shore Excursion: 4-Hour Discover Hawkes Bay and Napier Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 71 reviews · from $83

From Napier Port, you’ll ride in an air-conditioned minivan or coach through Hastings, Napier, Havelock North, and Te Mata Peak. Expect local commentary, Art Deco history, orchard and vineyard scenery, more than 10 honey tastings, and time for photos. Guides such as John, Roy, Kirsty, and Mike bring strong local knowledge, though vehicle views can be limited.

“Napier is a beautiful city with beautiful Art Deco buildings and stunning countryside. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable. He gave us a lot of information about the history of the place. It was a lovely way to spend our port time. Great informative trip, with stunning landscapes. Our guide did a great job.”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Shore Excursion: 4 Hour Premium Hawke’s Bay, Napier Art deco Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 37 reviews · from $86

This four-hour group tour links Napier’s Art Deco center with Bluff Hill, Arataki Honey, Te Mata Peak, the Tukituki River, Hastings, orchards, and vineyards. Guides such as Mark, Sukh, Roy, and Kirsti have led the route. Expect plenty of driving, short photo stops, bottled water, and a group of up to 22.

“Kirsti was an excellent guide and driver. Very accomodating and the nectarines a special treat. Felt tight in the van with the number of people we had. Loved seeing the countryside.”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Napier Shore Excursion: City Sights and Hawke’s Bay Tour

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 6 reviews · from $93

Start at Napier Port in a small group of up to 20. Your driver-guide takes you through Hawke’s Bay farmland, up Te Mata Peak, past Hastings, and into Napier’s Art Deco center and 1930s housing areas. Mark has guided some departures, and a honey stop may be added. Air-conditioned transport and admission fees are included.

“Lovely excursion with a wonderful guide. Learned so much about Napier and it’s history. The guide was so knowledgeable and kind! I left my phone at one of the stops and he was so gracious in turning around to go back for it. Read more”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Napier Shore Excursion: Wine & Art Deco Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 6 reviews · from $102

Join Leisure Tours for a four-hour Napier shore excursion combining port transfers, Art Deco landmarks, earthquake history, a tasting at Mission Estate or Church Road Winery, and three beers or ciders at a local Ale House. Guides such as Kirsty add lively commentary, while the small group size keeps the outing personal.

“The mission winery was beautiful and the wine master was very informative. The drive through town and various landmarks allowed us to see much of this quaint location.”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.Napier Cruise Excursion Art Deco Tour and Wine Tasting

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3 reviews · from $111

Spend 3.5 hours with a local guide exploring Napier’s 1930s Art Deco core, public murals, Ahuriri fishing village, and Ātea a Rangi Star Compass. Finish with 45 minutes of Hawke’s Bay wine, cheese, olives, and local treats in an iconic Art Deco building. Private minivan transport and ship-time planning are included.

“Nice sized group to travel with. Guide took us to various parts of Napier so we could see the area from different vantage points / living areas. Shared personal experience of the area and made the trip very enjoyable. Learnt a lot about a great place without feeling rushed or bombarded with inane details, I.e. not script led.”

Check availability →Read our full review

9.Shore excursion – Napier sight seeing/Art Deco Tour,

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3 reviews · from $61Best value

Explore Napier by minibus on a short Art Deco tour with hotel or port pickup. You’ll see Marine Parade, Bluff Hill Lookout, and the National Tobacco Company Building while your local guide explains the city’s past. Guides have included Helen and Maggie, though the assigned guide can vary.

“We saw places we wouldn’t have otherwise seen, and appreciated hearing the link between Napier’s history and the town’s art deco theme. The tour is spent mostly on a mini bus.”

Check availability →Read our full review