The 12 Best Tours in Napier

1.Cape Kidnappers Gannet, Nature & Sightseeing Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 317 reviews · 3 hours · from $59Our pick

Travel from Te Awanga by air-conditioned 4x4 coach to Cape Kidnappers, where about 20,000 gannets gather from September to early April. Your English-speaking guide, including guides such as Jan, Marcus, Tom, or Trevor, shares local Maori stories, conservation facts, and farm history. No walking is required, and light refreshments are included.

“loved it and the guide was amazing. Remember to bring warm clothes as it's super windy up there”

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2.Top-Rated Hawke’s Bay Wine Tour – Small Group

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 256 reviews · from $111Top rated

Spend 4 to 5 hours touring Hawke’s Bay wineries from Napier, Hastings, or Havelock North. Prinsy’s Tours takes groups of up to 11 to as many as four varied wineries, with tasting fees, a cheeseboard, transport, and commentary included. Guides such as Amanda, Deirdre, Grant, and Jonathan tailor the day to your wine preferences.

“Deidre picked us up on time and was a friendly, informative guide. The vineyards were very varied in style- as were the wines. Wonderful to meet wine makers and their family too. Excellent trip.”

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3.Shore Excursion: Scenic Rafting from Napier

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

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.”

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4.Guided 10am Morning Art Deco Walk From Napier Art Deco Trust

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 167 reviews · from $20Best value

Begin at the Art Deco Trust with a 20-minute film on the 1931 earthquake, then follow a guide for an easy one-hour walk past about 20 Napier buildings and sights. Headsets help you hear the commentary. Guides such as Sarah and Susan bring local stories, while the flat route suits most walkers.

“A very interesting tour. We booked our tour on the same day as a cruise ship was in port and so I suspect there were more volunteers dressed in period costume than might normally be the case. However it all added to a really positive atmosphere. Our guide gave a clear presentation initially and this was followed by in interesting film telling the story of Napier’s earthquake destruction and its subsequent rebuilding. An informative guided walk followed and added further information about a very proud city / town. A recommended activity whilst in Napier.”

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5.Afternoon Winery Tour Tasting at 3 Great Wineries

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 147 reviews · 5 hours · from $112

Spend five hours with guide Ross visiting Hawke’s Bay wineries, including historic Mission Estate and Trinity Hill in Gimblett Gravels. Expect four to seven tastings at each stop, a cheese board, vineyard stories from a retired grape grower, Silky Oaks Chocolates, bottled water and a Mission wine glass to take home.

“What a lovely afternoon. Ross was so knowledgeable and friendly. Unfortunately the gin tasting place was closed but we were able to do an impromptu fruit stand dropoff instead.”

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6.Afternoon Wine Tasting + visit Silky Oaks Chocolates

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 135 reviews · from $121

Spend about five and a half hours with guide Ross visiting Hawke’s Bay wineries, historic Mission Estate, and Silky Oaks Chocolates. Tastings, cheese, biscuits, water, hotel pickup, and a Mission wine glass are included. The small vehicle holds no more than 13 people, though the exact stops can change.

“Loved our wine tour and Ross was a cool guy. We would have loved the gin tasting but alas they were closed. Ross did a great job at finding somewhere else for us to taste but didn't let us know in advance.”

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7.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”

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8.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.”

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9.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.”

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10.Half Day Sightseeing and Taste Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 35 reviews · from $99

Join John in a comfortable, air-conditioned minivan for a 3 to 4-hour tour around Napier and Hawke’s Bay. You’ll see Te Mata Peak, the Tukituki Valley, Oak Avenue, and Art Deco Napier, then taste honey, figs, boutique wine, local cheese, and olives. Pickup is offered, and groups are capped at 10 people.

“Thank you John. Funny and informative. Well worth the trip. The view was amazing. Farmers market food and entertainment were great.”

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11.Small group – Napier City & Art Deco Tour, 2 hours

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 18 reviews · from $80

Start at 9 a.m. with guide John of Hawkes Bay Scenic Tours, then explore Napier by minivan for about two hours. See Ahuriri, Marewa’s 1930s homes, hilltop views, gardens, and the National Tobacco Building while learning how the 1931 earthquake shaped the city. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

“We were taken to some magnificent locations overlooking Napier which we would never have found on our own , which helped us to truely understand the history of the town before and after the earthquake”

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12.Highlights & Tour Exploring the Best of this Region

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 11 reviews · 1h 30m · from $89

Join Tere Morales and a private group of up to 11 for a guided look at Napier, Ahuriri, Hastings, Havelock North and Hawke’s Bay. Expect Art Deco architecture, earthquake stories, Māori astronomy, orchards, vineyards, Te Mata Peak or honey tasting, plus hotel or i-site pickup and drop-off.

“Dit was een zeer interessante tour met een prima inkijk in Napier en Hastings. Uitzonderlijk goede gids. Tere Morales was enorm gedocumenteerd en gemotiveerd. Dit is een gids die je moet koesteren. Ik zou iedereen deze tour met haar aanraden.”

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