Things to Do in Napier for Couples
With fields of vineyards, art deco architecture and the ever-present southern Pacific Ocean, Napier sets the scene for romance. All you have to do is find the experiences to match. Whether you’re the type of couple who appreciate nature, enjoy exquisite tastes or want to experience adrenaline together, there are experiences and tours to suit. We go through some of the best for honeymoons, romantic getaways and dates with this list of romantic activities in Napier!
For more things to do in Napier for couples, as well as advice on planning your trip, check out The Honeymoon Guide to Napier and the 10 Best Romantic Accommodation in Napier.
1. Explore Napier and its Wineries by Bike
Enjoy exploring Napier, just the two of you, on a self-guided bike tour between the coast, vineyards and wineries. Napier City Bike Hire & Tours (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor) and Tākaro Trails Cycle Tours (on Viator and Tripadvisor). hire out all the gear you need for a great day out, including a map and route instructions to visit Hawke’s Bay’s wineries at your own pace. Some tours have wine tastings included or you can visit the wineries of your choice and pay the small fee for a tasting (usually around NZ$5).
Location: Napier City Bike Hire & Tours – 117 Marine Parade. Tākaro Trails Cycle Tours – 9 Nelson Quay, pick-ups are available.
© Hawke's Bay2. Take a Guided Winery Tour
An alternative way to experience the wine scene of Napier, a tour of the Church Road Winery is a great way to excite the tastebuds in the romantic setting. With a glass in hand, you’ll tour the winery, tasting wine throughout its various stages of production and get an in-depth look into the wine-making process. You’ll also learn about the history in the winery’s unique museum contained within old wine vats. The tour concludes with a guided wine tasting experience. Find out more about winery tours of the Church Road Winery on Viator and Tripadvisor.
Location: 150 Church Road, approximately 9km (6 miles) from Napier city centre.
© NZPocketGuide.com3. See the Love Birds of the Cape Kidnappers Gannet Colony
For couples who love nature, an unmissable experience is seeing majestic seabirds nesting at the Cape Kidnappers. While the iconic scene of Cape Kidnappers can be accessed on a day walk only accessible at low tide, Gannet Safaris Overland can get you there with ease on either their small-group bus tour or private 4WD tour. At the gannet colony, watch gannets presenting seaweed to their mates, as well as chicks taking flight for the first time. Find out more about Gannet Safaris Overland on Viator or Tripadvisor. See more experiences like this in the 10 Luxury Activities in Napier.
Location: 396 Clifton Road, approximately 21km (13 miles) from Napier city centre. Pick-ups are available for those on the private tour.
© Gannet Safaris Overland - Hawke's Bay4. Experience Hawke’s Bay’s Exquisite Wineries Together on a Small-group Wine Tour
Back to the all-important Hawke’s Bay wines, you’ll find more variety in your wine experience with one of the local wine tours. Do tastings at several cellar doors without having to worry about the driving with tours such as Prinsy’s Tours (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor), Vines and Views Tours (on Viator and Tripadvisor), Hawkes Bay Scenic Tour (on Viator and Tripadvisor), Bay Tours and Charters (on Viator and Tripadvisor). They offer intimate small-group tours to set the right tone for a luxurious honeymoon experience. Tours include all of the tastings, as well as full transport with accommodation pick-up.
Location: Pick-ups at local accommodations are included in these tours.
© Black Rose - Hawke's Bay5. Enjoy a Romantic Hike Through Hawke’s Bay’s Lush Landscapes
Sometimes, all it takes is a stroll hand-in-hand together to enjoy a romantic outing. From the waterfront views and pretty gardens of Marine Parade to the steep climb up the iconic Te Mata Peak, there are walks to suit all tastes and fitness levels. Capture breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and rolling green farmland from the top of Te Mata Peak, best seen at sunrise. The Tangoio Falls Scenic Reserve tracks are another romantic option, including several short walks to beautiful waterfalls. Check out more walks around the region in the 10 Wonderful Walks in Hawke’s Bay.
Location: Marine Parade, Napier city centre. Te Mata Peak – Te Mata Peak Road, Tuki Tuki, approximately 28km (17 miles) from Napier city centre. Tangoio Falls, State Highway 2, approximately 26km (16 miles) north of Napier city centre.
© Unsplash6. Feel the Adrenaline Together on a White Water Rafting Tour
Another way to excite the senses together in Napier is by amping up the adrenaline on a white water rafting tour on the Mohaka River. With no minimum numbers, couples can enjoy an epic experience rafting with Mohaka Rafting, even if they’re the only rafters in the boat (including the guide, of course). The grade three trip is a scenic journey with stunning waterfalls tumbling over river canyons awash in fossils, as well as some exciting rapids but nothing too hairy. Alternatively, the grade four/five trip is one for real adventure seekers. See Mohaka Rafting’s range of tours on Viator and Tripadvisor.
Location: 3408 State Highway 5, approximately 48km (30 miles) from Napier city centre.
© NZPocketGuide.com7. Explore Napier in Style on a Private Vintage Car Tour
Get into the art deco spirit of Napier with a private sightseeing tour via a vintage vehicle. Hooters Vintage & Classic Vehicle Hire have their own fleet of vintage cars, which you are free to choose which one speaks to you in their private tour option. They’ll design a bespoke itinerary so you can visit the best wineries, art deco sights, natural attractions and more to suit your style. The experience also includes a gourmet lunch. Find out more about Hooters’ offering of tours on Viator and Tripadvisor.
Location: Pick-ups from any Hawke’s Bay location is included.
© Hooters Vintage & Classic Vehicle Hire8. Treat Your Loved One to a Night Out at Napier’s Restaurants
With winery restaurants and fine dining establishments, you don’t need to look too hard to find romantic dining in Napier. While we list some of our favourite fine dining restaurants in The Luxury Guide to Napier, the other restaurants that are ideal for couples include Three Doors Up for its European-inspired decor and attractive secluded alfresco courtyard. Bistronomy is a sophisticatedly modern restaurant with contemporary cuisine that is so creative that they also have to provide a “comfort menu” with more approachable options. And a classic wine and dine restaurant that offers elegance and effortless romance, Wine Street in The County Hotel is another top choice for couples. For more recommendations, see The Foodie Guide to Napier.
Location: Three Doors Up – 3 Waghorne Street. Bistronomy – 40 Hastings Street. Wine Street – 12 Browning Street.
© Pixabay
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2024])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2024])
- Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2024])
- DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2024])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
- Safe Travel (NZ travel advisories - Updated [2024])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2024])
- Hawke's Bay New Zealand (Regional tourism website)
- Hawke's Bay Regional Council (Local council website)
- Napier City Council (Local council website)
- Central Hawke's Bay District Council (Local council website)
- Hastings District Council (Local council website)
- Wairoa District Council (Local council website)
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