10 Romantic Activities in Napier for Couples

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. Pedal side by side along the mostly flat Hawke’s Bay Trails, a network covering almost 200 km (124 mi) with easy Grade 1 and Grade 2 sections connecting Napier with wetlands, rivers, coastlines and wine-growing areas.

Napier City Bike Hire & Tours offers the “Waterways to Wineries” self-guided ride, with 16 km (10 mi) and 30 km (19 mi) options visiting up to three wineries. Bike hire, route information, mechanical assistance and return transport are all included.

Tākaro Trails Cycle Tours also provides self-guided winery routes, e-bikes, shuttles and optional accommodation pick-ups. Check whether tastings and lunch are included before booking, or visit the wineries at your own pace (tastings usually cost 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 Bay

2. Take a Guided Winery Tour

An alternative way to experience the wine scene of Napier, a guided winery tour combines two of the city’s greatest draws: world-class wine and striking Art Deco architecture.

Perfect for couples on a cruise ship stopover, the “Napier Shore Excursion: Wine and Art Deco Tour” by Leisure Tours makes the most of your limited time on land. Your guide narrates the fascinating history of Napier’s 1931 earthquake and subsequent Art Deco rebuild as you tour the city’s celebrated buildings.

The tour then heads to one of the North Island’s premier wineries (either Mission Estate or Church Road Winery) where you’ll sample some of the region’s finest wines. Port transfers are included, taking the stress out of connections.

Location: Tour departs from Port of Napier, Breakwater Road, Napier Port.

© Leisure Tours

3. See the Love Birds of the Cape Kidnappers Gannet Colony

For couples who love nature, an unmissable experience is seeing majestic seabirds nesting at Cape Kidnappers/Te Kauwae-a-Māui. These Australasian gannets often mate for life, and watching them is surprisingly romantic; you’ll see pairs rubbing beaks, preening one another and building nests together against a dramatic coastal backdrop.

Gannet Safaris Overland reaches the colony on a three-hour guided journey through Cape Kidnappers Station. Regular, private and sunrise tours operate during the gannet season (nest building is most noticeable from September to December, while chicks begin hatching around November). The private sunrise option offers an especially memorable outing for two.

See more experiences like this in the 10 Luxury Activities in Napier.

Location: 396 Clifton Road, approximately 21 km (13 mi) from Napier city centre. Pick-ups are available for those on the private tour.

© Gannet Safaris Overland - Hawke's Bay

4. 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, Vines and Views Tours or Hawkes Bay Scenic Tour.

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 Bay

5. Enjoy a Romantic Hike Through Hawke’s Bay’s Lush Landscapes

A walk together is one of the simplest ways to slow down and enjoy Hawke’s Bay’s scenery. For an easy city option, follow Marine Parade past the gardens, sculptures and Pacific Ocean views before stopping for a drink or meal nearby.

For something more adventurous, head to Te Mata Park, which has seven loop tracks through bush, open hills and stands of redwoods. The 1.3 km (0.8 mi) “Pīwakawaka Loop” takes around 40 minutes, while the challenging 5.4 km (3.4 mi) “Giant Circuit” takes approximately 2 hrs 15 mins and climbs to the summit through the Giant Redwoods.

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 28 km (17 mi) from Napier city centre.

© Unsplash

6. Feel the Adrenaline Together on a White Water Rafting Tour

Test your teamwork on a rafting adventure with Raft Fish NZ, which offers half-day, full-day and multi-day trips along the Mohaka River.

Couples can choose gentle Grade 1 or Grade 2 water for a scenic journey or tackle Grade 3 rapids for a more exhilarating date. Raft-and-fishing trips are also available for those who want to slow down and try catching rainbow or brown trout along the way.

Private bookings can be arranged, allowing you to reserve a raft and travel without other customers in the vehicles or on the river.

Rafting equipment is provided, while transfers from Napier are available for an additional cost based on participant numbers.

Location: 112 McVicar Road, RD 2, Te Haroto, approximately 60 km (37 mi) from Napier city centre.

© NZPocketGuide.com

7. Explore Napier in Style on a Private Vintage Car Tour

Step into the Art Deco era with a chauffeured vintage Packard tour from the Art Deco Trust. A driver in period costume will guide you through Napier’s architectural highlights while sharing stories about the 1931 earthquake and the city’s remarkable reconstruction.

The one-hour “Vintage Car: Highlights” tour covers the essential sights if you’re short on time, while the “Vintage Car: Complete” experience runs for 1 hr 30 mins and explores more of the city and surrounding neighbourhoods.

For couples wanting to combine vintage charm with wine tasting, private winery tours lasting one to four hours can be arranged. Each Packard carries up to four passengers, but booking ahead is recommended.

Location: Art Deco Centre, 5 Clive Square East, Memorial Square, Napier city centre.

© Hawke’s Bay Tourism

8. 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 Central Fire Station Bistro, set inside one of Napier’s landmark Art Deco buildings and offering seasonal cuisine with French and Italian influences.

Bistronomy & Vinotech 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.

For waterfront views, The Boardwalk overlooks Ahuriri Beach and serves seafood, steaks and other relaxed favourites. Reserve ahead, particularly on Friday and Saturday evenings.

For more recommendations, see The Foodie Guide to Napier.

Location: Bistronomy & Vinotech, 40 Hastings Street, Napier city centre. Central Fire Station Bistro, 163 Tennyson Street, Napier city centre. The Boardwalk, 8 Hardinge Road, Ahuriri, Napier.

© Pixabay

9. Catch a Show at Toitoi Hawke’s Bay Arts & Events Centre

Turn an ordinary evening into a proper date night with a performance at Toitoi Hawke’s Bay Arts & Events Centre. The complex has the restored historic Opera House at its heart, combining grand heritage architecture with modern theatre and event facilities.

Its changing programme includes theatre productions, concerts, comedy, dance and festival performances, so check what is scheduled during your stay and book popular shows early.

Toitoi sits in Hastings CBD, where you can easily add dinner or drinks before the performance.

Location: 101 Hastings Street South, Hastings, approximately 20 km (12 mi) from Napier city centre.

© Hawke’s Bay Tourism

10. Watch the Sunrise at Ātea a Rangi

Start the day together at Ātea a Rangi Star Compass, a coastal site celebrating the traditional navigation knowledge used by Māori and other Polynesian voyagers.

Its carved pou identify points on the horizon connected with the rising and setting of the sun, moon and stars. Information panels also explain the cultural history and natural importance of the surrounding area.

The star compass is free to explore independently, although guided visits can be arranged with the navigators, sailors and carvers involved with the site.

Visit around sunrise for soft morning light and views towards the coast before continuing your day in Napier.

Location: Waitangi Regional Park, State Highway 51, Awatoto.

© Andrew Caldwell - Hawke’s Bay Tourism