The Best Day Trips from Napier

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Cape Kidnappers/Te Kauwae-a-Māui

The Best Day Trip from Napier for Couples

Travel time by car: 25 minutes one-way
Relevant tour: Private Tour to Cape Kidnappers with Gannet Safaris Overland.

A day trip to Cape Kidnappers takes you to one of New Zealand’s largest gannet colonies, where thousands of Australasian gannets nest, preen and soar above dramatic coastal cliffs.

The Department of Conservation advises taking an overland tour to reach the Plateau colony; Gannet Safaris Overland offers regular and private tours during gannet season, travelling 36 km (22 mi) through farmland, native vegetation and a private nature reserve.

Get close to these majestic seabirds while admiring the grand cliffs marked by fossils and fault lines.

Learn more about visiting Cape Kidnappers on the Department of Conservation website.

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Kaweka Forest Park

The Best Day Trip from Napier for Budget Travellers

Travel time by car: 1 hour to 1 hr 30 mins one-way

Get off the beaten track and experience the alpine shrublands, beech forest, tussock valleys and river trails of the Kaweka Forest Park.

If you’re short on time, the Kaweka Lakes Track takes around 30 minutes each way to reach Lake Rototuna and Lake Rotoroa, making it an easy picnic option without the commitment of a full-day tramp.

For something more adventurous, longer tracks from Makahu Road lead towards the Mangatutu Hot Springs (though be prepared for steep, narrow and partly unsealed roads, plus river crossings that can change after rain)

The Mangatainoka Hot Springs require a longer walk and are better suited to an overnight tramp.

Find out more about the walks of the Kaweka Forest Park on the Department of Conservation website.

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Wairoa

The Best Day Trip from Napier for Foodies

Travel time by car: 1 hr 30 mins one-way

Travel on the winding and scenic State Highway 2 north and you’ll eventually come across the charming town of Wairoa with strong Māori heritage and links to the wider northern Hawke’s Bay district.

Start at the historic Portland Island Lighthouse, built in 1877-1878 and relocated from the Māhia Peninsula to the riverbank, where you can grab that obligatory photo.

From there, follow part of the 7.7 km (4.8 mi) Wairoa Riverside Walkway towards Whakamahia Beach (the full route takes around 1 hr 30 mins on foot or approximately 30 minutes by bike). Along the way, plaques share stories about places along the river.

Allow time for the Wairoa Museum, which holds collections covering Māori and European history, regional photographs and taonga. You’ll also find quaint cafés and art galleries dotted around town.

For more ideas to add to this Napier day trip, take a look at the 10 Unmissable Things to Do in Wairoa.

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Ruahine Forest Park

The Best Day Trip from Napier for Families

Travel time by car: 1 hr 10 mins to 1 hr 20 mins one-way

Another wilderness area to completely lose yourself in (metaphorically; not literally, we hope), the Ruahine Forest Park not only makes a stunning backdrop to the Central Hawke’s Bay area but is a brilliant place to stretch your legs. A popular day walk is the Sunrise Track, a well-graded 6.4 km (4 mi) trail that climbs steadily through native forest into open tussock country before reaching Sunrise Hut.

The track takes two to three hours each way and rewards you with wide views across the Hawke’s Bay plains. The Department of Conservation describes it as suitable for families and newer trampers, though the full return journey is still a substantial day out; start early, carry food and water, and turn back if younger walkers tire.

If you’re keen to stay overnight, bunks at Sunrise Hut must be reserved in advance (no spaces are held for unbooked arrivals).

Check out more walks in the Ruahine Forest Park on the Department of Conservation website.

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Waimarama

The Best Day Trip from Napier for Luxury Travellers

Travel time by car: 40 minutes one-way

Head south to the gorgeous beach setting of Waimārama, where a long sandy shoreline welcomes swimmers, surfers, walkers and those keen to cast a line. Swimming conditions can vary, so check local signs and the latest information before entering the water.

On the way there, stop at Maraetotara Falls, a popular summer swimming spot reached by a short walk (avoid swimming after heavy rain and assess water levels and submerged hazards before jumping in).

You could also visit Mohi Bush Scenic Reserve, where relatively flat tracks wind through native forest that supports birds including the rifleman.

If you’re keen on a longer exploration, the Waimārama Heritage Trail links cultural sites, rural scenery and short walks across more than 120 km (75 mi).

Learn more about hidden gems like Waimarama in the Top 10 Natural Attractions in Hawke’s Bay.