The Budget & Backpacking Guide to Napier

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Free Activities in Napier

Experience some of Napier’s main attractions without having to spend a dime!

Visit Kahukura Hawke’s Bay Museum

Learn about regional history, Māori culture, art and the devastating 1931 Hawke’s Bay earthquake at Kahukura Hawke’s Bay Museum (1 Tennyson Street).

Entry to the galleries is free, although theatre performances and special events may require tickets. The museum is open from 9:30 am to 5 pm daily, making it a useful rainy-day activity as well as an affordable introduction to the region.

Take in the Views from Te Mata Peak

Walk or drive to the summit of Te Mata Peak for 360-degree views across the Heretaunga Plains, Hawke’s Bay and the Pacific Ocean. The surrounding park has several well-formed walking trails covering open hillsides, native vegetation and the Giant Redwoods.

Mountain bike trails are also available, although riders should check the trail grades before setting off. Access to the park is free

Learn more in the 10 Wonderful Walks in Hawke’s Bay.

Walk Along Marine Parade

Follow Marine Parade past gardens, sculptures, fountains, playgrounds and views across the Pacific Ocean. Several paid attractions sit along the route, but simply walking the waterfront and exploring its public spaces costs nothing.

Highlights include the Sunken Gardens, Tom Parker Fountain, Reef Garden and the city’s Sea Walls murals.

Learn About Navigation at Ātea a Rangi

Visit the Ātea a Rangi Star Compass to learn how Māori and other Polynesian navigators used the sun, stars and horizon to cross the Pacific without modern instruments.

The carved pou represent significant points where celestial bodies rise and set. The surrounding Waitangi Regional Park also offers coastal views, walking routes and information about the cultural and natural history of the area.

Explore Ōtātara Pā Historic Reserve

Discover one of Hawke’s Bay’s largest and most ancient Māori fortified settlements at Ōtātara Pā Historic Reserve. The 1.6 km (1 mi) track passes terraces, former dwelling sites and food-storage pits, with wide views over the coastline and surrounding countryside.

The walk takes around 45 minutes one way. Return along the same track or arrange transport from Churchill Drive if you do not want to retrace your steps. Stay on the formed path and leave all archaeological features undisturbed, as the reserve is culturally and historically significant.

For more information on these activities, as well as more suggestions, check out the 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Napier.

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Cheap Activities in Napier

If you have more buck in your budget, then there are some other activities well worth trying for an affordable fee.

Take an Art Deco Walking Tour

For instance, learn about the intriguing art deco architecture and history of Napier on a guided walking tour with the Art Deco Trust. After an introductory film on the 1931 Napier earthquake, you’ll be guided to Napier’s most prominent art deco buildings.

Hire a Bike and Explore the Waterfront

An affordable way to explore Napier while having fun is on a self-guided bike tour. Hire bikes from Napier City Bike Hire & Tours and enjoy a full day cycling from town to town, following the pre-designed route maps covering an array of diverse attractions.

Taste Hawke’s Bay Wine at Church Road

ou do not need to book a costly private tour to sample wine at Church Road Winery. The 30-minute “Inspired by the Bay Tasting” costs NZ$25 per person, while the “Editions Tasting” costs NZ$35 and focuses on rare varieties and small-batch wines.

Travellers with more room in their budget can choose the 1 to 1.5-hour “Legacy Experience” for NZ$65 per person. This includes pre-release samples, the barrel halls, caves, underground museum and an in-depth tasting.

For more ideas, see the 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Napier.

© Beachfront Motel

Where to Stay: Affordable Accommodations in Napier

Motels and a couple of holiday parks are on the menu for budget travellers, as well as freedom camping spots which you can look up more information in the Freedom Camping Rules in New Zealand: Region by Region. Plus, due to the proximity of fruit picking jobs in Hawke’s Bay, you’ll also find plenty of backpacker hostels.

Although we outline all your options in the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Napier and 10 Best Backpacker Hostels in Napier & Hastings, here are some of our top picks for travellers on a budget.

Beach Front Motel – Spacious Self-Catering Stay on Napier’s Waterfront

Stay in one of the spacious studios, executive studios, or one or two-bedroom family suites at the waterfront Beach Front Motel, all for a reasonable price!

Overlooking Hawke’s Bay, the attractive motel with Art Deco architecture and just a short scenic stroll from the city centre has self-contained rooms with full kitchens to prepare your own meals.

Each room is decorated in warm colours and features a spa bath, while most have a private balcony with ocean views.

Other useful amenities include 500 MB of free WiFi per stay, Sky TV and a heat pump. The motel also has a tour desk, guest laundry and luggage storage facilities.

Discover why Beach Front Motel is perfect for budget travellers, and book your stay through Booking.com or Expedia!

Bella Vista Motel Napier – Modern Value in the Heart of Napier

You can often find a good deal at Bella Vista Motel Napier, especially if you are flexible with your travel dates.

The motel provides a centrally-located stay in Napier with a variety of studios and one-bedroom units to suit your needs and budget with options such as queen, king or single beds, breakfast-making facilities or cooking facilities, accessible units and more.

Rooms are modernly-appointed to the standard of a four-star hotel and include smart TVs, unlimited free WiFi and tea and coffee-making facilities. Many rooms feature toasters and kitchenettes.

Free onsite parking is available, breakfast can be arranged daily and guests have access to modern laundry facilities.

Learn more about what makes Bella Vista Motel Napier ideal for budget-conscious travellers, and reserve your stay through Booking.com or Expedia!

Crashpalace Backpackers Napier – Relaxed Backpacker Base Near the Art Deco Centre

Crashpalace Backpackers Napier is a great option for seasonal stays and short stays. Just a short walk from Napier’s iconic Art Deco city centre, this hostel offers a comfortable, relaxed and friendly atmosphere with freshly renovated spaces.

The accommodation offers a mix of private rooms and dormitories, along with a fully equipped communal kitchen, lounge areas and outdoor spaces.

Other drawcards include free WiFi, complimentary off-street parking on Shakespeare Road, and use of towels and linens.

The friendly staff are ready to help you explore the best of Hawke’s Bay, from wine tours to scenic coastal adventures.

See why Crashpalace Backpackers Napier is a favourite for backpackers and budget travellers, and book your stay through Booking.com!

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Cheap Eats in Napier

Napier has plenty of casual cafés, takeaway shops and sweet treats for travellers who would rather not spend much on every meal. Menus and prices change, so check before ordering if you are working with a strict daily budget.

Faith Hope Love Malaysian Cafe (105 Marine Parade) serves Malaysian street food, rice dishes, noodles, curries and shareable snacks along Marine Parade. Portions such as noodle and rice dishes can provide a filling alternative to more expensive waterfront restaurants.

Stop at Crazy Good Coffee (87 Bridge Street) for takeaway coffee, pastries and cabinet treats. Its small format makes it a convenient option for breakfast or a snack before exploring the waterfront.

For a casual seafood meal or ingredients for a self-catered dinner, visit Hawke’s Bay Seafoods (Corner of Pandora Road and West Quay) beside West Quay. The shop sells fresh and frozen seafood, while takeaway ordering is also available.

Finish a walk along Marine Parade with an ice cream from Lick This! Premium Ice Cream Parlour (290 Marine Parade). The locally owned shop makes its ice cream, gelato and sorbet on-site, with more than 43 flavours usually available.

For more recommendations, check out The Foodie Guide to Napier.

© Hawke's Bay Tourism

Art Deco Architecture in Napier

Major earthquakes in New Zealand are few and far between. Although they have savaged some cities in New Zealand, Napier is an example of making the most of a bad situation by rebuilding possibly the coolest and quirkiest city in New Zealand in terms of architecture.

After the 7.8 magnitude earthquake in 1931, Napier has been rebuilt as the “Art Deco Capital of New Zealand”. The Stripped Classical, Spanish Mission and Art Deco architecture provide the perfect excuse to simply walk around the city centre and snap up some unique architectural photos.

Napier has 140 Art Deco buildings, with some of the best examples down Emerson, Tennyson and Hastings Streets. The Daily Telegraph building and Municipal Theatre on Tennyson Street are a must-see, as well as the National Tobacco Company offices on the corner of Ossian Street in Ahuriri.

To really get into the swing of the Art Deco era, time your visit to Napier with the Tremains Art Deco Weekend (usually in mid-February). Get to a $2 store or op-shop, buy yourself some period clothing, and join in on the celebrations.

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Beaches in Napier

With Napier being in one of the sunniest regions in New Zealand, its beaches are way too inviting to ignore.

Sandy Bay is hard to miss along Marine Parade in Napier city centre. It’s a pretty popular place in summer so come down early to claim your spot.

Ahuriri, just five minutes by car or 10 minutes by bike from Napier city centre, is hidden over the Napier hill. It’s like a little town of its own with plenty of cafes and ice cream parlours so you have something a little extra for a walk on the beach. Of course, a dip in the sea is a must!

A little further away from Napier city centre is the suburb of Westshore. As well as a beach and plenty of places to grab fish and chips, Westshore is right next to the Ahuriri Estuary where boardwalks take you to see wading birds.

Finally, there’s a long-stretching beach at the outer suburb of Bay View, perfect for long walks.

You’re never too far of a drive away from some of Hawke’s Bay’s more secluded beaches. Take a look at 10 Beautiful Beaches in Hawke’s Bay.

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Walking and Cycling in Napier

If you have your own vehicle, you can access some stunning walks all within reasonable driving distance from Napier. Just check out 10 Wonderful Walks in Hawke’s Bay for more information.

For something a little closer to the city, check out the Otarara Pa Reserve. This is a real dose of Maori history on this one-hour walk exploring an ancient Māori pa site (a fortified village). Otatara Pa is near Taradale between Napier and Hastings.

Check out the beach section above to find great places to walk along the beach and walk on the boardwalks of the Ahuriri Estuary.

Napier and the neighbouring city of Hastings are well-connected with bike trails making it a great way to explore the area. Napier’s easy grade Water Ride spans 68 km (42 mi) covering beach fronts, the Ahuririri Estuary, charming suburbs, rivers and the Horseshoe Wetland.

For more information, check out Mountain Biking in Hawke’s Bay. Keen mountain bikers will love Napier Pumping Track and Taradale Dirt Park.

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Wineries and Seasonal Work in Napier

Napier is the main hub of New Zealand second-largest wine-making region, Hawke’s Bay. Hawke’s Bay produces 80% of New Zealand’s plantings of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah grapes. Most Hawke’s Bay wines can be sampled in bars in the city centre, Ahuriri and West Quay.

You can also visit one or many of the Hawke’s Bay wineries, the closest of which to Napier are the Mission Estate and Church Road Wineries in Taradale. Of course, supermarkets are the most affordable option.

The great thing about wineries other than, of course, wine, is the abundance of seasonal work on offer for backpackers. Demand for seasonal workers in Napier peaks in November until Christmas and from mid-February until May.

Get in just before the picking season starts to increase your chances of getting a job. Find out more in Picking Seasons in New Zealand and Working a Fruit Picking Job in New Zealand.