The Luxury Travel Guide to Napier

© NZPocketGuide.com

Luxury Adventure Activities

While many of the highlights of Napier can be found in the comfort of its wineries and cosy vintage car tour (more on that later), some of the outdoor adventures for the discerning traveller include exclusive tours to New Zealand’s largest mainland gannet colony, authentic Maori experiences and more.

Take a Private Cape Kidnappers Gannet Safari

Starting with one of Hawke’s Bay’s most breathtaking natural attractions, the Cape Kidnappers gannet colony allows you to get up-close to these majestic seabirds known for diving at point-break speed.

One of the limited ways to get to the Plateau Cape Kidnappers gannet colony is with Gannet Safaris Overland who have access over New Zealand’s largest privately-owned wildlife sanctuary to get there. Although they offer bus tours, there’s an opportunity to enhance the experience with a private 4WD tour.

Ride to Te Mata Peak on a V8 Supertrike

Explore Napier and the surrounding area in a unique way with Supertrike Tours. Sit back, enjoy the sights and feel the breeze through your hair as you blast around Napier in a luxury five-seater V8 trike. The team can organise bespoke half-day and full-day tours to visit Te Mata Peak, some of the various wineries and breweries of the area, and more.

Take a Scenic Helicopter Flight

For a different perspective, Aroha Helicopters offers scenic flights over Napier, Hastings and Cape Kidnappers, plus tailor-made charters and winery excursions.

For more outdoor activities, like a private art deco tour, check out the 10 Luxury Activities in Napier.

© Hawke's Bay

Luxury All-weather Activities

Whatever the weather is doing, you can always wine in Napier! Hawke’s Bay is New Zealand’s first established wine region that is home to a variety of premium wineries to this day.

Sample Wine, Beer and Local Flavours on a Premium Tour

While there are many fantastic tours to enjoy the wineries and cellar doors, one of the most premier is Hawke’s Bay Scenic Tours‘ “Premium Wineries + Beer Tour”. You’ll taste wines at some of the country’s finest wineries (including the oldest), learn about wine-making techniques and finish with three beers at an Art Deco-era ale house in Napier.

Another fantastic option is the small-group tour with Vines and Views Tours, who offer a six-hour experience with tastings at four wineries, a chef’s platter lunch and tour of a wine-making facility and more.

Explore Napier in a Vintage Packard

See the sights of Napier in style in a classic car! Travel through the art deco streets in a restored vintage Packard with the Art Deco Trust, where your driver (dressed in period costume) brings the city’s history to life.

Commentary covers the 1931 earthquake, Napier’s reconstruction and architectural details easily missed from street level. Choose between the one-hour “Vintage Car: Highlights” tour or the more comprehensive 1 hr 30 mins “Vintage Car: Complete” experience.

Unwind at the Spa at Rosewood Cape Kidnappers

For a slower day, The Spa at Rosewood Cape Kidnappers welcomes day guests for selected wellness packages, massages, facials and body treatments. Its treatment rooms overlook the valley towards Hawke’s Bay.

Raft Through the Mohaka River Wilderness

Finally, experience the real outdoors and untamed wilderness surrounding Napier on a white water rafting tour with Raft Fish NZ.

You’ll float down grade two rapids through pristine wilderness while listening to birdsong and learning about the area’s history spanning 80 million years, from pre-European times through to the present day with local Māori narratives woven throughout.

For more ideas, see the 10 Things to Do in Napier on a Rainy Day.

© Swiss-Belhotel Napier

Where to Stay: Luxury Accommodations in Napier

While international-style hotels can be found in the city centre, some of the most luxurious offerings are the boutique lodges just outside the city.

Although we outline all your options in the 10 Best Luxury Accommodations in Napier, here are some of our top picks for discerning travellers.

Swiss-Belhotel Napier – Contemporary Five-Star Luxury Near Marine Parade

A five-star boutique hotel that’s a five-minute stroll from Napier city centre and the stunning shores of Marine Parade, Swiss-Belhotel Napier is a top choice for the discerning traveller.

Whether you’re looking for a standard hotel room (with luxuries like a smart TV and espresso machine, of course) or added space in the one- and two-bedroom suites, there’s something here for all.

Even if you’re travelling with a beloved pooch there are pet-friendly rooms available, while your car also gets premium treatment with undercover parking.

The reputable Saffron Social Kitchen, Lobby Bar and fitness centre complete your stay.

Discover why Swiss-Belhotel Napier is a favourite for travellers seeking modern luxury in Hawke’s Bay, and book your stay through Booking.com or Expedia.

McHardy Lodge – Elegant Boutique Retreat in Hawke’s Bay

One of the most prestigious luxury lodges in Napier and Hawke’s Bay, McHardy Lodge offers an indulgent retreat after a day of exploring the Art Deco city or surrounding wineries.

Relax by the outdoor pool, play a game of billiards or retreat to one of the six elegantly furnished guest rooms, all set up for a romantic stay for couples.

Your stay includes welcome refreshments, pre-dinner drinks, as well as an a la carte breakfast each morning.

See what makes McHardy Lodge a standout choice for luxury and romance in Hawke’s Bay, and reserve your stay through Expedia.

© Craggy Range - Hawke's Bay

Fine Dining in Napier

As a foodie hub of the North Island, in the midst of vineyards and fruit orchards, Napier unsurprisingly has a fantastic selection of fine dining restaurants.

One for a special occasion is Mission Estate Restaurant (198 Church Road), which serves seasonal European-influenced dishes using only local produce, paired with estate wines and sweeping views across the vineyards and coast.

For French and Italian-inspired cuisine in an impressive Art Deco setting, book a table at Central Fire Station Bistro (163 Tennyson Street) in the city centre.

Or try Bistronomy (40 Hastings Street) for relaxed fine dining with seasonal, European-influenced menus (they’ve also got a boutique wine shop attached).

For more recommendations, see The Foodie Guide to Napier.