Photo by Yulin Wang on Unsplash
OceaniaPacific/AucklandNew Zealand
Napier
Art Deco Capital of the World
Local Time
02:21:33 PM
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Pacific/Auckland
Current Weather
About Napier
Napier is the Art Deco capital of the world, rebuilt in the distinctive 1930s style after a devastating earthquake in 1931. The city's remarkable collection of Art Deco, Spanish Mission, and Stripped Classical architecture along its palm-lined Marine Parade makes it one of the most architecturally unique cities in the Southern Hemisphere.
Set in the Hawke's Bay wine region - New Zealand's oldest and one of its finest - Napier combines architectural beauty with exceptional food and wine. The region is famous for Bordeaux-style red blends, Chardonnay, and Syrah. Cape Kidnappers, a dramatic headland south of the city, hosts the world's largest mainland gannet colony, accessible by tractor-trailer along the beach at low tide.
Best Time to Visit Napier
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Visit Napier from November to March for warm weather (22-28°C), perfect for wine touring, beach activities, and the gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers. February brings the Art Deco Festival - a weekend of vintage cars, jazz, and 1930s fashion. Hawke's Bay is one of New Zealand's sunniest regions.
Monthly Climate
Temperature
Rainfall
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Next 14 Days
Photos of Napier
Top Highlights
Art Deco Architecture
Walking tours of the world's finest collection of 1930s Art Deco buildings - rebuilt after the 1931 earthquake.
CultureHawke's Bay Wineries
Over 70 wineries producing exceptional Bordeaux-style reds, Chardonnay, and Syrah with cellar door tastings.
FoodCape Kidnappers Gannets
The world's largest accessible mainland gannet colony - over 20,000 birds on dramatic cliff-top platforms.
NatureMarine Parade
A palm-lined beachfront promenade with the Napier Aquarium, Pania of the Reef statue, and Sunken Gardens.
LandmarkArt Deco Festival
An annual February celebration with vintage cars, jazz bands, market stalls, and 1930s-themed costume events.
CultureTe Mata Peak
A dramatic 399-metre peak with panoramic views over the Hawke's Bay plains, vineyards, and coast.
NatureTravel Tips
- 1Book Art Deco walking tours through the Art Deco Centre - guides provide fascinating earthquake and rebuilding stories.
- 2The gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers is accessible November-April. Check tide times for the beach walk.
- 3Hire a bicycle to tour the wineries - Hawke's Bay has excellent flat cycling trails.
- 4Napier is 4.5 hours from Auckland or Wellington by car.
- 5The Art Deco Festival in February is hugely popular - book accommodation months ahead.
- 6Try the Hawke's Bay Farmers Market on Saturday mornings for local produce and artisan food.
