This 2-hour tour is an ideal insight into the town and surrounding area of Napier, famous for its Art Deco style 1930’s architecture and the winemaking district around it.
Napier is also home to the National Aquarium of New Zealand.
Tour Itinerary:
We set out first from the Napier Information Centre and take you around some of the historic central streets of the town. The Art Deco and Spanish Mission style of buildings you see are the result of a major earthquake this region suffered in 1931 which pretty much flattened everything. Then we head around past the port where your cruise ship is berthed and on to Ahuriri, the original site of Napier’s establishment and the ‘Old Port’.
Next, we drive west out of town to New Zealand’s oldest winery, the nearly 170-year-old Mission Estate with its beautiful old colonial buildings and stunning views back across to Napier. Enjoy the tranquillity of this place. From here we head further from the town limits into productive orchard and market garden areas and stop at a boutique chocolate producer nestled in its rural surroundings. You can sample their wares and pick up a special treat too.
We begin our return to town by turning east and returning to the magnificent Bay that gives this province its name. With great views across towards Cape Kidnappers, we drive up Marine Parade and re-enter Napier via this traditional route.
Our last stop of the tour is the National Aquarium of New Zealand where you’ll be guided directly into the wonderful Little Blue Penguin enclosure and we’ll also give you the opportunity, if you haven’t before, to see our national bird, the flightless Kiwi, up close in its nocturnal splendour. These active and inquisitive birds are always a joy to watch.
We then return you to the Information Centre from where you can wander the centre of Napier at your leisure or catch the shuttle back to your ship.
What a great 2 hour experience of greater Napier this is. Don’t miss out on this popular tour.
