Welcome to Napier!
As the conference is being held over Hawkes Bay Anniversary and Labour Weekend, check out what special events are on over the weekend HERE.
Few places in the world have such a broad representation of the Stripped Classical, Spanish Mission, and Art Deco styles within such a confined area, which is why the city has deservedly become known as the Art Deco Capital.
The Art Deco Capital
Any visitor to Napier would be well advised to take a guided Art Deco walk for some intriguing insights into life following the earthquake and the transformation that took place.
Along its two kilometres of sea frontage, lined with Norfolk Island Pines first planted in 1888, Napier’s Marine Parade offers a succession of visitor attractions set within a landscaped stretch of grass, pathways, and gardens. There is the Ocean Spa Complex, the National
Aquarium of New Zealand, a Junior Bike Track complete with working traffic lights, Par 2 MiniGolf, places to eat, and plenty of open space for letting off steam. Marine Parade also features an impressive representation of art installations by well known artists, including a
prominent bronze statue dedicated to Pania of the Reef – a mythical Maori maiden of the sea who fell in love with a mainland chief, and for her sins was turned into a 1.6 km submerged rocky reef, which bears her name today.
A Napier landmark is Bluff Hill, which is home for many Napier residents and provides views of the town beaches of Perfume Point and Westshore, past the newly upgraded airport and out towards Whirinaki. Bluff Hill also overlooks the Port of Napier, one of New Zealand’s busiest ports and a stopping point for many cruise liners.
Napier’s trademark is its Art Deco architecture, built in the 1930s, following the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that destroyed the city in 1931.
Things to do in Hawke's Bay
Wine Trails
Hawke’s Bay is the oldest wine region in New Zealand and the second largest. Located at 39.4°S, in the North Island of NZ, the climate is maritime and similar to Bordeaux. Hawke’s Bay is New Zealand’s leading producer of full-bodied red wines. Red wines dominate with over 80% of New Zealand’s plantings of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah grapes. We also specialise in rich and complex Chardonnays.
Ahuriri
Five minutes by car or an easy ten on the cycle trail, Ahuriri is a seaside port settlement on the other side of the Napier hill that has evolved rapidly from being the exclusive domain of mariners and sea dogs to a very cool satellite of Napier with its own unique vibe and a growing list of cafes, bars, restaurants, galleries, apartments, and boutique stores.
National Aquarium of New Zealand
New Zealand's largest display of aquatic life and unique New Zealand wildlife, including sharks, stingrays, living coral, kiwi, tuatara and a huge range of fish species
Hawke's Bay Museum & Art Gallery
Home to Hawke's Bay's great treasures: Hawke's Bay Museum & Art Gallery is a place of stories, heritage, art and artefacts - a place where visitors can explore New Zealand's vibrant art and cultural history.
