Top Napier Historical Tours

Uncover the stories behind Napier’s famous Art Deco architecture on this guided walking tour through the city’s iconic Art Deco Quarter. Learn about the history and design of the buildings from a professional local guide while exploring the heart of the city. Starting at the Art Deco Centre, enjoy an engaging introduction before venturing through the streets on a 1.5-hour walk to discover hidden details and secrets of Napier’s art deco heritage.

Step into the heart of Te Matau-a-Māui (Hawke's Bay) on an authentic cultural journey through the stories, landscapes, and living traditions of Ngāti Kahungunu. As you travel through Napier, Hastings, and Havelock North, your guide will bring the region to life through captivating storytelling, connecting each place to the people, legends, and history that have shaped it for generations. Journey to culturally significant sites including Ōtātara Pā, Ngā Pou o Heretaunga, and Te Mata Peak, and hear the story of the Battle of Ōmarunui and the enduring legend of Pania of the Reef. Each stop offers a deeper connection to the history, whakapapa, and culture woven into the landscape. More than a sightseeing tour, this is a meaningful opportunity to experience Māori culture through authentic storytelling, spectacular scenery, and a deeper understanding of the enduring relationship between our people and whenua (land). Nau mai, haere mai—come, journey with us. Small-group tour.

Take this scenic drive through Tukituki Valley which will take you to the peak of Te Mata by stylin Supertrike. This is a small group tour, so you’ll keep costs down by sharing your ride. But since there are only 4 to a group, you’ll still have an intimate experience. You’ll ride through Napier, along the coast, and end up with some gorgeous views and a drink at the peak.

Cruise ship passengers who want an active adventure while on land will love this white-water rafting expedition from Napier. The rapids are an easy class II, so even first-timers and older kids can join in. Admire the views of the native bush, listen to birdsong, and even go for a swim in the gentle river if you like. Photos of your trip will be provided after.

This is a compact well thought out tour, offering you an exceptionally good tour of the local highlights including wine tasting. A must do tour for every visitor. You will have a fantastic understanding of what "Art Deco' actually is. You will see the "off the track" locations and learn why Napier was build in Art Deco, why Napier is the Art Deco Capital of the World, coves all Sight seeing places of Napier with Premium Winery tasting.

Discover the rural beauty and Art Deco architecture of Hawke’s Bay on a half-day shore excursion from Napier. Travel through orchards, vineyards, and farming areas, visit the Arataki Honey Visitor Centre for honey tasting, and enjoy panoramic views from Te Mata Peak. All transport is by climate-controlled vehicle, making this tour a perfect introduction to the region’s landscapes and history.

Start your day with an easygoing walking tour around Napier’s Art Deco Quarter. Visit some of Napier’s iconic art deco buildings and hear from your guide about the people and events that shaped them. If you’ve just arrived in Napier, this is a great opportunity to get your bearings and see a different side of the city’s distinct architecture.

If you’re short on time in Napier, or wanting an overview of the city’s striking Art Deco architecture before exploring further alone, this morning tour is convenient. Admire the beautiful buildings of the Ahuriri and Marewa districts; see Art Deco landmarks such as the National Tobacco Building; and learn more about the distinctive design style. Hotel pickup and drop-off is included.

Step back in time on our Hawke’s Bay Historic Wineries Tour. Visit Mission Estate, NZ’s oldest winery, founded by French missionaries in 1851, and taste elegant wines while exploring the beautifully preserved building and cellar. Drive through historic Taradale, lined with charming villas and early settler cottages that tell the story of Hawke’s Bay’s wine pioneers. Next, we will visit Church Road Winery, est in 1897 by Tom McDonald, father of NZ’s fine reds. To finish, we’ll take you up to Bluff Hill Lookout for sweeping views over Napier Port, the Pacific Ocean, and Napier’s Art Deco skyline. Experience the heritage in every glass! - Visit Mission Estate, NZ’s oldest winery - Explore historic cellars and buildings - Guided tastings of premium Hawke’s Bay wines - Learn the region’s winemaking history - Travel through scenic countryside - Expert guide offering rich historical context * To request Alternative start times or tour customisations - Book on our Mates Travel website.

This isn’t just another wine tour — it’s a journey into the heart of New Zealand’s Great Wine Capital. With small groups and a personal touch, you’ll explore Hawke’s Bay’s boutique wineries at a relaxed pace, learning the stories that shaped this region into the gateway of New Zealand’s wine industry. From the elegant Art Deco streets of Napier to the world-famous Gimblett Gravels, every stop reveals a new layer of history, flavor, and craftsmanship. You’ll connect directly with passionate winemakers, enjoy intimate tastings, and savor a local cheese platter among the vineyards. Led by friendly, knowledgeable guides who love what they do, this experience combines culture, architecture, and award-winning wines in one unforgettable day. It’s authentic, immersive, and full of heart — exactly what a Great Wine Capital deserves.

The 6-hour tour overviews the region, highlighting art deco, orchids, vineyards, sheep farming, cattle farming, deer farming, and so much more. Spectacular rural drive and views. The history of the area, including the 1931 earthquake, is illustrated with the aid of a photo book.  You will start your day learning what art deco actually is, so you know what to look out for in terms of the unique art deco found here in Napier and Hastings cities. You will visit a lovely "off-track" scenic lookout that looks out over the city of Napier, Hawkes Bay, Cape Kidnappers, and Te Mata Peak. Next, it is off through the area you have just seen along the coast, a hidden valley, and to Te Mata Peak. You will then also visit the largest honey producer in the Southern Hemisphere. You will have time for a short lunch at a cafe in the Hastings area, then back to Napier for a wine tasting before finishing back in Napier by driving through a lovingly kept art deco housing suburb.

Take a scenic drive through the countryside to visit Maraetotara Falls, where you can enjoy a peaceful walk and views of the waterfall. Next, head to the Arataki Honey Visitors Centre, the largest beekeeping business in the Southern Hemisphere, to sample Manuka Honey and learn about honey production. Continue to the famous Te Mata Peak for the panoramic views over the Hawkes Bay. Stop at Ahuriri Village, a historic fishing village known for its charming atmosphere and the National Tobacco Building, an iconic Art Deco structure perfect for photos.

AFTERNOON TOUR: Taraale to Ahuriri Pub & Winery Ride - 3 wineries & 3 pubs 34km/20km - shuttle leaves 12pm Wed to Sunday. We drop you to Taradale & you have till 5.30pm to cycle your way back to our base in Ahuriri experiencing some Hawke’s Bay hospitality icons along the way. Visit up to 4 wineries & 3 pubs - a great way to spend an afternoon with friends. Includes ebike hire to make it easy. Meet us at our shop in Ahuriri, Napier 12pm. Shuttle van to Taradale for the start of your cycling adventure. OPTION: cycle the Puketapu river trails (16km loop) to visit the famous local pub and Shed530 winery. OR head straight to Church Road & Mission Estate wineries from the drop off point for superb wine/food. Connect with the Ahuriri Estuary water trails to get back to base. If you want extra riding then add in a diversion to Bayview on the inland lagoon farm trails and back to Ahuriri via the Westshore coastal cycleway - another 15km of riding and one winery to visit, Crab Farm.