Top Napier Cultural Tours

Step into the heart of Te Matau-a-Māui (Hawke’s Bay) on this authentic cultural journey. This tour offers a rare opportunity to connect deeply with the land, people, and rich heritage of Māori culture through expert storytelling and visits to significant sites. Walk in the footsteps of ancestors who shaped Ahuriri (Napier) and gain a profound understanding of Ngāti Kahungunu, one of Aotearoa’s largest iwi. Experience intimate stories, sacred legends, and historical events that bring the past vividly to life. This deeply immersive tour isn't just sightseeing, but a powerful connection to Māori identity, tradition, and spirituality. Perfect for those seeking a meaningful and memorable cultural experience. Nau mai, haere mai—come, journey with us. Explore Ōtātara Pā Hear about the Battle of Ōmarunui Hear the Legend of Pania of the Reef Visit Ngā Pou o Heretaunga Visit to Te Mata Peak Small group tour To request Alternative start times or customisations, reach out to us after booking.

Winner - 2026 Best of Wine Tourism - Sustainable Wine Tourism Experience award-winning wine, a Māori cultural site and stunning sightseeing up Te Mata Peak. Beginning on the coast, you will gain an appreciation for Māori knowledge at the Ātea a Rangi Celestial Compass. You'll then enjoy a premium, hosted tasting at New Zealand’s second-oldest Winery, the award-winning Te Mata Estate. Home of the famed Te Mata Coleraine wine. We'll then journey up to the top of Te Mata Peak. All the while learning about the unique culture, geology, botany and history of the region. For cruise ships, we offer a semi private (max 4 guests) 2.5 hour tour with departure times for each ship, depending on the time in port.

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.

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.

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.

Combine Napier’s Art Deco architecture with Hawke's Bay wine on a small-group shore excursion that includes wine and honey tastings. Fit a lot into just half a day on land. Start by exploring an Art Deco suburb, then visit two wine estates for tastings with stops at Bluff Hill and Napier Reef Garden in between. This is a great way to explore the area without the struggle of navigating.

Make the most of a short time on land on this comprehensive tour of Napier’s highlights. Tour the Art Deco city in an Art Deco bus, with large windows and a viewing deck at the back where you can get great photos. Listen to live commentary as you drive around the city, spotting landmarks and stopping at the beautiful Art Deco National Tobacco building, the Mission Estate winery, and more.

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.

Avoid the annoyance of being a designated driver when touring the Hawke’s Bay’s wineries when you join a handy tour with hotel pickup. Sample wines at up to four internationally recognised wineries, enjoy a complimentary cheeseboard, and learn to translate winemaking jargon into plain English. This half-day tour offers a personal experience with a small group of travelers, leaving you free to enjoy the region’s celebrated wines without planning hassles.

See and experience Napier’s highlights on this half-day shore excursion designed for travelers with limited time. Explore Art Deco Napier and Hastings, learning about the events behind this artistic style. Continue up Te Mata Peak by road for sweeping views of Hawkes Bay. The tour also includes a visit to Hastings, awarded NZ's best town, with drives through orchards and vineyards explaining the fruit industry.

This tour is designed exclusively for cruise ship passengers who want to make the most of their short time ashore. You’ll enjoy personalised attention from a passionate local guide who shares not just facts, but the hidden stories and unique character of Napier. You’ll experience Napier’s Art Deco beauty, vibrant street art, and Māori culture. From the impressive Ātea a Rangi Star Compass to the charming Ahuriri fishing village, every stop has been carefully chosen to give you a true taste of Hawke’s Bay. The tour ends with an indulgent moment – premium Hawke’s Bay wines and a platter in an iconic Art Deco building, just minutes from the port. Relax, connect, and savour the flavours of one of the Great Wine Capitals of the World before returning to your ship. We guarantee you will be back on time. If you want a shore excursion that goes beyond the typical highlights to offer authentic local experiences, cultural insights, and personal comfort, this is the perfect choice for you.

Experience the best of the Napier area on this handy small-group shore excursion. Visit a range of cultural, historic, and natural attractions. Learn more about Napier’s history through its Art Deco architecture, admire the views from the top of Te Mata Peak, and travel through the countryside between Napier and Hastings. This is an ideal tour for travelers short on time on land.

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.