Top Napier Cultural Tours

Don't waste your limited time at shore trying to figure out transit or activities. Combine wine, coastal scenery, and local history into just half a day with this small-group shore excursion. First, admire the Art Deco architecture of Napier and learn about the impact of the 1931 earthquake. Then, visit two premium wine estates in Hawke's Bay for included tastings.

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.

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.

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.

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.

See and experience Hawke's Bay 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 to Bluff Hill and Te Mata Peak for stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. The tour also includes a visit to Hastings, named NZ's best town, with drives through orchards and vineyards that explain 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.

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.

Tour Napier’s distinctive Art Deco heritage in style on this vintage car tour of the city. You’ll feel like you’ve been transported back to the 1930s as you drive past some of the city’s must-see buildings in a vintage Packard car. Your local guide will tell you all about the earthquake of 1931 and the Art Deco architecture that emerged afterwards, so you can just relax in the back seat.

Cruise ship travelers short on time on land can still experience the best of the Napier area on this half-day shore excursion. Travel on an Art Deco-style bus with large windows and a rear viewing deck. Drive past many of the city’s most attractive Art Deco buildings and stop at Silky Oak Chocolate Company for coffee and gelato. Cruise along Marine Parade and other scenic areas while enjoying live commentary.

Join Prinsy’s for a relaxed half-day trip through beautiful scenery when touring the Hawke’s Bay’s wineries when you join our 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.

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.

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.