Things to do in Napier

Discover Cape Kidnappers, the largest most accessible mainland gannet colony in the world. Witness the 20,000 gannets at the cape which are members of the Booby family, with distinctive black eye markings and a pale gold crown. Visitors to the colony will see adults and young nesting in serried rows carrying out their daily routine. In the air above your heads, these amazing birds with their 6-foot wingspan (2 m) swoop and dive as they bring back fish. On the ground, just a few feet away, the pairs preen and perform the dance of the gannets’ recognition ritual. The birds can be seen from September to early April. In September they return from their winter escape to build their nests ready for the arrival of the chicks during December and January. The chicks are then fattened up ready for their first and departing flight in late April when they go off on their annual ritual to warmer climates. After being driven to the Cape in an air-conditioned 4 x 4 coach there will be absolutely no walking required. You are taken right to within a few feet of these remarkable birds. Along the way, take in the breathtaking scenery of the geological landscapes and remarkable nature that this part of the country has to offer. Visit a production forest, view a predator-proof reserve and be accompanied by an experienced driver/guide who will provide a knowledgeable and insightful commentary throughout the tour. This tour is not available for Cruise ship passengers, (our cruise ship excursion tour is only available directly via our website)

Make your way to meet your host at the shop in Ahuriri, Napier to pick up the shuttle at 10am. The shuttle will take you and your bikes to the start of your cycling adventure at Cape Kidnappers, Clifton (arrival 10.30am). Drop off is beside Hygge Cafe, if you need your morning coffee fix - this is the place to get it! You'll then start by cycling along the stunning coastline for 4km, till you are ready for your first tastings of fine wine at Clearview Estate and Elephant Hill. Both wineries offer a selection of food if you are ready for lunch. From the first wineries, get back on the coastal track to the river and enjoy a 16-kilometer bike ride on the limestone cycle trail following the Tuki Tuki River. Admire stunning views of the iconic Te Mata peak as you cycle the raised stop-bank trail and look out over orchards, vineyards and farmlands. Stop halfway at Askerne Winery for a platter lunch (build your own) alongside another tasty wine offering. With these winery visits under your belt, carry on to Te Mata Estate and see why this winery has been awarded several Gold Medals for their wines. Leave room for the last but not least cellardoor, the stunning Black Barn Winery where Fig Alley awaits alongside a fine dining bistro. At the end of the day 4pm, you will be collected from Black Barn winery and transferred back to Ahuriri, Napier (arrival 4.30pm).

Embark on a shore excursion of Napier ,viewing the highlights of the Art-Deco downtown and residencial Sanders Ave After meeting with your local guide near the Information Centre, Marine Parade, your guided shore excursion will begin. Throughout your tour, enjoy the comfortable minibus with big windows for better viewing. Stop at Napier's Bluff Hill lookout for spectacular views of your ship berthed directly below. Discover the house and grounds of your guide. View his colorful gardens and panoramic views of the Bay and hear about the 14 square kilometers of land reclaimed as a result of the 1931 earthquake. Travel out through orchards and vineyards to Te Mata Peak, views over the Heretunga Plains are spectacular. On a clear day it is possible to see the snow capped peaks of Mt Ruapahu. Enjoy a generous complimentary wine tasting at the boutique family owned and operated Askerne Estate. At the end of the tour get dropped off in down town Napier or back at the Information centre from where your shuttle will depart back to the ship.

Your tour activity begins with a Gourmet Platter including a glass of wine of your choosing at the iconic Mission Estate Restaurant. The platter generally includes a selection cold meats, cheeses, fresh and dried friuts, breads, biscuits and generally a tasting of hot seafood. The setting in the Old Mission House best described as Grande Colonial. Luncheon is followed by a very comprehensive wine tasting at Mission Cellars that includes a detailed history of the Mission House and the Marrist Order that arrived in Hawkes Bay as Missionaries during 1851. After the tasting you will be free to roam the Mission House including their underground cellar. The tour will then proceed to the National Distillery located in the iconic National Tobacco Building. There you will be invited to taste a number of their gins and on special request their rum. The tour will then travel to Askerne Estate for the final tasting where a complimentary cheese board will be provided. Askerne is renown for producing a good number of aromatic wines all estate grown. The tour will then return you to your pick up location. Disclaimer. Occasionally the itinerary may deviate from that posted due to no fault of the tour providerwho accepts no liability for such change Next will be gin tasting at The National Gin Distillery located in Ahuriri the old Port Area of Napier. The distillery operates out of the National Tobacco Building, Napiers best known Art Nouveau Building. Don't be surprised to see the occasional Art Deco Guide showing visitors around ( in an non-intrusive manor) During low season no gin tasting on Sundays but wine tasting at Church Road Winery added Its back on the minibus for a drive towards Havelock North past orchards, vineyards and fields of various agricultural crops and arrive at Askerne Estate. The Estate is a small friendly family owned and operated affair with a near perfect viticultural setting. Askerne makes about 100,000 bottles but remarkably they grow more than a dozen different varietals. The tastings here could be said to be generous and Ross will serve a tasty selection of New Zealands cheese's and biscuits. To conclude for those who are interested Ross will provded a brief " in vineyard " talk about grape growing practices in the region. Guests will be delivered back to their pick up locations between 5.30 and 6.00 pm

Start your adventure at the Napier City Bike Hire & Tours store where your bikes will be ready and you will learn all about your day. Enjoy the cycling along the beautiful coast and stop at magical Atea A Rangi Star Compass before continuing through the coastal wetlands. Turn inland to follow Tukituki river valley and reward yourself with a wine tasting and lunch at one of the local wineries and restaurants - Askerne (Mon-Sun, picnic lunch wine tasting, booking recommended), Te Mata Estate (Mon-Sun, wine tasting only, walk-ins only), Craggy Range - requires optional detour (Mon-Sun, restaurant, wine tasting, prebooking essential), Black Barn (Mon-Sun, restaurant, wine tasting, booking recommended). Finish your glorious day with a return shuttle that leaves at 4:00 PM from Black Barn winery.

Each winery will offer between 4 and 7 wines for a tasting split between reds and whites.  Chardonnay is the dominant white wine variety produced in Hawkes Bay, but lovers of Sauvignon Blanc should not worry, as you'll also be tasting that at Mission Estate. Shiraz and Bordeaux blends are some of the dominant red varieties. The first estate winery you'll visit is Mission Estate, which was established in 1851. The tasting hall and associated restaurant are located in a two-story Victorian mansion that offers magnificent views over the vineyards. The National Gin Distillery, where you'll get to taste five gins. Then, take a 20-minute drive past the orchards and vineyards and arrive at Askerne Estate producing only 100,000 bottles of wine split between 13 different varietals. This will be a seated tasting with a complimentary cheese board of New Zealand cheeses. Disclaimer . Occasionally the itinerary may deviate from that posted due to no fault of the tour provider who accepts no liability for such change. Afterward, travel back to Napier for drop-off in the early evening.

Adapt this diverse, flexible tour to suit how far you want to ride and what you want to see. Grab your family or friends and explore lots of local highlights, including wineries, estuary trails, Art Deco buildings, and coastal pathways. Departing the port village of Ahuriri, cycle around the port to Napier city, a world-renowned Art Deco treasure. Get off your bike and spend some time enjoying the Art Deco buildings before following the coastal pathway with spectacular views across the Pacific to Cape Kidnappers. Turn inland and follow the Tutaekuri River trail, overlooking orchards to the suburb of Taradale. Visit two of the region’s finest wineries, Church Road and the Mission Estate. Then continue onto the Ahuriri Estuary trail with its many native birds. Do all the route or just a part. Cycle 28 kilometers or 45 kilometers over a full day.

Picked up from your accommodation or the Information Centre, you will join a small group of no more than 5 people, making the experience very intimate and unique. Learn how Napier became the Art Deco capital of the world and explore the architecture of the past with the hidden gems of the present like street art. Explore the old harbor in Ahuriri with its fishing village and the iconic National Tobacco Building. From here we leave Napier and head to Hastings, not before stopping at the Celestial Compass to discover Māori art and how the major constellations appear in the New Zealand sky. Between Napier and Hastings you will pass through the many orchards and vineyards that make Hawkes Bay the fruit bowl of New Zealand. Next we travel to Havelock North, a small European village next to the famous Te Mata Peak where you can enjoy a 380 degree view (weather permitting) or visit the Arataki Honey Visitor Center where you can taste a variety of honey including the famous Manuka Honey. Then we continue to Hastings where you will explore its fair share of Art Deco architecture in a very unique expression. Join us for an unforgettable day, the Highlights + Tour is an exceptional opportunity to experience the best the Hawkes Bay region has to offer.

Join a journey through the picturesque landscapes of Hawke’s Bay, where you’ll have the opportunity to taste award-winning wines and learn about the rich history and craftsmanship behind each bottle. Take an immersive experience through the heart of New Zealand’s oldest wine-growing region. Discover the diverse range of wine styles produced here, from robust reds to elegant whites, each reflecting the unique terroir of Hawke’s Bay. Visit acclaimed wineries in the prestigious Gimblett Gravels, known for its premium, full-bodied red wines, and meet passionate winemakers dedicated to producing outstanding wines. Experience the beauty and bounty of Hawke’s Bay as you explore its rolling vineyards, stunning coastal vistas, and charming rural landscapes. Enjoy a cheese platter, stroll through picturesque vineyards, and soak in the rich cultural tapestry that defines the wine country.

A region of extreme contrasts and diversity – come and be part of a small group of adventurers as we guide you through the North Island’s beautifully carved Maori maraes, active volcanoes, spectacular caves, thick native forests, awesome waterfalls, verdant valleys, long sandy beaches, soaring snowcapped peaks, stunning lakes, and vibrant cities bursting with interesting arts, culture and architecture…not to mention bloody good coffee! ZigZag’s ‘Great Northern Road Trip’ visits every corner of this photogenic piece of paradise - from New Zealand’s buzzing capital city of Wellington to the Martinborough wine district, the volcanic Central Plateau (with two days to complete the incredible Tongariro Crossing), the rugged and remote ‘Forgotten Highway’ region, Mt Taranaki and the rarely-visited central west, the surfing meccas of Raglan and Mount Maunganui, the adventure capitals of Taupo and Rotorua, the world-famous art-deco and wine capital of Napier/Hastings, State Highway 35’s astonishingly beautiful coastlines, maraes, and views of steaming White Island, the Hobbiton movie set, Cathedral Cove and the astonishingly beautiful Coromandel Peninsula, Mangawhai Head’s lagoon, the Bay of Islands, the beaches of the Far North, Cape Reinga, and the kauri forests of Northland’s west coast, before driving back down to Auckland, where we finish our tour.