9 Art Deco Tours in Napier Worth an Early Alarm

1.Guided 10am Morning Art Deco Walk From Napier Art Deco Trust

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 167 reviews · from $20Our pick

Begin at the Art Deco Trust with a 20-minute film on the 1931 earthquake, then follow a guide around central Napier for an hour of Art Deco buildings, design details, and local stories. The flat route uses audio headsets and returns to the meeting point. Guides such as Sarah and Susan are praised for their clear, personal commentary.

“Good walking tour (with short introductory movie to start). Headsets included. Plenty of info regarding the devastating earthquake in Napier in the 1930s, the impressively quick rebuild, and the many examples of art deco architecture across the city centre. Knowledgeable guide too. I do think it'd be better to have a slightly lower maximum number of guests on the tour, though, as it did feel that the group was at times in the way of other people trying to get past, and it was tough for the guide to keep the group together.”

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2.Art-Deco + Te Mata Peak+ Garden Walk + Wine Tasting

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 99 reviews · 3h 30m · from $89

This 3.5-hour shore excursion links Napier’s Art Deco center, Bluff Hill, Te Mata Peak, a private garden overlooking Hawke’s Bay, and a seated tasting at Askerne Estate. Guides such as Ross and John lead groups of up to 13 in a small minibus. Expect local history, big views, at least five wines, and a personal touch.

“Wonderful time with a great tour guide! He even took us to his beautiful home so we could see his green thumb at work. Beautiful flower gardens. Got a good introduction to Napier and stopped at many scenic spots. The wine and cheese tasting was so good! Highly recommend.”

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3.Guided 2pm Afternoon Art Deco Walk from Napier Art Deco Trust

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 97 reviews · from $20Top rated

Start at the Art Deco Centre with a 20-minute film and architecture introduction, then walk Napier’s central Art Deco quarter for about 90 minutes. Guides such as Simon, Martin, Lynn, and John bring the 1931 earthquake and rebuilt city to life. Expect a small group of up to 16, a gentle pace, and all-weather touring.

“We had a wonderful afternoon with John. His enthusiasm and knowledge of Napier and her buildings was contagious. Thoroughly recommend.”

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4.Shore Excursion: 4 Hour Premium Hawke’s Bay, Napier Art deco Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 37 reviews · from $86

This four-hour small-group tour links Napier’s Art Deco streets with Bluff Hill, Arataki Honey, Te Mata Peak, Hastings, orchards, vineyards, and the Tukituki River. Guides including Mark, Sukh, Roy, Kirsti, and John have led tours, with local stories, honey tasting, and plenty of photo stops. Pickup is offered, with groups capped at 22.

“Beautiful bay, the surrounding areas were a great scenic view on a catamaran.. provided coffee, tea.”

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5.Napier and Hawkes Bay Scenic and Art Deco Tour by VW Kombi

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 21 reviews · from $142

Join Craig in a fully restored 1970 VW Kombi for a small-group tour of Napier and Hawke’s Bay. With room for only six, you’ll follow the coast to the Tuki Tuki Valley, stop for coffee, fruit, honey tastings, and Te Mata Peak views, then finish with Napier’s Art Deco highlights.

“Craig was a great guide. He explained all thr details. We both felt safe and enjoyed our time with him. Thank you Craig”

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6.Small group – Napier City & Art Deco Tour, 2 hours

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 18 reviews · from $80

Meet guide John for a 2-hour-10-minute small-group drive through Napier, Ahuriri, and Marewa. You’ll see Art Deco homes, the National Tobacco Company Building, hilltop views, and earthquake history, with central hotel pickup and drop-off included. Groups can reach 15 people, though smaller groups may receive more personal attention.

“I thought the trip was very worthwhile and informative - we went to some great spots and learnt lots of the history! The view from top of the hill, the gardens and Tobacco Building and art deco housing streets were highlights. The tour is via tRead more”

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7.Napier Shore Excursion: Wine & Art Deco Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 6 reviews · from $102

Start at Napier Port at 7:30 am for a guided look at the city’s Art Deco buildings and earthquake story. Visit either Church Road or Mission Estate Winery for tastings, then enjoy three beers or ciders at a local Ale House. Groups are capped at 20, with port transfers included.

“A very nice overview of the Napier area with a tasting of beer & ciders at the end. The town happen to be celebrating Art Deco Days which made getting around tougher, but was worth it to see everyone dressed up in 1930s attire, classic cars, airplane show.”

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8.Napier Cruise Excursion Art Deco Tour and Wine Tasting

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3 reviews · from $111

Spend 3.5 hours with a local guide exploring Napier’s 1930s Art Deco centre, Māori navigation traditions at Ātea Rangi, street art, and Ahuriri’s port district. Finish with Hawke’s Bay wine and a New Zealand platter in an Art Deco building. Your private minivan group returns to the meeting point.

“Nice sized group to travel with. Guide took us to various parts of Napier so we could see the area from different vantage points / living areas. Shared personal experience of the area and made the trip very enjoyable. Learnt a lot about a great place without feeling rushed or bombarded with inane details, I.e. not script led.”

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9.Shore excursion – Napier sight seeing/Art Deco Tour,

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3 reviews · from $61

Spend about two to two and a half hours touring Napier by minibus with Hawkes Bay Scenic Tours. Visit Marine Parade, Bluff Hill Lookout, and the National Tobacco Company Building while your guide explains the city’s dramatic past and Art Deco character. Hotel and Napier Port pickup are included, with guides such as Helen and Maggie available on some departures.

“We did two tours with Maggie over the Nov. 1 weekend in Napier - the whirlwind tour and a custom 4 hour wine tasting tour. She went out of her way to show off her city and region. The highlight was lunch at the Cape Kidnappers Golf Course club house.Thanks for making our stay in Napier!”

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