9 Shore Excursions in Hawkes Bay, Weighed Against Each Other

1.Shore Excursion: Scenic Rafting from Napier

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 179 reviews · from $139Our pick

Raft the Mohaka River from Napier on gentle class II rapids with guides such as Deon, Mike, Dallas, or Lottie. Expect a one-hour drive, about two hours on the river, local Maori and regional history, supplied rafting gear, optional swimming, photos, and a homemade light lunch.

“a great experience, rapids are quite tam, only grade 2. Still good fun. Jen our guide was alot of fun and awesome. The family had a great time. Deon was great with communication, especially as we were on cruise ship, which arrived late. Definately recommend.”

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2.Shore Excursion: Napier/ Hawke’s Bay & Premium Wineries tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 93 reviews · from $96

You’ll tour Napier’s earthquake-shaped Art Deco streets, visit Mission Estate and another premium winery, pause at Bluff Hill, and sample New Zealand honey. Guides including Kirsty, Anil, Tere, and Mark are praised for local stories and easygoing care. The small-group minivan keeps this cruise-day outing efficient, though bad weather can limit views.

“Kirsty was amazing and gave us such a wonderful tour! She included many things we would only have seen touring with a local. Beautiful art deco tour and very cool seeing the oldest winery in New Zealand!”

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3.Shore Excursion: Napier and Surrounding Countryside Scenic Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 91 reviews · from $86

See Napier from an Art Deco bus or tour vehicle on a roughly three-hour outing with local guides such as Mark, Ron, Bob, or Veronica. Expect Hawke Bay views, Waitangi Regional Park, Silky Oak Chocolate Company, the National Tobacco Company Building, Marewa’s Art Deco homes, and commentary on the 1931 earthquake. Wine tasting is not included.

“We had a lovely tour with Ron, who was very informative and knowledgeable Napier is a beautiful place and Ron showed us all the highlights in a short space of time.”

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4.Shore Excursion: 4-Hour Discover Hawkes Bay and Napier Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 71 reviews · from $83

From Napier Port, this four-hour small-group tour combines Hastings, Napier’s Art Deco streets, Arataki Honey Visitor Centre, and Te Mata Peak. Expect live commentary from local guides such as John, Roy, Kirsty, or Mike, plus honey tasting, bottled water, and port drop-off. The minivan keeps the outing easy, though window views can be limited.

“Beautiful countryside. Enjoyed the tour a lot and would recommend it to anyone.”

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5.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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6.Napier Shore Excursion: City Sights and Hawke’s Bay Tour

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 6 reviews · from $93

From Napier Port, you’ll ride in a small group of up to 20 with a driver-guide, passing orchards, farms, and vineyards before stopping at Te Mata Peak. The tour then returns through Hastings for Art Deco sights and a drive through Napier’s 1930s housing estate and shopping center. Guide Mark has been praised for personal, clear commentary.

“Pick up point was not described properly. It was a 20 minute walk to the supposed site, where as it could of been much closer. Tour started an hour later than it should have. Guide was not knowledgeable about most of the tour and rambled on. Confused us as far as our pickup point also. It's NONREFUNDABLE AFTER YOU BOOK IT. DON'T DO THIS TOUR!!!!!”

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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 $61Best value

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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