Cruises to Napier
New Zealand
Napier
Step back in time with a cruise or shore tour visit to Napier, known as the Art Deco capital of the world. Located in the sunny Hawke’s Bay region, this seaside city was rebuilt in the 1930s and has one of the best concentrations of original art deco, Spanish mission and stripped classical architecture in the world. The result is a colourful, truly charming town you’ll never forget.
Napier has great tourist attractions from shopping to delicious food - and its compact layout makes it very easy to get around. Thanks to its warm, dry weather, Hawke’s Bay is known as "the food bowl of New Zealand" and is home to the country's second-largest wine-producing region. To explore Napier and surrounds we recommend a P&O Shore Tour - there’s one for every taste and budget:
The Hawkes Bay Sampler
If sipping local wine while drinking in stunning views sounds perfect to you, we recommend the Hawkes Bay Sampler. This shore tour visits the top of the scenic Te Mata Peak and one of New Zealand’s leading wineries. Enjoy 360 degree vistas across to Mahia, Mt Ruapehu ski slopes and the Ruahine Ranges. Visit Hastings and Sileni Estates, one of the finest boutique wineries in the Hawke’s Bay region. You’ll enjoy a delicious wine & olive oil tasting and a genuine cellar door.
An In-depth Insight into Maori Ancestors
Gain a deeper understanding of Maori history and culture on the In-depth Insight into Maori Ancestors shore tour. Visit Hakikino Conservation Reserve, originally a Maori fortress dating back to the 15th century, for a fascinating mix of old world wisdom and new world innovations. Spend time with elders at a present day marae reservation. Affectionately known as “kaumâtua,” a Mâori elder, held in high esteem, will share time-honoured stories, culture and language that continue to inspire the modern day Mâori.
The Hawkes Express Road Train
Connect with Napier’s unique cultural character in a way you never thought possible on the Hawkes Express Road Train tour. Styled like an old-fashioned steam engine, which travels on-road, get up close and personal with the city and be transported back to a time when first class meant swing music, polished wooden floors and crimson-tasselled curtains. Learn all about life and culture in New Zealand, famous Kiwis and some fascinating Maori legends.
The Cape Kidnappers Safari
Bird and nature lovers will especially enjoy Cape Kidnappers Safari, a scenic off-road adventure to a gannet colony, home to 15,000 gannet birds who are members of the booby family and feature distinctive black eye markings and a pale gold crown. Observe them nesting in serried rows, swooping and diving into the sea for food, then preening and performing their ritual dance back on the ground. The panoramic views overlooking Hawke's Bay and the Mahia Peninsula are breathtaking, and offer fantastic photo opportunities.
Calling at Napier
P&O cruises to New Zealand which call at Napier depart from Sydney. Alternately, you can take a One-Stop Short Break from Auckland and spend a day exploring this fabulous town.
At A Glance
Population
55,359 (2006 census)
Language
English and Te Reo Maori
Government
Parliamentary Democracy
Currency
New Zealand Dollar
Napier Shore Tours
Most Popular
Guest favourites, the most booked Shore Tours at this port
Must See
Our handpicked Shore Tours are a must for any guest.
What To See
Explore New Zealand’s Art Deco city
Take a walk, independently or guided, through Napier’s Art Deco district. This city is home to some of the best Art Deco buildings anywhere in the world.
Visit Cape Kidnappers
At nearby Cape Kidnappers you’ll find spectacular landscape scenery, one of the world’s top 50 golf courses as well as the world’s largest mainland gannet colony.
Spend the day in Ahuriri
Just five minutes drive from downtown Napier is Ahuriri, a charming seaside village with everything from a sandy beach and stunning boardwalk to cafes, galleries and boutique stores. It’s also home to the world famous Art Deco National Tobacco Building.
Travel to nearby Hastings
Hastings abounds with cultural attractions and outstanding examples of Spanish Mission architecture including the beautiful Hawke’s Bay Opera House. The city also has many art galleries and a collection of impressive public art adorning its city streets.
Docking
Your ship will dock at Herrick Wharf in Napier.
Getting around
Taxis are available outside the wharf’s security perimeter. For a small charge, shuttle buses will be available pier-side to transfer you into town.
Dining
Napier is located in the heart of the Hawkes Bay region’s fruit and wine country. So why not sample a juicy plum, apricot, nectarine, peach, apple or pear? Napier also has an abundance of fresh produce including gourmet meats and award-winning wines. If it’s hot, cool down with an ice cream made with milk from some of the world’s most contented cows. One of the best ways to experience Hawkes Bay is to visit one of the wineries that the region is so well known for.
Quarantine authorities do not generally allow food such as fruit and vegetables, dairy and meat products and sandwiches to be taken off the ship however commercially packaged confectionery, chips and bottled drinking water are allowed subject to inspection.
Shopping
New Zealand is famous for its sheepskin and possum fur products. You will also find Art Deco souvenirs, fantastic craftwork and a huge range of beautiful New Zealand wines. If you’re on the lookout for Maori arts and crafts, make sure they’re authentic. The better pieces should be accompanied by a trademark toi iho symbol. Please note that any wine purchases will not be available for consumption onboard. They will be safely kept by security staff and returned upon disembarkation in your home port.
Climate
Napier enjoys a fairly dry and sunny Mediterranean-style climate all year round.
Credit Cards
Major credit cards and charge cards are widely accepted. Automatic teller machines are capable of providing currency to foreign card holders.
Communication
Public telephones are available along Marine Parade. Mobile coverage is generally available as long as global roaming is selected prior to leaving home. Internet Cafes can be located at Napier Town centre.
What To Wear Ashore
To make your day ashore as enjoyable as possible, please wear comfortable flat soled shoes, lightweight clothing and a hat. You are also advised to bring sunscreen, bottled water and a warm, waterproof jacket in case it gets windy or starts to rain.
Shore Tours
There are a range of tours available for you to really get the most out of your time in Napier. Tours can be booked onboard at the shore tours desk and are subject to availability. Passengers are required to meet at a specific location for each shore tour departure. Please refer to your tour ticket for the correct time and place.
Environment
Please dispose of your rubbish thoughtfully.
