Napier

Shore Excursions

Discover the best of Napier's culture and food scene on this full-day tour. Cruise through the world-famous Art Deco City and hear the tragic story of its destruction by earthquake in 1931 and the subsequent rebuilding of the city as the Art Deco Capital of the world. After pickup, visit Bluff Hill Lookout and admire spectacular views of the surrounding area. Later, drive through the historic fishing port of Ahuriri and see the famous National Tobacco Company building. Continue past the breathtaking Art Deco houses in Napier's Marewa suburb before enjoying a wine tasting at New Zealand's oldest working winery. You will also have the opportunity to sample other regional specialties during your tour, such as fine chocolates at the Silky Oak Chocolate Company and manuka honey at the largest beekeeping business in the Southern Hemisphere. Here, watch live bees at work and learn all about the honey production process at the visitor center. Stop for lunch at Birdwoods Gallery where you can sample local wines and beers, admire artworks in the gallery, visit a traditional-style sweet shop or wander through a beautiful sculpture garden. Complete your tour with a visit to the iconic Te Mata Peak before getting dropped off back at your starting point.

Embark on a shore excursion of Napier, exploring the highlights of the Art-Deco downtown and surrounding orchards and vineyards. Ride in a comfortable minibus, with stops at Bluff Hill, Old Port, the Colonial Mission House, the Sacred Baley, and more. After meeting with your local guide at the Napier Aquarium on Marine Parade, your guided shore excursion will begin. Throughout your tour, you will view Napier's Art-Deco city center from a comfortable minibus with big windows for better viewing. Stop first at Napier's Bluff Hill lookout for spectacular views of your ship berthed directly below. Next, 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. Then, get back on the bus for a drive through the Old Port area of Napier and onto the Mission complex. The grand Colonial Mission House was built in 1905, then remarkably, it was moved by traction engine to its current elevated site. From the Mission, the tour travels through Puketapu (the Sacred Valley) past orchards, vineyards, and green rolling hills grazed by sheep and cattle. The tour then stops at the Esk Valley War Memorial Church which would not be out of place if located somewhere in Tuscany. From the church, drive next door to Linden Estate Vineyards. Enjoy wine, cheese, and biscuits, served under the vines at a site exclusive to this tour. Return afterward to Napier, but time permitting a stop at a local fruit shop for fresh fruit or some real ice cream. Get dropped off at the cruise ship shuttle, or downtown Napier.