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About Napier
Napier is the seaside heart of Hawke's Bay on New Zealand's east coast, famous for being rebuilt almost entirely in the 1930s after the devastating 3 February 1931 Hawke's Bay earthquake flattened the town. The reconstruction in Art Deco, Spanish Mission and Stripped Classical styles has left Napier as one of the most complete collections of Art Deco architecture anywhere in the world. Beyond the pastel facades, the city is the gateway to Hawke's Bay wine country - one of New Zealand's oldest and most acclaimed wine regions - and to the mainland gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers.
Where ships dock
Overview
Napier is one of New Zealand's most rewarding small-ship days: within minutes of stepping off the shuttle you are standing in a rebuilt 1930s city that looks like almost nowhere else on earth. Because the working port is closed to foot traffic, the shuttle to the Marine Parade i-SITE is your gateway, and from there the whole flat, walkable Art Deco quarter and seafront open up.
Wharves & berths
BERTH port. Cruise ships berth at Napier Port; the largest use 6 Wharf ('Te Whiti'), a 350 m multi-purpose berth opened in 2022, while smaller ships use other berths. Napier Port is a secure, working commercial and log port, so passengers cannot walk out through the port gate.
Getting to the city
Access into the city is by shuttle bus (provided by the cruise line, usually included in the fare - confirm with your ship). Shuttles use two stops: the Napier i-SITE on Marine Parade (~1.4 km from the berth, ~5 min) and the National Aquarium. Once at the i-SITE the entire Art Deco quarter, waterfront and cafes are flat and easily walkable. Taxis are not permitted onto the port; the town taxi stand is at Clive Square. Wineries, Cape Kidnappers and Te Mata Peak are a short drive by tour or taxi.
Parking
The port is closed to the public, so people meeting passengers should meet in the city near the i-SITE / Marine Parade, where public parking is available.
Amenities
Napier i-SITE Cruise Ambassadors greet ships with free maps and a cruise guide; the i-SITE (open 9am-5pm) has toilets, full visitor info and free tour booking. There is no Wi-Fi at the port, but free Wi-Fi is available throughout the city.
Cruise season
November to April (Southern Hemisphere summer). Ships berth alongside; call numbers vary sharply year to year.
Getting around & practical
Getting around
The Art Deco centre, Marine Parade and waterfront are compact and flat, ideal for walking. Wineries, Te Mata Peak, Cape Kidnappers and Havelock North are a short drive, best reached by shore excursion, tour or taxi from the i-SITE.
Practical info
Currency is the NZD; driving is on the left. The summer sun is strong - bring sun protection.
Attractions
Top attractions
Points of interest
Family & kids
newzealandcruiseassociation.com/port/napier; napiernz.com; napierport.co.nz; artdeconapier.com