OVERVIEW

Drive past the marquee attractions of New Zealand’s ‘Art Deco City,’ then explore its underwater world at the National Aquarium. Considered one of the most attractive cities in New Zealand, Napier was completely rebuilt after enduring a devastating 1931 earthquake and fire. The result is what you’ll see on this leisurely drive: the world’s largest concentration of stylish Art Deco buildings, most of which still stand in their streamlined, original condition. You’ll also enjoy a spin along Marine Parade, the coastal road lined with symmetrical Norfolk Island pines that traces the gentle curve of Hawke’s Bay and showcases beaches beloved by surfers and boaters alike. The Maori-inspired Pania of the Reef bronze and graceful Spirit of Napier monument and among the sights you’ll see en route to your independent tour of the National Aquarium. Here you’ll encounter every imaginable sort of marine life, including giant squid, living coral reefs, seahorses, eels and fish indigenous to New Zealand. Other tanks showcase penguins and marine oddities like the endangered pacu, a toothy Amazonian fish that feeds on fruits and berries. Even land animals like flightless kiwi birds and scaly tuatara lizards are among the attraction’s attractions.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a coach-driven tour of the Art Deco District of Napier, a living time capsule of the 1930s.
• Drive along Marine Parade, a Norfolk Pine-lined coastal boulevard whose scenery includes sunken gardens, iconic sculptures and the beaches of Hawke’s Bay.
• Visit the National Aquarium of New Zealand, touring the diverse tanks and exhibits at your leisure.
• See everything from giant squids to tiny seahorses, penguins, fruit-eating fish and even kiwi birds.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear layered, weather-appropriate clothing.
• Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, a bottle of water from the ship, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

OVERVIEW

Take in the sights of downtown Napier from aboard a unique sightseeing train that travels through the streets rather than along rails. After a devastating earthquake and fire of 1931, Napier was completely rebuilt in the then-modern style that was sweeping the U.S. and Europe. The happy result is a city boasting the world’s largest concentration of Art Deco buildings, most of them today restored to the peak of their period beauty. Riding through the streets on a modern road train styled like a vintage steam railroad, you’ll pass a dazzling parade of stucco relief facades, ornamentation in geometric patterns, streamlined silhouettes and even some Maori symbols thrown in for a regional twist. Of the 164 Art Deco, Spanish Mission and Stripped Classical buildings constructed in Napier in the 1930s, some 140 of them still stand – creating a living time capsule of the Deco era. From the wide, comfortable seats of the Hawke’s Bay Express, you can relax and see it all through the train’s large windows. You’ll also get a look at Bluff Hill, where the early settlers lived, and the old port village of Ahuriri, where their ships came in.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy an hour-long, slow-motion speed date with a beautiful Art Deco city you’re bound to love.
• Travel through downtown Napier on a sightseeing train that rides the streets, not the rails.
• Sit back in romantic, old-fashioned comfort and see the city through modern big picture windows.
• Learn about the circumstances that led to the Napier’s world-class collection of Art Deco landmarks.
• Catch the views from Bluff Hill and along the old Ahuriri wharf, as well.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

As the newest member of the prestigious Great Wine Capitals of the World, Hawke’s Bay as one of the premier wine-producing areas globally. Celebrated for its exceptional vineyards and world-class wines with more than 60 prominent wineries, the Hawke’s Bay area is renowned for its Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Visit two of the top wineries of the region. At each winery, you will be treated to a tasting of some of their recent vintages with the opportunity to purchase the ones you enjoyed afterwards. Enjoy a scenic drive through the Tuki Tuki Valley, with stunning views of Te Mata Peak before returning to the wharf.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Travel from the pier by coach into the beautiful winegrowing landscape of Hawke’s Bay.
• Visit the iconic Mission Estate Winery and its Cellar Door tasting room for a sampling session and enjoy a tasting at another of the premier local vineyards.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Board a safari vehicle for a scenic drive down the coast to observe thousands of breeding gannets and catch amazing views across Hawke’s Bay. This unique excursion carries you out to a dramatic promontory where the 4,500-acre private farm known as Cape Kidnappers Station borders on the world’s largest and most-accessible mainland nesting place for gannets. These handsome, quirky members of the booby family nest high on the sea cliffs and are famous for the ritualized recognition dance performed by mating partners who pair up for life. Skilled anglers, they swoop and dive for fish in the water below, preen on the rocks, and generally make themselves fascinating to watch – especially in these large numbers. To reach their remote domain, you’ll be driven across the farm’s river beds, rolling pastures, steep gullies and breathtaking inclines to within a few feet of the Cape Kidnappers sanctuary. Your guide will provide the background commentary on this habitat, and the gannets will provide the entertainment. From this cliff 328 feet up straight from the beach, you’ll also see the entire rugged sweep of the Hawke’s Bay coastline – all the way north to Mahia Peninsula. Afternoon tea will also be served.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Travel from the pier by safari vehicle to Cape Kidnappers Station, a vast private farm adjacent to a vast gannet sanctuary.
• Traverse farm terrain to the tip of a dramatic promontory, within feet of the 15,000-bird colony.
• Observe these acrobatic birds fishing, preening, and performing their famous recognition dance with their life-long mates.
• Enjoy complimentary tea, jaw-dropping views from a 328-foot sea cliff, and top Napier sights like Marine Parade and Tom Parker Fountain on the return drive.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing.
• Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

OVERVIEW

Take a drive and walk through Napier’s famously Art Deco districts and see the results of the city’s remarkable 1931 rebuild. Art Deco was all the rage in the U.S. and Europe in 1931 when a severe earthquake struck here, leveling much of the town. With an entire metropolis to rebuild, Napier embraced this whimsically streamlined architectural style and went to work. Today, the heritage sections of the city feel like a 1930s-era film set – except real. You’ll travel by coach to Ahuriri, the character-filled port district where Napier began, stopping by the landmark National Tobacco Company building for photos, and spin along the streets of Marewa, Napier’s charming Art Deco residential neighborhood. A drive down Marine Parade, lined with rows of Norfolk Pines leads to the Art Deco Shop, where you’ll learn more about Napier’s history with a brief film presentation, then set off on a leisurely guided half-mile stroll through the official Art Deco Quarter. You’ll marvel at its eclectic mix of period buildings in the Spanish Mission, Stripped Classical and, of course, streamlined Art Deco styles – and step inside the old AMP Building and ASB Bank for interior inspections.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Sit back for a drive through several Napier neighborhoods that showcase its unique Art Deco heritage.
• Tour Ahuriri, the old wharf district, and stop for photos at the magnificently detailed 1932 National Tobacco Company building.
• Leave the coach behind for a while, as you take a leisurely guided walk in the central Art Deco District.
• Enjoy close-up views of Spanish Mission, Stripped Classical and streamline-Deco landmarks, with some interior visits included.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing.
• Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.