Maori History

Maori history is rich andexciting with a myriad of cultural experiences to immerse yourself in. Food,art and wine trails are prevalent right across the region and be sure to catchan International Cricket match during the summer season.

There is something to do foreveryone here in Napier with attractions including the National Aquarium andSplash Planet Water Park, while those wanting a slower pace can soak inNapier’s Ocean Spa hot pools, overlooking the Pacific.

Long secluded beaches and ruggedranges offer excellent walking and tramping opportunities. Wade through theregion's many rivers in search of the brown trout, join a deep-sea fishingcharter or take a walk though one of our native scenic bush reserves.

Why not go for a ride on any ofthe mapped cycling routes and wine tours, or a four-wheel drive safari or takea flight in a 1936 de Havilland Tiger Moth – all must do’s when visitingbeautiful Central Hawke’s Bay.

Shopping and the arts are alsowell represented in Napier, with plenty of retail therapy on offer and studiosand galleries dotted throughout the region, as well as stately gardens andcolonial architecture.

Be sure to ask us here at TheNautilus Napier, about how we can help you plan the trip, conference, orgetaway of a life time while visiting Hawke’s Bay.

Wine Country

Hawkes Bay Wine Country is a wine lover’s paradise. Home to the oldestoperational winery and winemaker, it is the country’s second largest grapegrowing region and is overflowing with award winning wines.

There are over 50 wineries scattered throughout the region with over 30of them offering a cellar door experience showcasing their wine making prowess,impressive wine cellars and gold medal winners.

There are wonderful wine tours available whether it be a cycle tour,self drive or guided tours available. Please see the local Hawkes Bay i-Site website for furtherdetails and tours.

Art Deco City Tours

Napier is world-famous for its Jazz Age Architecture which rose from therubble and ashes of a disastrous earthquake that devastated the city in1931. Today, visitors from around the world delight in Napier’s decorative andcolourful buildings which speak of the optimism and confidence of the early20th century. The Art Deco Trust offers guided walking tours of Napier’sArt Deco Quarter, and a stylish retail shop.

For a closer look at Art Deco visit www.artdeconapier.com 
For guided walks and tours information email: walks@artdeconapier.com 

Gannet Beach Adventures

inner of 1998 Hawkes Bay Tourism Award - Visit the world’s largest mainlandGannet nesting site. Enjoy a unique back-to-nature, fun-filled adventuretraveling by tractor and trailer along the spectacular Cape Kidnapperscoastline. Website: www.gannets.com

Cape Kidnappers International Golf Course 

2004 Golf Course of the year Travel + Leisure Golf. The goal in designingthis course was to create interesting holes you wouldn't find anywhereelse. That wasn't hard to do at Cape Kidnappers, because the site itself isunique. It's an overwhelming experience to stand up on the cliffs, 140meters above sea level, and look out across the waves far below in Hawkes Bay. 

This is seaside golf at its finest. The surface is firm and fast, theconditions can be windy, and the player who can control his trajectory will bemaster of the course. Website: www.capekidnappers.com/golf/club_house.html

Kiwi Adventure Company 

Hawke's Bays largest Adventure Specialists. Kiwi Adventure Company offerssomething a little different. From team-building courses to school trips andtertiary training, they cover the whole spectrum of adventure services.Come and try the indoor climbing wall in West Quay, Ahuriri. Thereare over 50 climbs available ranging from 5.0m to 12m. Or try AdventureTrips like Gorging, Sit-on-Top Kayaking, Canadian Canoeing, and Caving.Website: http://www.kiwi-adventure.co.nz  

The National Aquarium of New Zealand

The NationalAquarium of New Zealand in Napier is within easy walking distance from thecentre of the city. The magnificent architectural design imitates the form of astingray, in a unique position on the edge of the Pacific Ocean. This aquariumhas a wider range of species than any other similar facility in New Zealand.There is a reef tank, a travelator which spirals its way beneath the enormousoceanarium, creating the impression of a true underwater experience, and atypical New Zealand rocky shore environment.

There are sharks, stingray and hundreds of fish species, many of themrepresentative of the catches from along the East Coast. There are eels, trout,sea horse, turtles, tropical marine fish, kiwi, tuatara, water dragons, nativefrogs and crocodile also on display. Feeding times are 10am and 2pm.Website: www.nationalaquarium.co.nz