Napier is one of those places that keeps surprising you the longer you stay. From a city center that looks like a 1930s film set to wild gannets nesting on coastal cliffs, there’s a lot more going on here than a quick overnight stop would suggest. Whether you’re planning a few days or a longer stretch in Hawke’s Bay, here’s everything you need to know about the best things to do in Napier, NZ, with your family.
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Napier’s Art Deco Heritage and Self-Guided City Tours for Families
On 3 February 1931, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake leveled much of Napier. The city was rebuilt almost entirely in the architectural styles of the day, primarily Art Deco, and that’s why walking through the city center today feels unlike anywhere else in New Zealand. The rebuild happened fast, which meant a rare consistency of style across the streetscape that has been carefully preserved ever since.
For families, this heritage is more accessible than it might sound. You don’t need to be an architecture enthusiast to get something out of it. The shapes, colors, and details are visually engaging even for younger kids, and the flat, compact city center makes it easy to cover a lot of ground on foot.
Art Deco Architecture Walks and Official City Tours
The Art Deco Trust runs guided walks through the heritage precinct, covering the earthquake and the stories behind the buildings. These are a good option if you want context rather than just a wander. For families who prefer to move at their own pace, self-guided walk maps are available and cover the precinct’s main streets without requiring a booking.
Most of the key buildings are concentrated within a few blocks of the city center, so even a short walk covers a lot. The flat terrain makes it manageable with a stroller or for younger children on foot.
The Self-Guided Earthquake History Trail
The self-guided earthquake history trail takes the Art Deco walk a step further by focusing specifically on what happened in 1931 and how the city responded. An audio guide gives context to individual buildings and sites, making it an educational outing for older children who can engage with the history. It’s a good way to frame the whole city visit, turning what might otherwise be a passive stroll into something with a clear narrative.
Sea Walls Murals and Public Art Around the City
The Sea Walls mural project has added a different visual layer to Napier’s streets, with large-scale works by local and international artists spread across the city. For families with younger children who aren’t yet drawn to architectural history, the murals give an immediate reason to explore on foot.
The works are spread across multiple areas rather than concentrated in one spot, which means finding them becomes a loose scavenger hunt of sorts. It’s a low-effort way to cover more of the city than you might otherwise see.
Exploring Marine Parade on Foot as a Family
Marine Parade is the kind of street that earns a full day without you having to plan for it. It runs along the waterfront and packs in hot pools, playgrounds, sculptures, mini golf, and beach access within easy walking distance. Many families find they arrive intending to do one or two things and end up staying much longer.
There’s no fixed route to follow. The sections below cover the parade’s main attractions roughly from north to south, so your family can pick what suits you.
Ocean Spa Hot Pools
Ocean Spa is a council-operated facility sitting right on the waterfront, with hot pools suited to families. The setting is the draw: you’re soaking in heated water with views over the bay, which is a hard combination to beat after a day of walking.
Marine Parade Viewing Platform
The viewing platform along Marine Parade gives a clear sightline over Hawke’s Bay and is a natural stopping point on any walk along the parade. It’s a low-key addition to the route rather than a destination in itself, but the views across the bay are worth pausing for, particularly in the late afternoon.
Pania of the Reef and the Metallic Mandala Sculpture
Marine Parade has a couple of notable sculptures worth pausing to appreciate. Pania of the Reef is a bronze sculpture of a figure from Māori legend, positioned near the waterfront and one of the most recognized landmarks along the parade. Locally, Pania is considered the guardian of the reef and has a strong connection to the ocean in the Napier area.
The Metallic Mandala sculpture nearby adds a more contemporary visual element to the same stretch of the parade.
Par2 Mini Golf
Par2 Mini Golf sits along Marine Parade and offers a straightforward 18-hole course suited to a range of ages. It’s a good option for families who want something structured and time-limited between other activities on the parade.
Sunken Gardens
The Sunken Gardens are a formal garden space set below street level along Marine Parade, with tiered planting and a central pond. They’re a calm spot to stop and let younger children run around with minimal supervision. The design means the space feels contained and easy to manage with small kids.
Bay Skate, Marine Parade Playground, and Junior Bike Track
This cluster of facilities near the southern end of the parade offers plenty of space for active kids. Bay Skate is a skate facility with sections suited to beginners through to more experienced riders. The adjacent playground is well-equipped, and the junior bike track gives younger riders a dedicated space away from traffic.
Together, these three make up one of the more practical stops on the parade for families with children who need to burn energy.
A Note About Napier Beach
Napier Beach runs along the eastern edge of Marine Parade. The water is rough with a strong undertow, and the shingle drop-off near the waterline means it’s not suitable for swimming. It also has unpredictable waves that can knock people off their feet when walking along the beach, so it’s not ideal for families.
As you now know, there are plenty of other attractions for families along the parade, so we recommend sticking with those. The Hawke’s Bay area has some other lovely beaches you can consider visiting, which we cover in the next section.
Other Beaches, Parks, and Waterfront Highlights in and Near Napier
Beyond Marine Parade, Napier and its surrounding areas have a good spread of green space, coastal access, and elevated viewpoints worth building into your time here. Some are within easy reach of the city center; others are a short drive away but well worth the effort.
Ahuriri Estuary, Perfume Point, and Spriggs Park
These three sit in close proximity to each other on the northwestern side of the city, near the Ahuriri inlet. Perfume Point is a low-key coastal spot with views back toward the city and across the bay. Spriggs Park is a nearby grassy reserve, well-suited to a picnic or a stretch after time in the car. It also has a good playground, and the beach here is sheltered and safe for swimming. The estuary itself is a good spot for birdwatching, with wading birds visible at low tide.
Ahuriri Estuary Walking Track
The Ahuriri Estuary Walking Track runs further into the estuary and is a separate outing from the Perfume Point and Spriggs Park area. The loop track is about 4 km and follows the edge of the wetland. It is flat and easy underfoot, making it manageable for most ages. It’s a good option for families who want a nature walk without significant elevation or distance.
Anderson Park
Anderson Park has a 2.2km walking trail that loops through the reserve. It also has an excellent playground, making it a practical stop for families with younger children. The trail is well-maintained and not technically demanding, so it suits a wide age range. It’s a good option for a morning walk before heading into the city.
Botanical Gardens
Napier’s Botanical Gardens sit on a hillside above the city center and offer a quieter alternative to the busier waterfront areas. The gardens include formal planting areas and open lawns, making for a relaxed family outing.
Bluff Hill Lookout
Bluff Hill Lookout sits above the port and city, and the views from the top take in the full sweep of Hawke’s Bay on a clear day. You can drive up, or walk from the city center if your family is up for the climb. It’s one of the region’s best vantage points and worth the effort on a fine day.
Hawke’s Bay Beaches Worth Visiting for Families
The Hawke’s Bay coastline stretches well beyond Napier, and the character of the beaches varies considerably. Many beaches in the region are shingle rather than sand, so it’s worth a quick check before committing to a beach day with young children.
In Napier, aside from Ahuriri Beach, Westshore Beach is another good option. It’s northwest of the city (further up from the estuary, near Hawke’s Bay Airport) and has calm waters for swimming.
About 35km north of Napier is Waipatiki Beach, which boasts golden sands and striking cliffs in a scenic cove. The sea is relatively calm and can be good for swimming, but for young kids there’s also a shallow, sheltered freshwater stream and lagoon area.
Waimarama Beach is about 45km south of Napier, and is a beautiful golden-sand swimming beach with laid-back vibes. Surf conditions can be strong, so always check local surf and safety conditions before letting children swim at any unfamiliar beach in the region.
Top Kid Picks for Things to do in Napier and Nearby
Some activities in and around Napier are squarely aimed at children, and these are the ones that top the list when families plan their days. Splash Planet is the headline act for many, but there are solid indoor options worth knowing about for days when the weather doesn’t cooperate.
Splash Planet Water Park
Splash Planet is in Hastings, about 18km from Napier, and it’s the kind of place that earns a full day without much effort. In summer, the water park is fully operational with water slides, bumper boats, a lazy river, a pirate fortress, and a toddler island for younger children. It’s a well-rounded setup that covers a wide age range in one location.
In winter, the water park itself is closed, but Splash Planet continues to operate with dry-land attractions including the Fantasyland express train, formula fun carts, jungle jeeps, tiny town, mini golf, and the jungle adventures playground. The experience is different but still worth the trip for families visiting outside the summer season.
Before you go, check which version of the attraction is currently operating. Seasonal changes matter, and arriving expecting water slides in winter will be disappointing.
Chipmunks Playland & Café Hawke’s Bay
Chipmunks Playland & Café Hawke’s Bay is an indoor play center suited to younger children, with soft play equipment and climbing structures in an enclosed environment. It’s a practical option on a wet day or when you need a contained space for toddlers and primary-school-aged kids to run around. The café on-site means parents can sit down while children play.
Timezone Napier
Timezone Napier is an arcade-style entertainment venue with games and activities suited to a range of ages. It’s a good fallback option for older children and teenagers who want something more interactive than a playground. It’s not a destination in itself, but it fills a gap on a rainy afternoon or when you need a break from outdoor activities.
Outdoor & Active Pursuits, and Nature Day Trips for Families
Napier sits in a region with a lot of accessible outdoor space, and many of the best nature experiences are within a reasonable distance of the city. The options below range from short walks to full-day adventures, so there’s something for every level of activity.
Sugar Loaf Loop Track
The Sugar Loaf Loop Track is a 3.7km loop track on the southwest side of Napier (near Taradale) that offers a nice little challenge for families. The trail isn’t technically demanding and takes most people 60-90 minutes to complete. There’s a trig station at the top (127m), and the peak offers fantastic views over Taradale and Napier, and across to surrounding plains and ranges.
Te Mata Peak
Te Mata Peak sits about 27km south of Napier and is one of the region’s more recognizable natural landmarks. The peak rises sharply above the Heretaunga Plains, and the views from the top take in the plains, the coast, and the ranges beyond. Walking tracks of varying lengths run across the peak, from short loops to longer ridge walks, so your family can choose a route that suits your ages and fitness levels.
Maraetotara Falls
Maraetotara Falls is a short walk from the car park to a waterfall and swimming hole in a bush setting, located about 35km south of Napier. The walk is easy, and the payoff is a natural pool that’s popular for swimming in summer. It’s a good half-day outing that combines a short nature walk with a swim, and it suits a wide age range.
Cape Kidnappers and the Gannet Colony
Cape Kidnappers starts about 29km southeast of Napier, and the gannet colony at the cape’s far point is one of the more remarkable wildlife experiences in the North Island. These aren’t zoo encounters. The gannets are wild, nesting in large numbers on the clifftops and headland during the breeding season, and the setting is entirely natural.
You can reach the colony by guided tour or by walking the 19km return Cape Track, depending on the season and tidal conditions. A guided tour is the best option for families with young kids.
The walk is an expert route with safety risks, and therefore isn’t suitable for families with young children. The beach is only accessible at low tide, so timing matters. The colony is active from around October through to April, and the track takes around 5 hours for the return trip.
Cycling Hawke’s Bay Trails
Hawke’s Bay Trails is one of New Zealand’s Great Rides, featuring nearly 200km of wide, mostly flat trails. Its extensive network covers flat river plains, vineyard country, and coastal stretches, so you can choose an environment and a length that’s right for your family.
Bike hire is available in the region, so you don’t need to bring your own. The trails connect several attractions across the region, so you can build a half-day or full-day ride around stops that suit your family.
White Water Rafting on the Mohaka River
The Mohaka River offers family-friendly white water rafting adventures less than an hour’s drive from Napier. The river runs through remote gorge country northwest of Napier, on the road towards Taupo.
This 5.5-hour Mohaka River rafting trip includes lunch and pick-up and drop-off in Napier. It includes all equipment and is suitable for ages 1 and older. The Grade 2 rapids are small and fun, and you can also enjoy a swim in the river.
Culture, History, & the Arts for Families
Napier and the wider Hawke’s Bay region have a solid range of cultural and arts options worth building into your trip, particularly on days when outdoor activities aren’t practical. The venues below vary in focus and format, so there’s a reasonable spread depending on what your family is drawn to.
Otatara Pā Historic Reserve
Otatara Pā Historic Reserve sits on a hill above Taradale, about 8km from central Napier, and is one of Hawke’s Bay’s largest and oldest pā sites. It’s an outdoor visit, which makes it a good option for families who want cultural and historical depth without being confined to an indoor space. Families can also enjoy a walk through the reserve, which takes about 45 minutes each way. The reserve’s elevated position offers stunning views over the surrounding area.
Māori Cultural Experiences in the Region
Hawke’s Bay has a strong Māori cultural presence, and families can engage with local history and culture beyond a museum visit. The region sits within the rohe of Ngāti Kahungunu, one of the largest iwi (tribes) in New Zealand, and that history is woven through many of the places and landscapes you’ll encounter.
This 3-hour family-friendly tour is led by a local Māori guide. It takes you on an authentic journey to sacred sites and offers fascinating insights into Māori culture and traditions.
Hawke’s Bay Museum
The Hawke’s Bay Museum in Napier covers the region’s natural and cultural history, with a strong focus on the 1931 earthquake and its aftermath. The earthquake exhibition is well-presented and gives context to everything you’ll see in the Art Deco precinct outside. It also has collections covering Māori taonga (treasures) and the region’s broader history.
It’s a good indoor option for a half-day, particularly for families with older children who can engage with the exhibition content.
Faraday Museum of Technology
The Faraday Museum of Technology is a smaller, specialist museum focused on the history of electricity and technology, with a collection of working exhibits and historical equipment. It’s a hands-on kind of place that suits children who are curious about how things work. The exhibits cover a range of eras and technologies, and the interactive elements make it more engaging than a purely display-based museum.
Art Galleries in Napier
Napier has a small but active gallery scene, with a mix of commercial galleries and public exhibition spaces spread through the city center. The content changes regularly, so what’s on during your visit will depend on the current program. For families with children interested in visual art, it’s worth checking what’s showing before you arrive.
The galleries are generally compact and easy to move through quickly, which suits families who want to dip in without committing to a long visit.
Toitoi Hawke’s Bay Arts and Events Centre
Toitoi Hawke’s Bay Arts and Events Centre in Hastings is the main performing arts venue for the region, hosting theater, music, dance, and community events across multiple spaces. The program includes family-friendly performances, especially during school holidays, so it’s worth checking what’s scheduled during your visit.
The venue is about 18km from central Napier, making it an easy addition to a day that already includes Hastings or Splash Planet.
Hawke’s Bay Wine Country, Food, and Markets With Kids
Wine country and kids don’t always seem like an obvious combination, but Hawke’s Bay makes it work. Many of the region’s estates have large grounds, picnic areas, and outdoor spaces that are suited to families, not just adults looking for a tasting. The key is knowing which estates are set up for it.
Family-Friendly Wineries in Hawke’s Bay
The Hawke’s Bay wine region centers on the Heretaunga Plains and the Gimblett Gravels area, with estates spread across a relatively compact area that’s easy to cover by car or bike. Several estates have expansive lawns, gardens, and outdoor seating, making them comfortable places to spend a few hours with children in tow.
When choosing a winery to visit with kids, look for estates with:
- Large outdoor grounds or gardens where children can move around
- Non-alcoholic options and a relaxed atmosphere rather than a formal tasting-room setup
The cycling trails that connect many of the estates make it possible to visit a couple in a single outing without driving between them. Some of the top picks for family-friendly wineries with special features for the kids (such as a play area) include Clearview Estate Winery and Restaurant, Askerne Estate Winery, and Oak Estate Wines.
Hawke’s Bay Farmers Market
The Hawke’s Bay Farmers Market is held at the Tōmoana Showgrounds in Hastings on Sunday mornings and is one of the country’s more established markets. It draws a wide range of local producers, and the atmosphere is relaxed and easy to navigate with children. It’s a great way to pick up local food for a picnic or a self-catered meal, and the variety of stalls keeps curious kids interested.
Practical Travel Tips for Visiting Napier With Kids
A little planning goes a long way in Napier, particularly if you’re trying to fit in both the city and the wider Hawke’s Bay region. Here’s what’s worth knowing before you arrive.
Best Time of Year to Visit Napier
Summer, roughly from December through to March, is the peak window for families. Splash Planet’s water park is fully operational, the beaches are at their best, and the long daylight hours give you more time to cover ground. The Cape Kidnappers gannet colony is also active during this period.
Autumn and spring are quieter and still very pleasant for outdoor activities, cycling, and walking. Winter is cooler and wetter, but the city’s indoor attractions, cultural venues, and the dry-land version of Splash Planet mean there’s still plenty to do. If your trip depends on the weather, summer is the safer bet.
How to Get to Napier
Hawkes Bay Airport receives regular domestic flights from Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, and it sits about 7km from the city center. If you’re driving from Auckland, Napier is roughly 411km away via Taupo and Hamilton. From Wellington, the road distance is approximately 330km via the Manawatū Gorge route or 320km via Palmerston North.
Rental cars are available at the airport, and having your own vehicle makes a significant difference in Hawke’s Bay, where many of the best family activities are spread across the region rather than concentrated in the city.
Where to Stay in Napier for Families
Napier offers a good range of family-friendly accommodation, from self-contained holiday homes and motels with kitchen facilities to larger resort-style properties along the waterfront. Self-contained options are particularly practical for families who want the flexibility to cook their own meals and manage their own schedule.
Staying in or near the city center puts Marine Parade and the Art Deco precinct within easy walking distance. Staying in Hastings or the surrounding area can make sense if Splash Planet and the wine region are your main focus, as it cuts down on driving between the two towns.
Scenic Hotel Te Pania is top-rated by families and boasts a prime location on Marine Parade.
Final Thoughts About Things to do in Napier With Kids
A note on the National Aquarium of New Zealand: it’s located on Marine Parade and comes up regularly in searches for kids’ activities in Napier. We want you to have the full picture, but we don’t visit zoos or aquariums and normally leave them out of our recommendations. Our position on captive animal attractions is consistent across the site, and we’d rather point you toward the wild gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers for your wildlife fix. That said, the decision is yours.
Napier rewards time spent exploring it properly rather than rushing through. The Art Deco streetscape and Marine Parade give you a strong base in the city, while Splash Planet, Cape Kidnappers, Te Mata Peak, and the cycling trails pull you out into the wider region. For families planning a few days in Hawke’s Bay, the range of things to do in Napier, NZ is broad enough to fill a week without repeating yourself. Start with Marine Parade on your first morning, get out to Cape Kidnappers while the gannets are nesting, and let the rest of the itinerary build from there.
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