Generic filters
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Search in excerpt

Indulge

Napier romantic places, things to do for couples

  • 4 minutes

Napier, New Zealand

The place to go is Napier; a dream destination for couples. Pastel hues gracing the art deco buildings sets the scene for romance. Like no other, Marine Parade is lit with replica 1930’s lamps creating a soft glow to the magnificent Norfolk pines and buildings. There are superb places to eat specialising in showcasing the bounty of the Hawke’s Bay. Stay in a vineyard courtyard with accommodation among the vines or find places to stay overlooking the water. Explore Napier and beyond on day trips or simply relax and absorb all Napier has to offer.

 

BEST TIME TO GO

Year round with the temperate climate, low rainfall and glorious food destinations making indoors a pleasure.

@Ocean Spa Napier
@Ocean Spa Napier

WHERE TO TAKE A GREAT SUNSET PHOTO IN NAPIER

  • Together in the Ocean Spa complex, an open-air heated saltwater pool. The pool closes at 10.00 pm.
  • Centennial Gardens illuminated waterfall is beautiful and very romantic
  • A selfie of the two of you dancing among the inground Marine Parade fountains backlit against the night sky
  • Napier viewing platform, Ocean Beach walkway day or night

Dance in the in ground fountains lit against the night sky on the Marine Parade.

TIP

You will probably get wet!

WHERE TO TAKE A QUIRKY PHOTO IN NAPIER

  • SeaWalls murals are evocative of the area and make a great backdrop for a together photo moment
  • Ahuriri boardwalk with the rushes and sculptures creating a peaceful space for contemplation
  • Bluff Hill Lookout with its sweeping views to Cape Kidnappers and beyond
Bluff Hill Lookout, Napier, New Zealand
Bluff Hill Lookout, Napier

PLACES TO GO IN NAPIER

Ahuriri boardwalk flying bird sculptures, Napier, Hawke's Bay, New Zealand
Ahuriri boardwalk flying bird sculptures

AHURIRI ESTUARY

Ahuriri estuary walking track is a leisurely flat stroll through original wetlands to check out the local birdlife.  Wading birds include shags, kingfishers, grey herons, royal spoonbills and pied stilts. Estuary dwellers and the life between the water and land is a contrast to the nearby bustle of suburban houses. At dusk the walk is a great spot for sunsets and shots of the boardwalk, the rushes and quiet wetlands.

NAPIER WATERFRONT – MARINE PARADE

Explore Napier’s waterfront on an Art Deco trail. You will discover the Soundshell public pavilion and the nearby statue of Pania of the Reef with its echoes of Copenhagen’s Little Mermaid. The surrounding gardens continue to be faithfully planted in the art deco style.  The marine parade’s majestic Norfolk pines  are pencil lines down the parade, offering a counterpoint to the Soundshell curved raised public art space. The city centre has a number of exquisite art deco buildings. Check out FORMER HOTEL CENTRAL (E A WILLIAMS, 1932) This is perhaps Napier’s most refined Art Deco building. Note the Egyptian style lotus capitals and falcon emblems on the columns of the main balcony, the delicate sunbursts and the zigzag borders. Admire the classic simplicity of the NAPIER MUNICIPAL THEATRE. Want to catch up with a show this is the place in the art deco beauty it’s a cultural experience like no other. The retro feel and glorious lighting create a definite 1930’s atmosphere.

Marine Parade Sound Shell with colonnade, Norfolk Pines and city deco style buildings behind, Napier, New Zealand
Marine Parade Sound Shell with colonnade
@spacenapier
@spacenapier

INDOORS – CULTURE AT SPACE NAPIER

Contemporary art buffs have a must-go destination Space Napier. The multi-media gallery exhibits local emerging and established artists from wall art to sculptures. An excellent place for indoors and people interested in adding to their collection, make time for Space Napier. This chamber of craft offers a perfect space to take some time out and evoke emotion.

WINE – VINEYARDS & TOURS

Join a cycling tour or create your own. Napier is town and country at its best with vineyards a short journey away. Pastoral views of vineyards, orchards and farms link the towns of Hasting, Havelock North and Napier together. The quiet country towns are home to world class cafes nestled among the vineyards. A perfect day cycling the bylanes of the Hawke’s Bay wine district is the perfect antidote to city blues. For ideas check out Napier wine tour day trip, travel guide, what to do & see: Best Bits. For transport Takaro Trails, Day Tours operate self-guided cycle tours, mountain biking packages and bike hire from their Ahuriri base. Tours range in duration from a few hours to several days. Arrange with Takaro Trails to deposit e-bikes or manual bikes where you require them. For one way journeys arrange in advance a pick up time and place while booking your bikes.

Esk Valley winery and vineyard. Hawke's Bay is the oldest wine region in NZ and the 2nd largest, New Zealand
Esk Valley winery and vineyard
TIP

One way journeys are great, you get to enjoy the bike ride and then leisurely relax into a courtyard brunch / lunch and do not need to think about getting back. Relax and let someone else sort that out for you.

@TDUThreeDoorsUp
@TDUThreeDoorsUp

WHERE TO EAT IN NAPIER

DINNER is your treat for the weekend, or perhaps the first of many culinary delights. Three Doors Up is atmospheric with cosy club chairs inviting quiet conversations, encouraging the diners to linger over the menu and to relax into their weekend in Napier. Step into a little piece of Europe in the midst of Ahuriri, Napier.

New Zealand on a plate tonight. Step inside a modest weathered, bright-blue bungalow that is home to Pacifica. Focusing on local ingredients, Pacifica is genuine NZ cuisine in a casual environment. From seating to food and exemplary service, this makes for a perfect cohesion involving all aspects of the dining experience. Relax and savour your Napier escape.

STAY IN NAPIER

East Pier Hotel Ahuriri

East Pier, Facing the beach and located in the Ahuriri historic seaside community is East Pier Hotel. The iconic National Tobacco building for an instagram moment just a short walk away. You can enjoy a cup of tea while admiring the sea views from your private balcony. East Pier Hotel Napier is a 5-minute drive from Bluff Hill Lookout and an 8-minute drive from McLean Park. The popular Mission Estate Winery is a 12-minute drive away.

Glamping on a working farm

A short drive from Napier is a working farm with a private retreat.

Clifton Glamping. Get cozy in the permanent tents with their luxurious furnishings, featuring a balance of indoor and outdoor living, complete with an outdoor fireplace, kitchen and bath. This is glamorous camping at its finest.

@eastpierhotel
@eastpierhotel
Art Deco Masonic Hotel building in Napier, New Zealand
Art Deco Masonic Hotel building in Napier

Wake up at Art Deco Masonic Hotel

Glamour in the heart of Napier. The past has been beautifully restored making this one of New Zealand’s memorable hotels. Napier’s Art Deco Masonic Hotel has a colourful history, which is truly embraced by offering genuine Art Deco flair. It makes for the perfect retreat for those who enjoy extravagance and an individual atmosphere with a modern twist.

BEST BITS TRAVEL GUIDE

Best Bits travel guide is published by nzjane.com. Owned and managed by PacificJane Ltd.

 

Our editors independently visit tour operators, purchase tickets, pay for accommodation, and rate products and places. We are not paid to go on a tour or visit a place. We only make money if you decide to purchase a product through our website links. We promise to never accept free products from manufacturers in return for boosting their products. Read more about our affiliate programme in the terms and conditions HERE.

Related articles

Enquire

If you have a query about content, travel deals or anything else, our team is happy to answer all your questions 🙂

    Your information is secure, no third party involved.
    100% Safe, secure, privacy guaranteed. Privacy Policy.

    Subscribe