In 1931 this area suffered an earthquake and subsequent fire that destroyed much of the downtown area of Napier. It was rebuilt in the Art Deco style and today is the city with the largest concentration of Art Deco buildings in the world.

During this small, intimate group tour you will cruise the world-famous Art Deco City before heading up to Bluff Hill Lookout for an expansive view of the bustling port which was a strategic lookout in WWII. Take a ride through the Marewa suburb to see a sampling of Art Deco houses, then make your way to Birdwoods Gallery and Sculpture Garden, where you can enjoy the peaceful gardens, buy treats at the Olde World sweet shop, and take a look at the art displayed in the indoor gallery.

From there you will make your way to explore the visitor center at the largest beekeeping business in the Southern Hemisphere which includes a honey tasting and a live bee wall. Can you find the queen bee?

Next, you will cruise into the beautiful open, picturesque countryside to take in the stunning scenery full of rivers, estuaries and open farmland. At Te Mata Peak you will survey breathtaking panoramic scenery from 399 feet above sea level.

Throughout the tour your local, expert guide will share their knowledge with you explaining fascinating facts about the history and culture of Napier and its people. Learn how the earthquake raised the city by 2 meters and why some inland roads are named after bays.

If this is your first time to Napier or you are looking for a comprehensive, short tour of the area then this is the tour for you!

On this tour you will visit Mission Estate, the birth place of New Zealand wines, and hear their story, which began in Lyon, France. You will also visit an Ale House to sample beers and ciders, and enjoy views of the Art Deco city.

While at the Mission Estate winery, you will have time to explore the grounds and admire the majestic building. You will also have the opportunity to taste the wine!

Your tour continues to the third-oldest winery in New Zealand for another wine tasting opportunity inside a fantastic cellar setting. You will learn about the world-famous “Gimblett Gravels” and see first-hand why the Gravels are considered and treated as an appellation.

Next, you will return to the historic Port area of Napier, Ahuriri to visit an Ale House. Here you will be able to relax and soak up the port atmosphere while enjoying your choice of 3 drinks from their range of beers and cider (tea or coffee are also available).

Finally, discover the beauty of this Art Deco city by enjoying a drive through a 1930’s Art Deco Housing Estate. You will see and learn how the city was destroyed and why it was rebuilt in the Art Deco style of the 1920s and 1930s. You will also see the National Tobacco Building, considered the best example of Art Deco in the country. Experience all the period highlights on this Art Deco tour.

At the conclusion of the tour, you will have the option to do some shopping or explore the main streets in the central city with your camera before returning to your shuttle. You will also receive a small souvenir to remember your time spent in Napier.

This tour will allow you to unlock New Zealand’s best kept secret – Napier and the greater Hawkes Bay area.

This tour features some of the best scenery in New Zealand, as you drive through mixed farming country. Enjoy sights of sheep, cattle and deer farming, as well as orchards, vineyards, market gardens and much more while on your journey.

Hawkes Bay is noted as the Gourmet Food and Wine region of New Zealand. It is the second largest and oldest wine producing region, producing mainly Bordeaux style wines. You will drive through the most scenic parts of this land on some of the most picturesque roads in New Zealand. Eventually, you will reach Te Mata Peak–the highest peak in the area. This famous location boasts some of the most breathtaking views of the Heretaunga Plains and Hawke’s Bay. Your vehicle will take you to a photo stop, located almost towards the top of the peak, where you will be able to take in the majestic view and snap some pictures as we traverse the scenic Hawkes Bay roads.

The tour continues with an informative drive through the main streets of Hastings City. You will hear some of the stories behind New Zealand’s largest natural disaster, the 1931 Napier (Hawkes Bay) earthquake, and why the cities of Hastings and Napier were rebuilt in the popular styles of yesteryear.

From Hastings, the tour takes a scenic drive back to Napier to soak up the Art Deco style in and around Napier. You will enjoy a drive through a mostly 1930’s Art Deco housing estate. The tour then drives through the Art Deco Capital of the world, Napier City. Here you will see all the world famous Art Deco buildings first hand.

At the conclusion of the tour, you will have the option to do some shopping or just walk the main streets in the central city with your camera before returning to your shuttle. You will also receive a small souvenir to remember your time spent in Napier.