Art Deco Napier Vintage Car Tour: 1930s Packard

Roll through 1930s Napier in an actual vintage Packard

A 1.5-hour private tour of Napier's Art Deco heritage in one of two restored 1930s Packards, with room for up to four travelers per booking. The driver meets you at the Art Deco Trust, explains the city's earthquake recovery and Art Deco origins, then drives you through the precinct and the old port town of Ahuriri, passing the Municipal Theatre and the National Tobacco Building. Live commentary in English. The vintage cars have no seatbelts or air-conditioning, so dress for the weather.

Step-by-step itinerary

Art Deco Napier vintage car tour

• Check in at Art Deco Trust
• Meet your driver
• Hear history of Napier and Art Deco
• Begin chauffeured car tour through Art Deco precinct
• Visit old port town of Ahuriri
• Pass by Municipal Theatre
• Stop at National Tobacco Building for photos

The experience

What makes this tour different is the car itself. You're not watching Napier's Art Deco buildings from a modern coach. You're moving through them in a Packard that belongs to the same era, which changes how the whole story lands. The driver picks you up at the Art Deco Trust, walks you through why Napier rebuilt itself in Art Deco style after the 1931 earthquake, then takes the wheel for a route that covers the precinct, swings through Ahuriri (the old port town with its own seaside stories), and stops at landmarks like the Municipal Theatre and the National Tobacco Building so you can photograph them.

The tour runs 1.5 hours and holds a maximum of four people per booking, so it stays intimate. Because these are vintage vehicles without air-conditioning or seatbelts, the operator asks you to dress for the weather, and if you want to lean into the 1930s fully, there's a free Art Deco wardrobe available at the centre before you go. Infants can ride in a pram or stroller, and service animals are welcome.

What’s included

• Private transportation in a restored 1930s Packard.
• local guide with live commentary in English.
• private tour with up to four travelers per booking.
• optional Art Deco costume from the centre wardrobe at no extra charge.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day5 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 15:30

Book up to2d before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Art Deco Trust

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want to experience Napier's Art Deco buildings from inside a 1930s Packard rather than on foot. The private vintage car holds up to four of you and your guide narrates as you drive past the key landmarks.

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Top questions

What exactly is a Packard and why does it matter for this tour?

A Packard is a luxury American car from the 1930s, the same decade Napier rebuilt itself after the earthquake. Riding in one means you're experiencing the city's Art Deco heritage from inside the period itself, not just looking at it from outside.

Where does the tour start and how do I get there?

The tour starts at the Art Deco Trust in Napier, where you check in at the Tours Desk and meet your driver. If you're staying in the city centre or near the waterfront, it's walkable. Public transportation options are nearby if you need them.

What buildings and places will I actually see?

You'll drive past the Napier Municipal Theatre, a stylish building rebuilt after the 1931 earthquake; the National Tobacco Building, where you'll stop to photograph its facade; and the Art Deco precinct itself. The route also takes you through Ahuriri, the old port town, to see how that area developed.

Do I need to worry about the heat or comfort in a 1930s car?

These vintage Packards don't have air-conditioning or seatbelts, so you'll want to dress for Napier's weather. The tour runs 1.5 hours, so it's not a full day in the car, but comfort matters. Bring a light layer or sunscreen depending on the season.

Can I bring young children or dress up for the experience?

Yes to both. Infants can ride in a pram or stroller, and children can sit on an adult's lap. If you want to dress in 1930s Art Deco style, the Art Deco Centre has a free wardrobe available before the tour starts.