Napier Art Deco Tour: 2-hour small group city walk

The 1931 earthquake shaped every building you'll see on this tour.

A 2-hour guided tour of Napier's Art Deco architecture with a local guide, covering the city center and the suburbs of Ahuriri and Marewa where dozens of original 1930s homes still stand. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included. Groups stay small, and the tour traces how the massive 1931 earthquake led to Napier's rebuild as the world's Art Deco capital.

Step-by-step itinerary

Napier Art Deco city and suburbs tour

• Discover Art Deco in central Napier
• Drive to Art Deco suburbs
• Visit most photographed Art Deco building
• Explore Hawke's Bay Art Deco houses
• Learn about Napier's Art Deco history

The experience

Napier rebuilt itself after the 1931 earthquake by adopting Art Deco as the style for nearly every new building. This tour starts from your hotel and moves through the central city to show you the most photographed Art Deco landmarks, then drives out to the suburbs where the architecture is even more concentrated. Ahuriri holds the National Tobacco Building. Marewa is lined with dozens of original homes from the 1930s, many still in their original condition. The guide walks you through how the earthquake forced the city's hand and why Art Deco became the defining choice.

You spend the full two hours moving between neighborhoods rather than stopping for extended walks, so the tour covers ground quickly. The route takes in both the showpiece buildings downtown and the quieter residential streets where you can see how thoroughly the style shaped everyday homes. A local guide provides the context for what you're seeing: the architectural details, the historical moment, the reason Napier earned its reputation as the Art Deco capital.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off.
• a local guide speaking English.
• sightseeing through the Art Deco neighborhoods of central Napier, Ahuriri, and Marewa.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (under 12)

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 47 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by Hawkes Bay Scenic Tours

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English and delivers commentary as you drive, so you follow the history and architecture without needing to read or navigate yourself. This works for anyone who prefers to listen and observe rather than walk independently.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 12).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the National Tobacco Building and where do I see it?

The National Tobacco Building is a landmark Art Deco structure located in Ahuriri, one of the suburbs you'll drive through on this tour. It's one of the most photographed buildings in Napier and represents the scale of Art Deco design the city adopted after the 1931 earthquake.

How much of the tour is driving versus walking?

The tour is primarily a driving tour through different neighborhoods, with the guide pointing out buildings and explaining the history as you move between areas. You'll see the central city and both suburbs without long walks between stops.

Does the tour explain what happened in the 1931 earthquake?

Yes. The guide covers Napier's earthquake history as part of explaining why the city rebuilt entirely in the Art Deco style. Understanding that moment is central to why nearly every building you see on the tour looks the way it does.

Is hotel pickup really included, or do I need to meet somewhere?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included in the tour price. The guide will collect you from your accommodation and return you there at the end of the two hours.

Can I book this tour if I'm traveling alone?

A minimum of two people per booking is required. Solo travelers should inquire about availability before placing a booking, as the operator may be able to match you with another traveler or arrange an exception.