Napier Shore Tour: Art Deco, Chocolate & Local Stories

Summary

Explore napier’s art deco sights chocolate tasting and star compass

You’ll wander Napier’s art deco streets with a local guide, sample fresh chocolate at Silky Oak, stand by Hawke Bay at the Star Compass, and catch sweeping views from Napier Hill. Expect easy pickup near your shuttle stop and plenty of stories along the way — plus small moments you’ll remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

I still remember the first thing that caught my eye on this Napier shore excursion — it wasn’t even a building, but the way the morning light bounced off those big art deco windows as we rolled down Marine Parade. Our guide, Dave, waved at someone on the sidewalk (everyone seems to know each other here) and pointed out the old National Tobacco building. He said locals just call it “the Tobacco,” like it’s an old friend. I fumbled my phone for a photo but honestly, you have to see that soft yellow stone in person — photos don’t really get it right.

We stopped at the Celestial Star Compass right by Hawke Bay. The wind was salty and sharp, and you could hear gulls over the water. Dave explained how Māori navigators used stars to travel these coasts long before GPS — I tried to imagine steering by starlight instead of Google Maps. There was this quiet moment where nobody spoke, just looking out over the bay. It felt bigger than a regular day trip from Napier, you know?

After that we cut inland through Meeanee — orchards everywhere, green and tangled — until we hit Silky Oak Chocolate Company. The smell inside was ridiculous (in a good way). I grabbed a coffee and tried some dark chocolate with ginger; Li behind the counter laughed when I tried to pronounce “Whittaker’s” like a Kiwi. We lingered longer than planned because nobody wanted to leave that cozy shop or their coffee machine humming away in the corner.

The last bit took us up Napier Hill for panoramic views of Hawke’s Bay. The city looked almost too neat from up there, all those pastel buildings lined up after surviving the 1931 earthquake. Dave told us about his grandmother living through it — he got quiet for a second before cracking a joke about Kiwi resilience. We finished back at Marine Parade with sea air in our hair and more stories than I expected from just 2.5 hours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Napier City and Countryside Tour

• Deco City Discoverer tour from Napier i-Site
• Walk down Marine Parade, view city highlights
• Visit Celestial Star Compass on Hawke Bay beach
• Drive inland through Meeanee to Silky Oak Chocolate Company
• Explore Silky Oak Chocolate Company and cafe
• Visit Mission Estate winery, walk grounds and optional wine tasting
• Photo stop at National Tobacco Building in Ahuriri
• View Napier City and Hawkes Bay from Napier hill
• Drive through Art Deco buildings in Napier city center
• Return to Marine Parade to finish tour

Top questions

How long is the Napier shore excursion tour?

The tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours.

Where does the Napier scenic tour start?

The tour departs from Napier i-Site information Centre beside your shuttle bus stop.

Is pickup included for cruise passengers?

Yes, pickup is included near your shuttle stop at Napier i-Site.

What stops are included on this day trip from Napier?

The tour visits Marine Parade, Celestial Star Compass, Silky Oak Chocolate Company, Mission Estate winery (optional tasting), National Tobacco Building (photo stop), and Napier Hill lookout.

Is there time for wine tasting on this tour?

You can visit Mission Estate winery; wine tasting is available but fees apply.

Are children allowed on this tour?

Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it is suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Is food or drink included in the price?

No meals are included but you can purchase coffee or chocolate at Silky Oak Chocolate Company; wine tasting fees are extra if you choose to participate.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup near your cruise shuttle stop in Napier, transport in an air-conditioned vehicle with big windows for sightseeing, guidance from a knowledgeable local driver throughout every stop, plus time to explore places like Silky Oak Chocolate Company and take photos at key sites before returning comfortably to town.