Napier

The Art Deco architecture that has made holidays in Napier so popular is a result of the devastating earthquake in 1931. The city was redesigned in the Art Deco style and there is perhaps nowhere else in the world where you can see such a variety and concentration of buildings in Art Deco style. The most popular building visited by tourists on a Napier holiday are the National Tobacco Company in Ahuriri, The Daliy Telegraph Building, residential homes of Marewa and Taradale’s McDonald’s McDeco, one of only two Art Deco McDonald’s in the world.

Napier is  the home of New Zealand wine, housing the oldest wineries and wine-making establishments in the country. With some of the best sunshine hours in New Zealand, mountainous shelter from prevailing westerly winds, and refreshing sea breezes, the climate not only makes a holiday in Napier a great choice, it is so ideal for growing grapes.

Napier is located at the south of the Hawkes Bay, just 20 minutes out of Hastings. Hawke's Bay is located on the east coast of New Zealand's North Island and is accessible by driving, flying and cruise ship so getting here is nice and easy. Air New Zealand flies to Hawke’s Bay daily from Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch and Jetstar operate daily flights from Auckland.

Napier has a mild Mediterranean climate, so it's ideal to visit any time of year.

If you're after maximum sunshine, though, visit during the New Zealand summer, especially January/February.

Mohaka Rafting

Mohaka Rafting gives guests an amazing North island rafting experience. From scenic half-day, grade II raft and duckie (inflatable kayak) trips down the stunning Mohaka river valley to multi-day expedition trips which bring people into the heart of untouched New Zealand backcountry.Hawke's Bay's Mohaka River, is truly a New Zealand gem. Offering stunning scenery along it's class 2-5 rapids, it is an adventure not to be missed. Tourists are so fortunate to have such a beautiful river on the North Island! Visitors who have had experience rafting on other rivers around both islands of New Zealand and even around the world will all agree that the Mohaka River is an absolutely special place. If you're looking for a more relaxed approach to some places that you wouldn't be able to see by foot or car, the Mohaka's various grade 2 stretches are probably for you. These grade 2, single day trips are great for people who are perhaps just passing though, or have a few hours they’d like to spend doing something a bit different. The type of rapids you find on a grade 2 typically have wave sizes less than one metre and the moves required are simple. Guests may have to paddle a bit to help avoid rocks, but generally the paddling strain is low. This type of trip is usually about a 4 hour experience, usually spending about 2-2.5 hours on the water.For those who want to feel a little a little more on the edge, or just spend a whole day on the rapids, the grade 3 section of the Mohaka is an excellent choice. It is also fine for people who have never been rafting before and who might be feeling a bit nervous as the river starts out relatively calm and gradually builds in intensity. There is an abandoned gold mine in the side of the river you can check out and see the Cave Wetas, cliff jumping opportunities as well as varied and spectacular New Zealand scenery.