BEST THINGS TO DO IN NAPIER WITH KIDS

INSIDE: The Best Things to Do in Napier with Kids. Updated 2024.

Napier, on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island, is known as the Art Deco centre of New Zealand.

This art deco city in NZ is part of Hawke’s Bay, the warmest part of NZ all year round and while temperatures rarely rise above 26 degrees in summer (certainly NOT swimming weather for me), the sunny days and mild temps at that time of year make for a good family travel experience.

Hawke’s Bay is the jewel of the North Island’s wine country, and there’s plenty of farmer’s markets too.

The rich soil combined with the temperature creates the ideal growing conditions.

Most wineries are family friendly, and some even have PLAYGROUNDS!

Speaking of playgrounds, the playground on Marine Parade is worth a stop for the kids to let off steam.

This town is a happy laid back place to visit.

Napier, Hastings and the Hawke’s Bay Region is full to the brim of fun stuff for kids! It’s a dream New Zealand destination, with some of the warmest temperatures in New Zealand too.

Read our guide below.

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Table of Contents

BEST THINGS TO DO IN NAPIER WITH KIDS

Correct at time of publication on Roam the Gnome. Please check with venue for updates. We apologise in advance if there have been any changes we are unaware of. All prices in NZ dollars, unless otherwise stated

If you are looking for things to do in Napier and Hastings, start with a walk along Marine Parade – it’s good for the soul.

It’s the best place to start.

Check out the Soundshell, the National Aquarium of NZ, and treat yourself to a Danish Delight ice cream (near the playground) as you wander.

The main Art Deco hub runs off Tennyson street, so make your way there, and check out the vintage signage, shopfronts, and cute shops that line the streets.

Centennial Garden is a beautiful spot for a picnic.

Explore art galleries, walking tours, and a self guided prison tour too.

For those who are wondering about what to do in Napier for free, or things to do in Napier at night, take a look below.

RELATED: Best New Zealand Souvenirs for Family, Friends and Gifts (UNIQUE!)

Image credit: Anne & David via Flickr CC BY-1.0

No.1: Napier Art Deco Architecture

New Zealand’s Napier was destroyed by earthquake in February 1931 but the people were not deterred.

Napier was rebuilt in the Art Deco style of the time in two years flat.

These 1930s buildings include Art Deco, Spanish Mission and Stripped Classical styles.

Napier is now home to one of the best collections of Art Deco architecture in the world.

Visit Napier city centre to check out all the art deco buildings.

Want to know more? You can book a 2.5 hour walking tour to dig deeper into the history of this beautiful architecture.

You’ll get to learn about the retro styling and signage of the town.

It’s fun to spot all the different fonts!

The local volunteer guide will also give you insights about the devastating earthquake of 1931.

Hot tip: Kids will love it if you book a vintage car tour, and explore the art deco town in style.

Best Art Deco Napier Tours

You can take a Vintage bus tour of the Napier art deco sights too.

You’ll see:

the National Tobacco Company Building
the Daily Telegraph Building
Napier Antique Centre
Hotel Central
the State Cinema, and
Gaiety Deluxe Cinema.

Learn more about the intricacies of the Art Deco style, and the meanings behind some of Art Deco motifs including sunbursts, fountains, geometric shapes, icons from ancient cultures, and symbols of speed and flight.

There’s also a Napier Earthquake Walk if you want to learn more.

Image credit: Speggle 22 via Wikipedia CC BY SA 3.0

No.2: MTG Museum Theatre Gallery

MTG (which is short for Museum, Theatre, Gallery) is Hawke’s Bay’s home of arts and culture.

Plus it has the best Gallery shop in town! (Hello local jewellery, vintage posters, and unique books)

The MTG is located across the road from the Napier i-SITE at the roundabout.

The MTG Hawke’s Bay museum has an exhibition that shares details of the Great Earthquake that hit this lovely town, and how they rebuilt the city as an Art Deco town after so much devastation.

There is a permanent exhibition of the history of the 1931 earthquake:

see fascinating historical objects
stroll through archives, and
watch a short documentary sharing the stories of how this disaster impacted the local town, the people and the landscape.

Visiting during school holidays?

The MTG hosts special school holiday events for children including:

print making
painting, and
technology workshops.

Check the website below for details of these Napier tourist attractions.

Address：MTG Hawke’s Bay Museum, Tai Ahuriri, 1 Tennyson Street, Napier 4110
Telephone：(06) 835 7781
Opening hours: 10am to 5pm, Monday to Sunday
Entry fees: Free
Website：Check out the upcoming exhibitions and events at MTG here

No.3: The Faraday Centre, Hawke’s Bay’s Museum of Technology

The Faraday Centre is Napier’s very own Museum of Technology, where history comes alive over two storeys.

It’s hands-on, and kids are encouraged to touch, hold items, pull levels, and interact with exhibits as they discover the world of yesteryear

Play in and amongst themed exhibitions including home applicances, transportation, communication, energy, shops and services, and motors and engines.

Hot tip: Check out the old school hair-drying salons!

One of the best Napier indoor activities for kids.

The Faraday Centre Napier for Kids Address: 2a Faraday Street, Napier (off Carlyle Street)
Telephone：+64 6 835 2338
Opening hours: Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9am to 1pm. Saturday 9am to 11.30am.
Entry fees: $9 for adults, $2.50 for children under 15
Website: Click here

Image credit: Shamon Khan

No.4: Napier Bike Track

The playground isn’t the only fun thing for kids to do in Napier.

To the right of the Napier Marine Parade Playground, you’ll find this cute Junior Bike track with stop and go signs, traffic lights, give way signs and more.

It’s designed to teach kids basic road safety and road rules in a fun way.

It’s completely fenced, self-closing safety gates and has a separate track for toddlers under 3.

Top of the free Napier family attractions if you have access to bikes and scooters.

Address：300 Marine Parade, Napier South 4110 New Zealand
Opening hours: Sunrise to sunset
Entry Fees: FREE!

No.5: Napier Cycleway – Marine Parade Bike Path

There’s also bike path that runs along the entire stretch of foreshore too

This wide concrete cycleway that runs for kilometres along Marine Parade in Napier from Bluff Hill to Awatoto, heading south towards Cape Kidnappers and Hastings.

It’s perfect for bikes, but also walkers, joggers, cyclists, baby buggies, roller bladers, wheelchairs and mobility scooters, and it’s free to ride.

If you are in Napier without bikes, hire one from Napier City Bike Hire.

They have:

pretty green bikes
handsome black bikes
bicycles built for two
bikes for kids in four sizes, and
bike attachments (chariot, bike seat, trailer) to carry babies and toddlers.

There’s no excuse – they even have electric bikes if you are beyond pedalling!

Napier is one of the most bike friendly towns we’ve come across.

It’s the ultimate place to ride, with the Cycle Pump Track at one end of Marine Parade less than 10 minutes from town, and a Junior bike track for kids near the Napier Playground.

Address：the Napier Cycleway goes along Marine Parade. Napier city bike hire is located at 117 Marine Parade, Napier.
Telephone：0800 245 344
Email: [email protected]
Opening hours: Season dependent. Warmer months, Mon – Sun 9am – 5pm. Please check with shop.
Website：Click here
Napier City bike hire prices: Click here

No.6: Napier City Cycle Pump Track

Napier’s bike pump track, located south of the carpark, opposite the Ellison Street entrance, is the first of its kind in New Zealand.

There’s 500 metres of continuous tracks, covering an area 60 metres long by 30 metres wide.

The basic goal of a pump track is for a rider to learn how to pump the terrain to maintain speed.

Pump tracks have a series of rollers and berms that allow the rider to gain and maintain speed along the track without pedalling.

This full size pump track caters for a wide range of skills, abilities, and ages, and can be used by keen skateboarders and scooter riders too.

There’s covered seating and a toilet block.

One of the best things to do in Napier for FREE!

Address：The Napier City Cycle Pump track at the corner of State Highway 2 and Ellison Road, just before the State Highway becomes Marine Parade.
Opening hours: Sunrise to sunset
Entry Fees: FREE
Website: Click here

No.7: Ocean Spa Napier

This family friendly pool complex is at the south end of Marine Parade.

Take the kids for a fun dip in the hot spas.

They have a lap pool if you fancy a bit of exercise, a large heated pool for swimming, and a heated toddler pool.

The place to be is the giant spa pool, or the circular hot tub spas with views over the ocean.

There’s the Bach Cafe on site for snacks and coffee, plus a complimentary steam room and sauna with admission fee.

Prices are:

$10.70 for adults
$9.50 students
$8.00 for children 14 and under
$2.50 for children 2 and under
$5.70 for seniors, or
$30 for family pass (2 A & 2 C, or 1 A & 3 C)

Address：42 Marine Parade, Napier.
Telephone: 06 8358553
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 6am to 10pm. Sunday and Public holidays 8am to 10pm
Website： Click here

No.8: The National Aquarium of New Zealand Napier

Ride a travelator for 50 metres inside an underwater viewing tunnel that takes you through the centre of the 1.5 million litre Oceanarium.

The Napier aquarium tank measures 24m long, 30m wide, and 3 metres deep, and is filled with:

five types of sharks
exotic reef fish
catfish, and
hundreds of local fish species

Fresh seawater is pumped directly into the aquarium’s tanks and enclosures so it’s eco-friendly too.

See New Zealand’s most precious species:

the Kiwi bird
Tuatara and
penguins too

Penguins are fed at 9.30am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm daily.

That’s not all.

The National Aquarium of New Zealand showcases:

American alligators
piranhas
turtles
eels
octopus
sea anemone, and
deep sea fish.

Book in for a swim with the sharks, or an up close and personal encounter with kiwi birds, alligators or cute penguins.

Take a coffee break at the Fishbowl Cafe.

Don’t leave without the obligatory soft toy from the Treasure Chest gift shop. (We can’t ever!)

Address：546 Marine Parade, Napier
Telephone：+64 6 834 1404
Email: [email protected]
Website: Click here
Opening hours:

9am to 5pm with last entry at 4.30pm.
Allow 2 hours minimum.
Open daily, except Christmas Day

Entry Fees: Click here for current price list.

Check the local magazines for Napier Aquarium discount tickets before you go.

No.9: BaySkate Skate Park

Bay Skate is a multi-use, world-class roller sports park on Napier’s Marine Parade.

There’s a mix of skateboarding, roller derby, BMX, scootering, inline hockey, roller-skating, artistic skating, and rollerblading.

The park has a flat rink, wooden ramp section and concrete bowls.

Meet the locals at BaySkate.

Entry fee is $6 per person.

Free for kids under 3 and spectators.

Equipment hire is $10 per item but this includes free protective wear and helmet hire too.

Their motto?

If it’s got wheels and you can strap them on or ride it, you’re in.

Address：290 Marine Parade South, Napier
Telephone：+64 6 833 6645
Opening hours: Click here for current days and times. Weather dependent.
Website：Click here for upcoming events

No.10: Arataki Honey Visitor Centre

Kids can dress up as a beekeeper and see the world through the eyes of a bee at Arataki Honey Visitor Centre.

It’s the place to discover all there is to know about honey, and meet the bees that make it, from behind the safety of glass!

Arataki Visitor Centre teaches kids about the honey bee, how they live, their role in the food chain and the wonderful products they produce.

Take a tour, taste test 10 distinct and delicious varieties of Arataki Honey, gathered from New Zealand’s unique flora and fauna honey for yourself, and find gifts and souvenirs for friends in their gift shop.

They stock honey (of course), beeswax candles, and a variety of honey-based health and beauty products including ranges from:

Wild Ferns
Apicare
The Honey Collection
Banks & Co.
The Aromatherapy Company
The Great Barrier Island Bee Company, and
Comvita.

Arataki Visitor Centre Address: 66 Arataki Road, Havelock North
Telephone：06 877 7300
Email: [email protected]
Opening hours: 7 days, from 9am to 5pm
Entry fees: Free
Website: Click here

No.11: Napier Prison

this is one of the best Napier tourist attractions.

Take a tour of Napier prison and wander the cells at your own pace with an audio wand and map. (It’s available in 13 languages!)

This is definitely one of the best Napier tourist attractions for teens.

Napier Prison is the place in Napier to hear about the day-to-day workings of New Zealand’s oldest prison (harking back to 1862!), and the stories of villains, victims and heroes.

View the old quarry where the inmates used to work their hard days’ labour to build the walls that would keep them imprisoned.

Get locked up in solitary confinement or a padded cell before stepping into the hanging yard and walking past the graveyard and gallows.

Take a look at the Earthquake room.

If you are lucky, the Napier Prison resident ghost cat, Basil, may even make an appearance!

Kids will love taking their MUG SHOT! and you can have your fingerprints stamped as a souvenir to take home.

Napier Prison Address：The historic prison is located on Napier’s Bluff Hill at 55 Coote Rd overlooking the Pacific Ocean and beautiful Centennial Gardens. Napier Prison is just a few minutes walk to the town centre and Marine Parade
Email: [email protected] (The best email address we’ve ever seen!)
Telephone: + 64 68359933
Opening hours: 9am to 5pm daily
Entry fees: Adults $20, Children 12 and under $10, Family pass (2A & 2C) $50, Family Pass (2A & 3C) $60
Website: Click here (Book a self guided audio tour)

No.12: Creative Arts Napier

Visit Creative Arts Napier (CAN) in the beautifully modernised and historic former Borough Council Building.

Check out the current exhibitions here, along with family-friendly events.

Community Arts Centre Napier Address：16 Byron St, Napier 4110, New Zealand. Behind Te Pania hotel.

Telephone：06 835 9448
Opening hours:

Monday to Saturday 10 – 4pm
Sunday 10 – 2pm

Entry fees: Free
Website: Click here

No.13: More Napier Attractions for Arty Folk

You can also visit these art galleries in town:

Tennyson Gallery at 63 Hastings Street
Quay Gallery at 6 Hastings st
Napier Contemporary art space at 6A Hastings st.
Hastings City Art gallery

Hastings street is the place to be.

MORE NAPIER ATTRACTIONS FOR KIDS

No.14: Napier Sound Shell

Napier’s Sound Shell is a popular Napier entertainment venue for concerts and events, including:

Jazz and Blues summer concerts in the afternoon and evening
Christmas concerts, and
fabulous Art Deco style galas.

Located next to the Napier i-Site Visitor Centre, the stage was built in 1931 during the rebuilding of the city after the earthquake

It’s yet another piece of Art Deco history in Napier, and a must visit sightseeing in Napier spot.

Address：70 Marine Parade, Napier.
Website：Click here for upcoming events and ticket sales

No.15: Marine Parade Ocean Viewing Platform

Take a little walk beyond the breakers on this stormwater outfall and viewing platform on the Marine Parade Reserve.

Check out views of Hawke Bay and back to the city.

Address: The Ocean Platform Napier is on Marine Parade, located close to the Marine Parade & Tennyson Street intersection, and directly east of the new Museum and Art Gallery Wing.
Opening hours: Sunrise to sunset

No.16: Par2 Mini Golf

Choose from one of two super fun mini golf courses at Par2 Mini Golf.

Deco Drive mini golf course is all roundabout curves, long greens, art deco features, and coastal native gardens with views of Cape Kidnappers to the right, and the Pacific Ocean in front of you.

Pro Am mini golf course is coloured blue.

It’s a wacky quirky course with:

right-angles
diagonals
water hazards and
tree obstacles.

The kids will love the challenge.

Prices start from $7.40 for kids up to 14, $10.50 for adults, and $29 for a family of four for one 18-hole game.

It’s a bargain morning out!

Address: Putt Putt Napier is adjacent to Napier’s iSite Visitor Centre and the Soundshell on Marine Parade
Telephone：+64 6 834 0248
Opening hours: Open daily from 9.30-4.30. Weather dependent.
Website: Click here.

No.17: Flip Out Hawkes Bay

Rainy day while you are in town?

Grab the kids and head straight to the Flip Out Trampoline Park in Hastings.

There’s wall-to-wall trampolines, foam pits and much more to explore.

Wear them out with mad trampoline time. (You’ll be glad you did!)

If you are visiting out of school holiday time, Toddler Time is the perfect opportunity to let your little one bounce for one hour at a discounted price.

Mon/Fri 10am-3pm (last session starts at 2pm)
Tues/Weds/Thurs: 12pm-3pm (last session starts at 2pm)
Cost is $6 for Under 5’s.

Alternatively, join in the kindy kids time in an exclusive session for yourselves and your children to let loose for two hours from 10am to 12pm each Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday during school terms only.

Parents and caregivers free, children $7

Address：405 St Aubyn St E, Hastings, 4122, New Zealand
Telephone：(06) 6500 221
Opening hours:

Monday–Thursday: 10am–8pm
Friday: 10am-10pm
Saturday: 9am – 9pm
Sunday: 9am-6pm

Entry fees: $16 for one hour standard jumping or $26 for two hours. All ages.
Website：Click here

No.18: Laserforce Napier

Laserforce is Napier’s fast-moving live-action laser tag game.

Players target and hide in a giant playing arena over two levels, wearing fancy hi-tech vests.

Those who tag along can enjoy coffee in the cafe.

There’s free wifi too.

Visit during school holidays for great savings deals.

Directions from Napier i-Site:

Head down Marine Parade (SH2 Pacific Highway) South towards Hastings.
After about 800 metres you pass the Napier children’s playground on the left.
Take the next right down Sale Street.
Laserforce is 250 metres down on the right hand side, just over the railway line.

Napier Laserforce Game Address: Corner Wellesley Road & Latham Street, (or 140 Wellesley Road) Napier 4110, Hawke’s Bay. Laserforce in the large blue building at the junction of Latham Street, Wellesley Road and Sale Street in Napier – about ten minutes walk or three minutes drive from the centre of town.
Telephone：(06) 835 1111
Opening hours:

Laserforce is open seven days a week and all public holidays except for Christmas Day.
Laserforce is open from 10am, 7 days a week during all school holidays, and from 4pm during school terms.
It closes at 9pm on Monday to Saturday, and 5pm on Sunday.

Entry fees:

ONE GAME: $18 for kids aged 15 and under, or $11 for adults over 16.
THREE GAMES: $19 for kids aged 15 and under, or $28 for adults over 16. $33 for family of 2A and 2C per game

Website: Click here (Advanced bookings recommended, especially on weekends)

No.19: Trainworld Napier Tourist Attractions

Kids can putt once-round on BROOKIE, the indoor ride-on train, just for the little people.

Check out Lilliput, Napier’s 60+yr old model railway, plus there’s a bunch of model train sets to view including:

“A Journey through Britain”, one of NZ’s largest ‘OO’ scale model railways, and
Trainworld’s Carnival featuring a Ferris wheel and merry-go-round.

The highlight for kids is the interactive Thomas the Tank engine and friends set up (hot tip: look up!) and another railway set up where kids can push buttons to watch trains go around.

Napier Trainworld is up there among the best things to do in Napier with toddlers.

For those who love trains, the Hobby Train shop attached is full of train-related paraphernalia and models to buy.

Napier Trainworld Address：88 Dickens St, Napier 4110, New Zealand
Telephone：+64 6-835 8045
Website: Click here
Opening hours: Open Wednesday to Sunday 10.00 am – 4.00 pm. Open every day over the school holidays.
Entry fees:

$10 adults
$5 for children under 14.
Family concession $25 – for 2 adults and up to 3 children under 14 yrs.
Children under 14yrs must be accompanied by an adult.
Children under 2yrs free.

(Our tip: Send one adult in to supervise, and save the extra dollars for coffee when you come out)

No.20: Napier i-SITE Tourist Information Centre

Call in to the Napier i-SITE tourist visitor information centre to ask locals about:

the best places to eat in Napier
best shopping in Napier
where to take the best photos in Napier, and
all the local’s Napier secrets.

i-Site Napier tourist information kiosk address: 100 Marine Parade, Napier South, Napier 4110
Opening hours: Open daily from 9.00am to 5.00pm
Website：Click here

No.21: Bluff Hill Domain Lookout & View of Napier Port

Head uphill for an outstanding view of the Napier Port

The Bluff Hill Lookout is a must do in Napier on a sunny day.

As well as a prime spot for an epic view, there’s war history here too. Be prepared for a windy drive up!

Click here for directions, and more information.

Hot tip: If you like walking, do make sure you do the Te Mata peak walk. It’s LOVED by locals.

Napier Lookout Hill Address：50 Lighthouse Road Napier
Telephone：+64 6 835 7579
Opening hours: 7am to 9pm

BEST THINGS TO DO IN NAPIER FOR FREE?

Lots of these Napier tourist attractions in the link above are FREE!

You can also:

see the Tom Parker fountain on Marine Parade
listen to the Napier Carillon bells toll
wander the Kennedy Park Rose garden
climb Te Mata peak for awesome views of Hawke’s Bay

BEST SHOPPING IN NAPIER FOR SOUVENIRS AND GIFTS

No.1: MTG Hawkes Bay

The best shopping starts at the MTG Hawkes Bay.

Their curated store has all the best New Zealand souvenirs and kiwiana gifts from around the country, with a selection of locally based Kiwi souvenirs, books, fashion and jewellery too.

No.2: Napier Art Deco City New Zealand

The Art Deco Shop is located on the corner of Herschell Street and Tennyson Street at 7 Tennyson St, Napier, New Zealand.
Opening hours: Open every day except Christmas day from 9.00am to 5.00pm.
Website: Click here

No.3: Napier High Street – Emerson Street shopping

Next, head down the pedestrian AND car friendly Emerson street in the centre of town.

You’ll find most of your favourite high street stores including:

Whitcoulls (books, stationery, games, puzzles and greeting cards)
Glassons fashion
Typo
Strandbags
unique boutiques
Kiwiana souvenir shops, and
homewares and kitchen stores.

There’s something for everyone.

Hot tip: Check this guide to find art, craft, wool, and fabric shops Napier style.

No.4: Waiohiki Creative Arts Village

Hot tip: Stop by the Waiohiki Creative arts village cooperative to see works by local artists who band together to create this gallery space.

You’ll find wood carvings, ceramics, pottery, artwork, and crafts on display at this arts hub in Taradale.

Location is 1184 Korokipo Road

BEST MARKETS IN NAPIER

No.1: Napier Urban Farmers Market

Start your day with a freshly roasted coffee, and breakfast of pastry delights at the Napier Urban Farmers Market.

It’s the place to meet the locals, and discover all the foodie treats from the Hawke’s Bay region including:

fresh fruit and vegetables
meat
eggs
preserves
baked goods, and more.

Taste, touch, and smell the produce.

Talk to the growers and makers.

And pack some Kiwi treats to take home for gifts and souvenirs.

Be sure to check out the Napier Farmer’s Market for handmade soap, beeswax wraps, knitted goods, & more, as well as delicious ready to eat food.

Address: Clive Square, Napier
Opening hours: Saturday, 9am to 1pm
Entry fees: Free
Website：Click here

No.2: Napier Sunday market

Visit the market next to Ocean Spa to find over 60 stalls selling bric a brac, quirky collectibles, fruit and veg, handcrafted food products, homewares, handmade crafts, and more.

Open 8am to 1pm.

No.3: Hawkes Bay Farmers Market, Hastings (20km from Napier)

Missed the market on Saturday?

Try this one on Sunday.

The Hawkes Bay Farmers Market is filled with delicious treats for breakfast, brunch or an early lunch.

Located at the showgrounds, it’s well suited to kids who need a bit of a run around in the sun away from traffic and busy streets, among the trees.

There’s live music by buskers, and a dedicated kids area too!

Shop for delicious pantry items, fresh fruit and veg, cheeses, olive oils, breads, meat, fish, wine, beer and cider, sweet treats, wood-fired pizzas and so much more.

Address：Hawke’s Bay Showgrounds, Kenilworth Road, Hastings
Opening hours: Every Sunday, 8.30am to 12.30pm
Website: Click here

BEST PLACES TO EAT IN NAPIER WITH KIDS

No.1: Breakers Family Restaurants

Breakers Napier is THE family restaurant in Napier.

There’s three in total in Hawkes Bay:

Napier
Taradale
Hastings.

This chain restaurants serves good wholesome food at affordable prices.

There’s a kids menu, and the last time we visited on a Friday night, my boys were invited to join a local birthday party hosted by the staff with balloons and games!

You must also try an authentic fish and chippy shop for potato cakes (potato fritters) or whitebait fritters, or kumara chips.

Kids LOVE Breakers Family Restaurants.

They have kids menus, and a Kids Club with colouring in books and prizes to be won.

It’s not fine dining, and can be noisy, but fun for kids and tolerant parents!

No.2: The Londoner

Try this family friendly restaurant in Napier.

The Londoner has all your English favourites including sausages and mash, steak and kidney pie, “buttie” baskets, Ploughmans, and traditional Sunday Roasts.

Click here for the dinner menu.

There’s also a kids menu.

Address: Located at 246 Gloucester St, Taradale.

Telephone: 068445744

No.3: More family restaurants in Napier

You can also try:

Hunger Monger seafood at 129 Marine Parade, Napier South
Milk and Honey restaurant at 10 Hardinge Road, Ahuriri,
Master of India Napier (always happy for kids to visit) at 78 Bridge Street, Ahuriri
Drift Cafe restaurant and bar at 311 Marine Parade, Napier South

No.4: Visit a Family Friendly Winery in Hawke’s Bay

Looking for a family friendly winery in Hawke’s Bay where you can take the kids?

Try one of these.

Clearview Estate Winery in the Te Awanga area of Hawkes Bay – they have a cafe and a super fun kids playground.
Ngatawara in Hawkes Bay has an excellent outdoor area where kids can play.
Church Road Winery has a large grassed area for kids to run around and a children’s menu.

Children are welcome at almost all NZ wineries.

No.5: Rush Munros Ice Cream Garden in Hastings

Stop by for one of their famous ice creams!

Or try churros, or banana split, or a sundae.

The choice is endless, and so are the flavours.

Sit for a while in Rush Munro’s elegant country garden with fishpond outside or head indoors to covered seating if the weather’s a bit so-so.

Rush Munros Hastings Address：704 Heretaunga Street, West Hastings
Telephone：06 878 9634
Opening hours: 11am to 6pm Monday to Friday. 11am to 6.30pm weekends.
Website：Click here

BEST PLAYGROUNDS IN NAPIER NEW ZEALAND

No.1: Napier Playground

Even on a grey, wet and rainy day, we end up at a playground.

The kids are immune to wet weather – a sprinkle of rain, and a deluge are equally as fun.

So stopping the car for an adventure at the Napier Playground on Marine Parade was a no-brainer.

The pics might not be fabulous, but the equipment is.

The epic Napier Playground is for ALL AGES!

The BEST playground in town has a view of the ocean!

But even better than that, it has sectioned areas for toddlers, middle sized kids, AND teenagers.

It’s very ‘Goldilocks and the Three Bears’ inspired, don’t you think? – there’s something just right for everyone.

We adore this playground, and particularly the fenced zones which help you to keep an eye on inquisitive toddlers while giving the older kids a challenge!

Guide to Napier Playground on Marine Parade

This ocean-front playground, sits on prime beachfront land, and while Napier beach might not be swimmable, the water view is pretty.

Best of all, the ENTIRE playground is fenced and gated to keep kids away from the water.

All Ages Napier Playground

Napier playground is broken up into age zones, so you can keep everybody entertained but at a level of difficulty that suits them.

It means the big kids aren’t running all over the little kids, and that the small fries don’t annoy the teens.

It’s the BEST all-ages playground we’ve been to, for that reason.

New Zealand family holidays should include a visit to the Art Deco town of Napier – there’s fun things for everyone to enjoy.

Napier playground for toddlers

This Hawkes Bay playground has lots of things for toddlers and young kids:

A ocean-themed ship fort with slides and climbing zones
A King of the Castle Fort with sand buckets for sandplay

A Mud Play area where kids can dig and build to their delight
A four-person round seesaw
A row of toddler swings

Napier Kids Playground Equipment for 7-12 year olds

The centrepiece for older kids is the Monster Fort, with:

summit slide
rock climbing walls
rope handles
ladders and a lookout.

Challenging for everyone from 10+.

This requires a big effort to get up top!

Pyramid Climbing Fort and Swings

There’s also:

A giant pyramid climbing structure
A five-way swing
Slide bars
A ‘skurfer’ swing (pictured at top)

And:

A hexagonal shaped rock climbing wall structure – this is tricky! (Bloqx Five)
Gym equipment
Parkour-style play equipment
Spinning balance carousel
A ‘sailboat’ to navigate

There’s rubber tiles on the floor throughout – a nice touch.

BYO Picnic or BBQ at the Marine Parade playground in Napier

Despite the gloomy weather, there were other families enjoying picnics and bbqs at the playground.

We’ve never seen so many undercover picnic tables, generously spaced out so you are not right on top of your neighbours.

FREE electric BBQ’s sit under a shade sail on the outside the playground fence, with unobstructed views to the water.

It’s the spot!

Marine Parade Playground Napier – Location, Opening hours

The May and Peter Harris Playground is named after them in recognition of their significant donation to the Marine Parade playground project to “further improve its excellence”.

Address: 300 Marine Parade, Napier South 4110 New Zealand
Website: Click here
Opening Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Entry Fees: Free

Nearest takeaway coffee and/or food options: Danish Delight ice cream truck is out front of playground.
Toilets: Yes, including baby change facilities.
Disability access: Yes, but no specialised equipment

How to get to Napier Marine Parade Playground

By Car:

Drive along Marine Parade towards town, and do a u-turn at first available junction after playground to enter car park.
Click here for google map directions from your location

By Bus:

Local bus from Hastings, Clive, Havelock North, or Taradale to Marine Parade.
Check timetables here.

There’s free parking in the carpark to the right of the playground.

Limited spaces.

BEST NAPIER ART GALLERIES, MUSEUMS, LIBRARIES AND GARDENS

No.1: Pania of the Reef

Did you know the seaside spot has its’ very own Little Mermaid story?

This statue is believed to be the first Maori legend made into a sculpture.

She’s Napier’s very own Little Mermaid.

No.2: The Floral Clock and Sunken Gardens Napier

Walk along Marine Parade in Napier and you’ll find the Sunken Gardens to the right of the Napier iSITE.

The sunken gardens were built in the 1960’s.

Enjoy a picnic in Napier, surrounded by elegant surrounds of stone walls, flowers, shrubbery, and a pond too.

The Flower Clock is to the left of the Soundshell.

The clock operates from 6.30am to 6.30pm, then kicks off again the next morning!

It’s something to show the kids.

Entry is free.

No.3: Napier Botanical Gardens

Take kids to visit the ducks at the duck ponds, see the pigeon roosts, and check out the budgie aviaries.

There’s a pretty stream and a waterfall, lots of open space for a run around among the trees and flower beds, and shaded spots for a picnic.

The sweetest thing is a stone curved bridge not unlike a bridge you’d see in Anne of Green Gables!

The 18-acre Botanic gardens were established in 1855 and are next to the old cemetery. Be warned. Some of the pathways and gardens are on an incline and require puff.

The Napier Botanical Gardens hosts events too, including:

Carols by Candlelight
Botanic Beats and
Free Summer Concerts.

Napier Botanic Gardens Address: 19 Spencer Road, Hospital Hill, Napier
Opening hours: 24 hours
Parking: Ample roadside parking is available at the top entrance to the Botanical Gardens on Napier Terrace. There is also a small car park, with disabled parking, at the lower Spencer Road entrance.
Website: Click here for upcoming events

No.4: Napier Library

Local libraries are great places to visit with kids on rainy days or when they are hosting school holiday events for kids.

There’s regular Baby Bounce, Story Time, Minecraft activities and LEGO sessions.

Image credit: Napier Library for kids

Napier LibraryAddress：1 Tennyson Street, Napier South, Napier 4110, New Zealand
Telephone：+6468344180
Opening hours: 9.30am to 5pm
Entry fees: Free

Check out Napier and Taradale Library events here.

Check out Hastings, Havelock North and Flaxmere library events here.

No.5: British Car Museum Napier

Believed to be the largest collection of British cars anywhere in the world, the British Car Museum in sunny Te Awanga represents a lifetime’s passion.

It is the personal and eclectic collection of Ian Hope.

Ian has amassed over 450 cars and commercial vehicles (Austin, Bedford, Commer, Ford, Hillman, Jaguar, Morris, Riley, Standard, Vauxhall and many more) with over 38 Morris Minors alone!

The British Car Museum is located en route to Cape Kidnappers, just minutes from the Hawkes Bay Farmyard Zoo and Elephant Hill Winery.

Napier Car Museum Address: 3 East Road, Te Awanga, Hawkes Bay. Ample free parking is available outside the museum within a few feet of the entrance door.
Telephone: 06 875 0561. Mobile 027 231 3916
Opening hours:

Weekends – 9:00 am to 4pm.
Weekdays – please call Ian before travelling – open most weekdays

Entry fees:

Adults: $10
Under 13: $3
EFTPOS accepted.

Website: Click here

No.6: More Culture and Museums in Napier for Kids

You can also visit:

Gypsy Rose Tea Museum
Mary O’Neill doll Museum at 84 Shakespeare Road
The Customshouse Museum at 4196365, Ahuriri

No.7: Silky Oak Chocolates Museum

Come for the handcrafted chocolates.

Stay for the chocolate museum!

Covering 3,000 years of chocolate history, the Silky Oak Chocolate Museum tells the fascinating story of chocolate with:

colourfully illustrated texts
life sized tableaux, and
a huge collection of chocolate paraphernalia, including a 2,500 year old Mayan Chocolate pot.

You can also watch chocolates being made on site.

Don’t leave without trying some of the delicious chocolate treats on offer in the cafe.

Dare you to try the famous Extreme Chocolate drink, served with or without chilli.

Napier Chocolate Museum Address: The Silky Oak Chocolate Co Ltd. 1131 Links Rd, Napier, Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand
Telephone：+64 6 845 0908
Opening hours:

The entire complex opens at 9am weekdays and 10am weekends.
Last entry to the Chocolate Museum in Napier is 3.30pm.
The Chocolate shop closes at 5pm Monday to Thursday, 4pm Friday, Saturday, Sunday and most public holidays.
Café closes at 4pm each day, and is not open on public holidays.
The museum is open most public holidays.

Entry fees: Check with attraction
Website: Click here

No.8: Nevaria Lavender Farm

Visit this delightful lavender farm during season and you won’t want to ever leave.

The scent is divine!

Families with children are welcome.

Stop by the shop for lavender products (including soaps, shampoos & conditioner, lavender oil, room scent sprays) free range eggs, soaps and more.

Devonshire Teas available by appointment.

Napier Lavender Farm Address: 59E Hatas Lane, Waiohiki 4183, New Zealand
Telephone: 06 844 0078
Opening hours: 9am to 5pm
Entry fees: Free

BEST THINGS TO DO IN HASTINGS FOR FAMILIES

No.1: Splash Planet Hastings

Do not visit Hawke’s Bay without stopping by Splash Planet.

This waterpark/fun theme park has a unique selection of rides for kids of all ages, and adults.

There’s:

waterslides
a never-ending river
bumper boats
indoor heated pools
a toddler water playground, and
an inflatables obstacle course.

If you prefer to stay dry, there’s a train, fun go karts, jungle jeeps, mini golf, beach volleyball, a flying fox, and Tiny Town for the under 7’s with miniature toy cars to drive around a whimsical city of buildings.

BYO picnic, hire one of their BBQ’s for $25 per day, or buy food and drinks from one of their three onsite cafes – Fuel Shed, Coffee Bean Cove or The Train Kiosk.

Choose from:

yummy sandwiches
American hotdogs
rolled ice cream
pies
churro and donuts
burgers
chicken and chips
pizzas
Freshly roasted coffee served fresh daily

Splash Planet Hawkes Bay Address：1001 Grove Road, Hastings, New Zealand.
Telephone：Call 0508 SPLASH or 06 873 8033
Opening hours:

10am – 5.30pm 7 days a week during summer season (mid November to mid February)
10am – 5.30pm weekends only from mid February to end March
Closed Christmas Day

Entry fees:
Website: Click here. Like their FB page for updates and special events.

Image credit: Gannet Beach Adventures

ANIMALS, WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES AND ZOOS IN NAPIER

No.1: Gannet Safaris

Gannet Beach Adventures provides a 4 hour mild eco-friendly adventure, travelling along the majestically rugged coastline from Clifton to Cape Kidnappers.

Departing on the days’ low tide, visitors travel by iconic vintage tractor and trailer along the majestically rugged coastline to Cape Kidnappers’ and the largest mainland nesting site of gannets in the world!

Gannet Beach adventures allow you to get up close to majestic gannets in their natural habitat.

Gannets are large sea birds, with defined markings, golden colour, and elegant flight.

A diving gannet is a sight to see – they can hit the water at speeds of over 100km/hr!

You’ll also view ancient earthquake fault lines & fossils, see gullies formed by wind and water, and discover how nature has shaped and formed the towering cliffs of the Cape Kidnappers coastline.

Depending on the time of the season (September to March), visitors can witness new-born chicks (around November), through to 4-month old gannets preparing for their first ever flight, which will take them all the way to Australian waters.

Bring warm clothing, and wet weather gear if necessary, hats, sunscreen, snacks, water bottles, your camera, and wear sensible walking shoes.

Call +64 6 875 0898 to book.

Cape Kidnappers history

Cape Kidnappers gets its name from an incident in 1769 when local Maori kidnapped a crew member off Captain Cook’s ship The Endeavour.

Go bird watching at the Westshore Wildlife reserve.

And do take a tour to Cape Kidnappers to see the largest mainland gannet colony.

It’s one of the few places in the world to see these birds up close.

This three hour tour travels in an air-conditioned 4 x 4 coach

No.2: Funky Farm Hastings

Located in Hawkes Bay, the Funky Farm Napier is a petting zoo, made especially for the little ones – from the young to the young at heart.

Funky Farm has a great picnic area (away from the animals), a toy library, a fully featured playground with swings, slide and in-ground trampoline.

They have a little kiosk with fresh Barista-made coffee, tea, hot chocolates, fluffy’s, snacks and juice box bar, and an inside play & lounge area.

You can BYO picnic too.

Public toilets available on site (disabled, adult and child sized toilets)

Funny Farm Hawkes Bay Address：236 State Highway 2, Mangateretere (Right next to Golflands and No.5 Cafe Larder). There’s an off road car park area.
Telephone：06 878 2353
Opening hours: Wed to Sun 10.00am till 3.00pm. Closed Monday and Tuesday.
Entry fees:

Adults $9
Children 1 yr and over $7
Children under 1 are FREE.
Senior Citizens $8.
Bags of Maize $1.00

Website: Click here

No.3: Hawkes Bay Farmyard Zoo

Hawke’s Bay only attraction where kids can meet animals including pigs, sheep, calves, ostriches, alpacas, turtles, peacocks and many more.

Visit during Springtime to see baby animals being born.

Kids can hand feed baby lambs, baby pigs, guinea pigs and rabbits and feed the bigger animals with grain.

There’s train rides on the Farmyard Express Train for $4.00 per person, pony rides for anyone 2 years and up, and horse rides for the big kids and adults.

Hawke’s Bay Farmyard Zoo has a playground too! Stay a while – bring a BYO picnic or cook a BBQ and eat under one of the sheltered picnic tables.

Hawkes Bay Farm Animals Address：Hawkes Bay Farmyard Zoo, 32 East Road, Haumoana, R.D.10, Hastings 4180
Telephone：06 8750244. Call Cliff on 0272500720 or Dyan LeComte on 0273380803
Website：Click here
Opening hours: Open 10am -5pm, 7 Days. Stay for at least 2 hours.
Entry fees:

Adults $10.00
Children $7.00 (up to 16yrs)
Under 1 year old FREE
Senior/students $8.00
Family (2 Adults+3 Children) $35.
Animal food $1.00
Pony Rides $5.00
Train Rides $4.00.

Pay by cash, Eftpos, or credit card

AWESOME NAPIER FESTIVALS

No.1: Napier Art Deco Festival!

There’s an Art Deco weekend on the calendar each year too.

The Art Deco Trust runs a number of fun Art Deco events throughout the year, including the world famous Napier Art Deco Festival held annually in mid February over 5 days.

Dress up and join in the fun!

Click here for details.

The Napier art deco weekend has an audience of over 40,000 visitors from around the country and the world.

Join in one or more of the 200 events, including:

fun themed entertainment
outdoor concerts
vintage car parades
Art Deco style fashions shows
unique dining experiences
great Gatsby picnics, and so much more

Best Art Deco Napier Walking Tour

Explore Napier’s architecture by joining a Guided Walk – your guide might just be in costume!

Walking tour prices start from $15.70 US per person. (Click here for details)

BEST NAPIER EVENTS

Click here to find all the current events happening in Napier.

Click here for current events in Hawkes Bay region

BEST NAPIER DAY TOURS

Take a tour of the Art Deco highlights by the Vintage Bus for something a bit different.

And book in for a self guided audio tour of Napier Prison – it’s hugely entertaining, strangely enough.

Image credit: Scenic Hotel Te Pania Napier

WHERE TO STAY IN NAPIER

Napier Hotels for Kids?

Looking for a family hotel in Napier? Take a look below for ideas.

No.1: Scenic Hotel Te Pania

Our top pick for style is Scenic Hotel Te Pania, across the road from the Napier Ocean Spa and pools.

Bright, stylish rooms, plus there’s a casual restaurant on site.

Rooms face the ocean, and the tree lined walking track.

It’s good and central, close to everything.

Check latest prices here

Image credit: Kennedy Park Family Resort Napier

No.2: Kennedy Park Resort Napier

Second on the list for family travel in Napier, is the Kennedy Park resort.

There’s TWO pools here, one with water sprays to swim under.

Check latest prices here, one next to the other.

Plus a playground and a jumping pillow for kids.

And a lifesize game of chess too.

Families can hire the go carts to drive around the village!

Top accommodation in Napier for kids, that’s for sure.

Check latest prices here

No.3: Edgewater Motor Lodge

Edgewater Motor Inn is a relaxed spot for kids and families to stay in town.

There’s a pool, if the kids are game enough to deal with the freezing temperature of the water!

Check latest prices here

FAQ ABOUT NAPIER NZ

No.1: Where is Napier?

No.2: Where can I find discount tickets for Napier tourist attractions?

Before you begin, our hot tip is to check out GrabOne or TreatMe to see if there are any current discount vouchers for any of these fun Napier attractions below.

(We also like First Table for discounts for dinner!)

LOOKING FOR MORE FUN CITIES TO VISIT WITH KIDS?

Click the links in blue below for our Ultimate Family Travel Guides.