Flight Guide to Napier
What are the best things to do in Napier?
Bluff Hill
There are beautiful coastal views to see when you book cheap flights to Napier, and Bluff Hill is near the top of the list. It’s possible to drive to the Bluff Hill lookout, but for the most rewarding experience, complete the Buff Hill Walk in between your return flights to Napier. This challenging hike starts near Ocean Spa in the CBD and winds 4.4 kilometres (2.7 miles) up the hill. The summit offers a sweeping view over the Hawke’s Bay coastline.
Napier Prison
Napier Prison was constructed in 1862, making it the oldest prison in New Zealand. It housed several of the country’s infamous criminals in the 19th and 20th centuries, including Terry Clark, Roland Edwards, and Haira te Piri. The prison also served as a psychiatric unit until it was officially closed in 1993. There have been several reported ghost sightings in Napier Prison over the years. Get a glimpse into the dark side of the region’s history when you visit Hawke’s Bay on cheap flights to Napier. Explore the prison with a self-guided audio tour or take a spooky nighttime ghost tour.
Te Mata Peak
Venture south of the city in between return flights to Napier to visit one of the most iconic Hawke’s Bay landmarks. Te Mata Peak stands 400 metres (1,312 feet) tall in the Heretaunga Plains. It was once surrounded by Maori fortified villages and is at the centre of many stories and legends. Take to the trails along the slopes of Te Mata Peak which lead through lush native forests. Once you reach the summit, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking view over the Maungaharuru Ranges, Ruahine Range, and Tongariro National Park’s Ruapehu volcano.
What is the best way to get around Napier?
Rent a car to explore the area the same way locals do when you book airfare to Napier. The CBD is easy to get around on foot, but having a car is the best way to see all that Napier has to offer. Have a look at Webjet’s selection of rental cars after you’ve purchased plane tickets to Napier. Hire a car to pick up from Napier Airport (NPE).
GoBay regional buses operate around the area, and these come in handy if you won’t be renting a car in between your return flights to Napier. 11 routes make stops between the city, inner suburbs, and neighbouring town of Hastings. Be aware that several of these bus routes were designed for commuting purposes and only run Monday to Friday. About half of the buses offer Saturday service, and three routes run on Sundays. Hiring a car is the way to go if you’re hoping to visit attractions outside the city or book flights to Napier for the weekend.
What’s on in Napier?
Hawke’s Bay Arts Festival
Take in the region’s best in culture by planning your cheap flights to Napier around the Hawke’s Bay Arts Festival. The event takes over the Hawke’s Bay region for two weeks each year, showcasing visual art and performances in theatre, acrobatics, dance, and music. Each day of the festival includes multiple events, which pop up in venues across Napier as well as nearby Hastings and Havelock North. Catch some of the Hawke’s Bay Arts Festival performances by booking flights into Napier Airport (NPE) in mid- to late May.
Food and Wine Classic
The Hawke’s Bay region is teeming with vineyards. There’s no better time to appreciate the wine of the region than by booking flights to Napier for the bi-annual Food and Wine Classic. One of the events is held in winter and the other in summer, and each one is unique. Expect extra cosiness if you book tickets to Napier for the winter event with roaring fires, comforting food, and a focus on red wines. The event heads outdoors in summer where visitors can enjoy views over the Hawke’s Bay vineyards with crisp white wines and barbecue food. Look into flights to Napier in June for the winter event and November for the summer version.
Napier Art Deco Festival
Napier is known for its iconic Art Deco architecture. No matter when you book airfare to Napier, you can embark on Art Deco city tours. However, the Napier Art Deco Festival will make you feel as if you’ve been transported back in time to the early 20th century when Art Deco was at its peak. More than 200 events take place over five days, engulfing Napier in the glitz and glamour of the 1920s and ‘30s. There are vintage car parades, outdoor performances, and fashion shows illustrating styles of the era. Attend the Art Deco Festival by booking flights to Napier for travel in late February.