What are the top experiences for visitors to Napier?
Tour the city
Rich with history and home to a fantastic collection of Art Deco architecture, one of the best ways to get to know Napier following your Queenstown to Napier flights is by touring its streets. Spend some time exploring the city at your own pace, using handy interpretation panels to gain an insight into the history that surrounds some of Napier’s most famous sights, or join a guided tour to learn more about the people and events that have helped to shape the city. There are a variety of guided tours to choose from, from those led by the Art Deco Trust, to classic car tours and more.
Discover the local wine region
Situated in the heart of the Hawke’s Bay region, a stay in Napier provides the perfect opportunity to sample the fine wines produced in the area. Hawke’s Bay is renowned for a number of different varietals, including chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon and merlot, and some of the the wineries surrounding the city, including Church Road Winery, Mission Estate Winery and Brookfields Winery, are well worth a visit while making the most of your return flights from Queenstown to Napier. Set out on a self-guided winery tour and explore at your leisure, or join a guided tour and let someone else worry about the driving.
Explore Napier Prison
A visit to the historic Napier Prison is unlike any other experience you’ll find in the city. Once home to hardened criminals, the prison, which first opened its doors in 1862, now welcomes visitors to tour the historic site. Set out on a self-guided tour armed with an audio device and map and hear tales of the former inmates, the complex’s history and more. For something a little spookier, a self-guided ghost tour is also available. Be sure to keep an eye out for some fascinating reminders of the devastating earthquake that hit the city in 1931 and don’t forget to have your mugshot taken before heading back to your hotel.
Wander through the National Aquarium of New Zealand
Home to a variety of marine species native to New Zealand, as well as an assortment of sea-dwelling creatures from other parts of the world, Napier’s National Aquarium of New Zealand will be a hit with families once you arrive on Queenstown to Napier flights. See penguins, sharks and a variety of fish up close, take a wander through the oceanarium tunnel, or join a Close Encounters tour and hand-feed the aquarium’s little penguins.
What’s the best way to get around Napier?
If you’re wanting to discover Napier in your own time or are thinking about exploring the wider Hawke’s Bay region, hiring a car can be a good option. Book your hire car ahead of time with Webjet, or choose to rent a car once you arrive at Hawke’s Bay Airport (NPE). It’s good to note, however, that if you’re set to arrive on flights from Queenstown to Napier at a time that coincide with one of the city’s popular annual events, it is wise to book your hire car ahead of time to avoid missing out on the type of vehicle you’ll need.
Bus services operate throughout Napier, making it easy to navigate most areas of the city. Fares are affordable, although vary based on the route travelled. The fares can be paid for with cash or a reloadable Bee Card. If you plan to stay in Napier for an extended period, it may be worth purchasing a Bee Card to enjoy additional travel discounts.
What should you pack when visiting Napier?
If you’re set to touch down on Queenstown to Napier flights during summer, anticipate average daily temperatures of about 23℃. At this time of year, it’s a good idea to pack cool clothing, such as t-shirts and shorts, especially if you plan on getting active during your time in Napier. Consider also packing a hat, a pair of sunglasses and some sunscreen to protect yourself from the warm summer sun.
Throughout autumn and spring, temperatures are comfortable in Napier, averaging between 17℃ and 22℃. If you’re booking flights from Queenstown to Napier to arrive during either of these periods, plan to pack clothing that you can easily layer so you’ll be ready for cool mornings and evenings, as well as warmer days.
Winter in Napier is cool, but not quite as cold as some other parts of New Zealand. If you’re thinking of visiting Napier between June and August, consider packing some long pants or jeans, tops that can be layered and a warm coat. If you’re set to spend a reasonable amount of time outdoors, a beanie, a scarf and a pair of gloves should make it onto your packing list.
FAQs
How long is the flight time from Queenstown to Napier?
As there are no direct flights from Queenstown to Napier, the flight time does vary depending on the flight route taken. On average, the journey to Napier from Queenstown takes at least four hours.
Which airlines fly from Queenstown to Napier?
Flights from Queenstown to Napier, NZ, are available with Air New Zealand.
Are there direct flights from Queenstown to Napier?
There are currently no direct flights available between Queenstown and Napier.
