ACTIVITIES AND ATTRACTIONS IN NAPIER HAWKES BAY
Whether you’re looking to get the adrenaline pumping with one of the many exciting physical activities on offer here in Napier, relax with a book on the beach, or take in something in between – shopping, anyone? – there are options to keep you going for weeks.
Embrace the region's action-packed events calendar, board a boat and head out to sea, freewheel your way around the estuary or the wider region on the Hawke's Bay Trails, walk one of the scenic tracks, delight in the culture, art, food and wine we're known for, or enjoy a day fly fishing or golfing. There's something for everyone - including the younger members of the family - in Napier and Hawke's Bay.
What’s On Guide
Hawke’s Bay is a year-round events destination offering something for everyone. Come celebrate the best of Art Deco, Food & Wine, Music and Sports events, to name a few. Use the event finder below to find what events are on during your visit.
Boating in Napier
Fairley Motel's Westshore location makes it ideal for visitors wishing to make the most of the Hawke's Bay coast. Take a charter fishing trip and land the big one, sail in the harbour, try windsurfing or paddle a kayak in scenic Pandora Pond - whichever boating experience you're looking for, we can help you find it.
After an action-packed day in the water, Fairley Motel is the perfect spot to relax, unwind, reminisce and then start planning your next adventure on the water!
Cycling the Hawke's Bay Trails
Hawke's Bay has become New Zealand's major cycling holiday destination. Hawke's Bay Trails, which cover over 200 kilometres of on-road and off-road tracks offer a fantastic way to see the best of Hawke's Bay in a relaxed but energetic fashion. Check out the Hawke's Bay Trails Guide to plan your cycling adventure.
Hire a bike here in Napier or bring your own and hit the trails to discover incredible rural, vineyard and coastal views, delicious wines, food and coffee, and countless unsung Hawke's Bay highlights.
The Ahuriri Estuary, very close to Fairley Motor Lodge is also a fabulous place to take a leisurely bike ride.
We're happy to talk you through the many cycling opportunities in Napier and Hawke's Bay, and then you can relax and rest your weary body at Fairley Motel after a day (or even just an hour or two) in your bike.
Walking and Sightseeing in Napier, Hawke's Bay
Napier and Hawke's Bay boast fantastic walking tracks and natural sightseeing opportunities, whether you're looking for an easy stroll or a challenging hike in the hills. With abundant nature reserves, a dramatic coastline and well-maintained walking tracks throughout the region, you're sure to experience a memorable walk or two during your stay here.
We recommend an early morning walk up Te Mata Peak in Havelock North or Napier's Bluff Hill to get the blood pumping, easy walks around the Ahuriri Estuary, or one of the 20 Department of Conservation Walks in the area.
You can find lots more options for exploring Napier and Hawke's Bay's majestic outdoors, and we are of course happy to help with any arrangements necessary.
Art Deco, Art & Culture in Napier and Hawke's Bay
For many, when they think of Napier, they picture Art Deco architecture, like the famous Rothmans Building, the Tom Parker Fountain, or the Napier Municipal Theatre. What some people don’t realise is that Napier’s Art Deco attractions are not limited to a handful of well-known examples. Take a stroll down Tennyson or Emerson Street, or through the suburb of Marewa to discover building after building in the famous 1930s style.
Visit the Art Deco Trust in central Napier to learn more about Art Deco and the 1931 Hawke’s Bay Earthquake, and join one of their fabulous Walking Tours to hear some of the fascinating stories of the city’s buildings and characters.
Right across the street from the Art Deco Trust, you’ll find the region’s recently-redeveloped Museum, Theatre and Gallery, MTG Hawke’s Bay. Cutting edge contemporary art exhibitions rub shoulders here with film festivals, social history (including the fantastic earthquake exhibit) and many interactive public programmes.
There are treasures to be found in the small galleries and artist studios dotted around the city, and the Hawke’s Bay Art Guide will help you find something to suit your tastes.
Check out the Hawke’s Bay Tourism events page to discover all manner of events, exhibitions and fun happenings around the region.
Hawke's Bay Wine & Food
New Zealand's favourite wine and food region is the perfect destination for your next holiday, and staying at Fairley Motor Lodge means you're close to all the action, plus, we're proud locals who are happy to share our recommendations.
Known internationally for premium wines - Bordeaux reds in particular - Hawke's Bay is waiting to tempt you with its enormous range of high quality wines. Take a wine tour by car, bus or bike to discover the stories and characters of the local wine industry, and pick up some treats along the way. With over 100 vineyards and 80 wineries, many with sellar doors and restaurants, Hawke's Bay spoils our guests with choices and chances to enjoy world-class wines. We encourage you to learn more about the wineries by checking out Hawke's Bay Winegrowers Inc. You can also use the Hawke's Bay Winery Guide to explore the wineries and cellar doors of the area.
Where would fine wine be without fine food to accompany it?
Hawke's Bay boasts a fabulous range of eateries - from fine dining restaurants to casual cafes with everything in between - making the most of the abundance of fresh local produce.
The best place to have your introduction to the regional food scene is with a visit to the Hawke's Bay Farmers Market. It's on Saturday mornings in Napier and Sunday mornings in Hastings.
We look forward to welcoming you to Fairley Motel, Napier for your Hawke's Bay food and wine adventure!
Fishing in Napier and Hawke's Bay
The fishing in Napier and Hawke's Bay, whether at sea or in one of the many rivers, lakes and streams, is some of the best in New Zealand. The varied landscape and temperate climate means that there is good fishing all year, if you know where to go and what to use.
We can offer recommendations, put you in touch with fly fishing guides and sea fishing charters or just point you towards any of our favourite Hawke's Bay beaches for a spot of surf-casting.
Golf Courses in Napier and Hawke's Bay
Hawke's Bay boasts a number of great golf courses. Throughout the region there are courses to cater for every skill level, including the world-class Cape Kidnappers Course, recently rated no.6 in the world outside the USA, several championship courses, and also some hidden gems - smaller rural courses.
Of course, Napier's Marine Parade also offers golfing fun at Par2 Mini Golf - ideal for the budding golfers in the family.
Kids' and Family Activities in Napier, Hawke's Bay
There is a huge range of fun activities for the whole family in Hawke's Bay, from exploring the estuary and the wider region by bike to sailing optimist yachts on Westshore's Pandora Pond, and your hosts at Fairley Motel have all the local knowledge to help you experience a Napier family holiday to remember.
If you're visiting Napier in the warmer months, we recommend a trip to see the gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers, a day of fun at Splash Planet in Hastings, a drive out to one of the beautiful white sand beaches like Ocean Beach or Waimarama for an ice cream and a swim, or perhaps a round of mini golf at Par2 on Marine Parade. When the weather isn't so pleasant, family days out can mean exploring MTG Hawke's Bay (the Museum Theatre and Gallery) or discovering kiwi, tuatara, penguins and sea creatures at the National Aquarium of New Zealand.
With many great options for showing the kids a fun and educational time in Hawke's Bay, we encourage you to check out the offerings here.
