Napier, New Zealand, is nestled amid the renowned wine-producing region of Hawke’s Bay. Rebuilt after a 1931 earthquake, it’s known for its art deco landmarks and tree-lined waterfront promenade. With its winding streets and adorable architecture, there’s no better way to explore Napier than by rental car.
Napier’s beautifully preserved 1930s architecture is its special point of difference from other New Zealand cities. As tourists roam through the city, they will chance upon streets filled with stunning and beautifully restored art deco buildings. The city is famous for having one of the most complete collections of art deco buildings in the world. From Stripped Classical to Spanish Mansion to Art deco, architecture runs in the blood of this city, and makes it looks almost like a film set propelled from the 1930s. One of the best ways to enjoy the streetscape is either to take a self-guided walk about the city equipped with a map, or by hiring a car from Napier Airport. Regardless of the mode of transport, visitors will surely appreciate the intricate architecture of the city.
Napier’s central business district is one of the most attractive retail and business hubs in New Zealand. Located smack in the centre of the city, travelling there by rental car from Napier Airport is very convenient. The inner city is nothing short of a progressive, vibrant shopper’s paradise, and easy to travel about due to its compact layout. There are countless of seafront cafes, bistros and restaurants lining the promenade, leaving diners spoilt for choice. There is also a diverse selection of art galleries for tourists to view and purchase art, along with design stores and of course, hole-in-the-wall coffee shops that make great coffee fresh from the brew every morning. The palm lined streets and world class architecture, with the Pacific Ocean lapping at the doorstep, makes Napier CBD a convenient and enjoyable location to explore by rental car.
Adding to the charm of Napier are New Zealand’s fine wineries. Hawke’s Bay, located slightly out of Napier, is the oldest and second largest wine region in the country. Its maritime climate, very similar to Bordeaux, explains why so many award-winning wines are churned out here. Famed as the leading producer of New Zealand’s full-bodied red wines and rich complex Chardonnays, Hawke’s Bay will be an incredible experience for tourists. It can be reached easily by rental car from Napier city, and tourists can follow the wine trail and explore the 72 wineries there to their hearts’ content. It is recommended to take at least a day or two to sample their varieties of wine, and explore the river valleys, terraces and hillsides of vineyards within Hawke’s Bay. Absolutely stunning and not to be missed, Hawke’s Bay is every wine connoisseur’s dream and is a must-visit region.
Napier, New Zealand, is an incredibly beautiful city that one should take their time to explore. Tourists can rent a car with Hertz to get the very best Napier experience.
