Napier, New Zealand 

Located on the southwest shores of Hawkes Bay New Zealand, Napier enjoys a sunny Mediterranean-like climate and settled weather, allowing for fruit growing, vineyards, and tourism to all make a major contribution to Napier's economy. Napier is famous for being the finest example of authentic Art Deco in the world.

There are world class attractions include Cape Kidnappers - the only mainland gannet colony, the Marine Parade which includes Marineland of New Zealand, the National Aquarium of new Zealand, vineyards with award winning wines, and special events such as the Mission Concert, Harvest Hawkes Bay weekend, and the annual Napier Art Deco weekend. For the active there is every other outdoor adventure you can imagine from jet boating between wineries, hot air ballooning, surfing, caving, paragliding, sailing, windsurfing or fishing for trout the size most people only dream about.

Your P&O ship docks at Herrick Wharf in Napier Port. For a small charge shuttle buses will be available pier-side to transfer you to a designated drop-off location in the town. Please refer to the daily onboard newsletter for further details.

Taxis are available outside the wharf’s security perimeter.

Look for the sheepskin and possum fur products for which New Zealand is famous. You’ll also find art deco souvenirs, fantastic craftwork and be able to stock up on your favourite New Zealand wines. If you’re on the lookout for Maori arts and crafts, make sure they’re authentic – the better pieces should be accompanied by a trademark toi iho symbol.

Shopping hours: Mon-Fri: 9am to 5pm; Weekends: 10am to 4pm.

You’re in the heart of fruit country in the Hawkes Bay region, so as you wander the art deco streets of Napier, why not sample a juicy plum, apricot, nectarine, peach, apple or pear? And of course Napier is the ideal place to indulge in fresh produce, gourmet meats and award-winning wines of the Hawkes Bay region in one of the town’s
many fine cafés and restaurants. If it’s hot, cool down with an ice cream made from milk from the world’s most contented cows!

Year round, Napier enjoys a fairly dry and sunny Mediterranean-style climate.
Summer: High of 75F (24°C), low of 57F (14°C);
Winter: High of 57F (14°C), low of 41F (5°C);
Average rainfall of 850mm and average sunshine of 2188 hours.

Tipping in New Zealand is optional. Tips are usually given only for exceptional service. Between five and ten percent of the bill would be reasonable in a good restaurant if the service has been excellent.

Major credit cards and charge cards are widely accepted. Automatic teller machines provide currency to foreign card holders.

Public telephones are available along Marine Parade, Napier’s main street. To make an international phone call, you need to dial ‘00’ followed by your country code, area code, and then your phone number.

To make your day ashore as enjoyable as possible, please ensure that you wear comfortable, flat soled shoes and a hat, and bring along some sunscreen and bottled water. It’s also a good idea to bring a warm, waterproof jacket – just in case the wind comes up or it rains.

There are a variety of tours available for you to enjoy during your time in Napier. Subject to availability tours may be booked onboard at the Shore Tours Desk. Passengers will meet at a specific location for each shore tour departure. Please refer to the daily onboard newsletter for the correct place and time. Your friendly Shore Tour staff will be at that location to assist you.