Napier Life

Napier (foreword by Paul Goddard)

 View a video of this region here: Napier Life Video

Ask migrants from all over the world about their new life in Napier by clicking here NAPIER LIFE BLOG

I have visited Napier on many occasions and the place really does have a unique feel. The sun always seems to shine and the pace of life is really relaxed. The first thing you notice is the Art Deco buildings with their stunning architecture from the 1930's. The city centre is compact and easy to get around with plenty of shops, cafe's, bars and restaurants. You get a really strong sense of community in Napier even when you spend a brief time there and it's one of the friendliest places I have visited. It's a popular holiday destination for Kiwi's and is increasingly becoming a top lifestyle destination for people moving to New Zealand. You really do need to experience Napier Life.

The Art Deco Capital of The World

Napier and the Hawke's Bay  have now become New Zealand's premium lifestyle destination for families wishing to exit the global rat race to live in a safe environment where the pace of life, warm Mediterranean climate, outdoor culture and fine educational facilities offer some of the best quality of life attributes found anywhere in the world. Napier has come of age, a multicultural city of people harmonious in their appreciation of our unique heritage. Art Deco is far more than just stunning period architecture; it is synonymous with an era that heralded a spirit of adventure and courage. Today the citizens of Napier have once again embraced the ideals of a once forgotten era and celebrate our past with passion and pride.

Our beautiful memorial arches speak of the future, "Without vision the people perish". Not only have we grown up in terms of our heritage, now we enjoy a fabulous lifestyle package combining an enviable working environment, easy access to a diverse natural playground and the buzz of a cosmopolitan cafe' society. We live in a place of such natural beauty. Our warm seaside microclimate is protected by spectacular snow-clad mountain ranges to the west, sun blessed orchards and vineyards abound to the north and south, while the blue Pacific Ocean flanks our eastern coastline. There's space to breathe, safely play and enjoy life's natural pleasures.

Ask the people of Napier what they think of their home and they will proudly talk of an immense sense of belonging and community. This is a friendly city where 94% of Napier's 54,000 residents believe that their neighbourhood is a good place to live in. We enjoy an unparalleled quality of life, free of the hassles and restraints of a bigger city environment. In the true spirit of Napier we continue to celebrate our art deco inheritance and invite you to join us and share our vision.

Napier City Life

The picturesque, forward thinking central city of Napier, with its ambience and diversity leaves people marvelling. The eclectic range of speciality boutiques, national chain stores and other shops continues to grow with plenty of choice to suit every preference and budget. Enhanced by a vibrant, alfresco cafe culture, the inner city offers seven- day trading and is always buzzing. "Napier quite simply offers and enviable lifestyle - it's a great place to live, play and do business. The CBD (central business district) is full of pleasant and unexpected surprises and its compact nature is inviting and easy to navigate."

Indeed -you have to spend a comfortable hour or two wandering the central city with its side streets and boulevards to discover its charm and relaxed atmosphere- all amidst a colourful landscape of palm trees, banners and remarkable art deco heritage. Napier's healthy economy reflects the increasing optimism and activity taking place in every corner of the CBD. As a commercial and administrative hub, the inner city's progressive, evolving environment attracts both national and international business. Inner city living is also gaining popularity as the number of apartments continue to increase. Napier is very buoyant with some major, premium stores opening branches in the city which have significantly expanded the traditional retail core. Napier is the jewel in the Hawke's Bay crown when it comes to hospitality, shopping and business services - always endevouring to go the extra mile to create a welcoming and satisfying inner city experience.

Things to Do in Napier

Sample some of the history of this amazing place. Take a walk with an accredited guide, stroll the streets on a self guided tour or select a self- drive option. Meander through Marewa, Art Deco suburb or take tea with Bertie, Napier's man-about-town. Delve further into history with a visit to the museum or experience a Heritage Trail. In February each year the city celebrates its art deco heritage with a "not-too-serious" celebration of art deco style. The programme includes wining and dining, vintage cars and planes, jazz concerts, the Great Gatsby Picnic and more.

Leisure for pleasure. Relax and make time to play a round of golf or try a spot of fly-fishing. Play with adventure and experience the adrenaline rush of kart racing, or go to the speedway. Play with children as family activities abound, from indoor adventure centres for all ages, toddlers to teens, to heated pools for a swim and mini golf or skating.

Marine scene. There's something fishy going on in Napier... voyage out into the Bay on a charter boat- hook a fish, dive the beautiful Pania Reef or take an evening cruise along the city's waterfront. Take in a show at Marineland, New Zealand's only marine zoo, home to dolphins, seals, sea lions, penguins and more. Stroll through the National Aquarium for the ultimate underwater experience, an exciting and informative marine adventure. Visit the Seahorse Farm, a working aquaculture farm. The whole family will have a whale of a time in Napier's MARINE SCENE.

Cafe Scene. Ristretto, latte, borgia, or flat white; cafe culture and alfresco dining thrive in Napier's temperate climate and seaside setting. Foodies can delight in the taste of fresh local produce lovingly prepared. The pairing of quality cuisine and fine wine is a Hawke's Bay speciality.

What The People Say

"There is so much energy here, so many talented people in Hawkes Bay, and Napier is just brilliant. I just love it. I've had friends relocate from Ireland to here. Where else can you leave work and ten minutes later be swimming at the beach?"  Ailine Bradley - Napier (formerly Dublin Ireland)

"We are very lucky to live in a place like this. We have a top quality home, there's space and peace and the sea views really top it off. It's such a tranquil location but I can still be at the office in Napier in 15 minutes. It took me that long to get out of my street back in England! "  Mark Orton - Napier (formerly UK)

"We don't have to get up so early! We've got time to cook and relax and we spend so much more time together" , Duncan and Lindsay Burrows - Napier (formerly London UK)