Itineraries

Napier - Taupo - Mt Ruapehu/Tongariro National Park

Taupo 145 kms from Napier driving time 1 hour 45 minutes
Taupo is the largest freshwater lake in Australasia, from the ultimate helicopter experience, kayaking, rafting,  jet boating, sky diving, bungy jumping and exploring thermal wonderlands. For the freshest prawns go fishing at the Huka Prawn Park.  Go trout fishing.  For more information go to: www.laketauponz.com

photo: credit  Janice - Maori rock carvings on Lake Taupo

Turangi 35 minutes from Taupo is world famous for trout fishing, it claims the title of trout fishing capital of the world.

Mt Ruapehu/Tongariro National Park an hour south of Taupo has NZ's most diverse landscapes - deserts, mountains, lakes, active volcanoes and the largest skifield and world famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing. 

Tongariro Crossing

The travel bible Lonely Planet rates it as the world's finest day hike, nearly 19 kms.  With spectacular scenery ranging from volcanic craters to sparkling turquoise lakes and views from Mount Taranaki to beyond Lake Taupo.  NEED TO KNOW - You need to be able to walk for about 8 hours, often over uneven and loose terrain, cellphone reception over some of the journey.  Starting from Mangatepopo side - toilet 2 hours before the end.  Terrain is quite open and barren so not many bushes.

Photo: credit  Yong Ly

Rotorua

Rotorua  

230 kms from Napier 2 hours 45 mins drive
One of the Pacific's most active thermal areas, Rotorua is a place of vibrant Maori culture and great natural beauty.  View magnificent mud pools and geysers while marae visits and concerts bring to life traditional Maori culture. Relax in the mineral springs and thermal pools, check out the wide range of outdoor activities - trout fishing, skydiving, quad and mountain biking, scenic flights, jet boating and bungy jumping. For more information: www.rotoruanz.com

photo: credit Janice - Polynesian Pools

Day trips

UNIQUE TO NAPIER

Art Deco Walks and Tours
Each year 23,000 plus people take a guided Art Deco walk through the compact Art Deco Quarter in Napier's vibrant city centre. Walks are held twice daily year round, except on Christmas day and are held rain or shine. No bookings necessary. Walkers receive the Art Deco Walk booklet with complementary refreshments and a movie screening available afterwards
Morning Walks take one hour, ideal for people with limited time
Afternoon Walks take 2 hours
Evening Walks daily 26 December - 31 March 1.5 hours
www.artdeconapier.com

photo:   Janice - Mini golf - Marine Parade


Gannet Safaries - check out the largest mainland gannet colony in the world.

Kiwi Adventure Trust.  for Indoor Rock climbing, Kayaking for the family down the Tukituki River or the awesome Mohaka River for the adventurous.  Caving and  Gorging.       www.kiwi-adventure.co.nz

Laser Force - Napier - This is space Invaders real-time.

Hawkes Bay Farmyard Zoo at Haumoana

Jungle Junction - HB's largest  indoor adventure playground.

A Maze 'n' Fun - Open  late Dec  to late April.  A giant corn maze. Haunted Maze, Friday nights (R16)  from  January 
Go to Useful Links, Local Activities to confirm dates on their website

TOURS
Art Deco tours and walks, Winery tours, sheepskins, chocolates, cheese, honey, orchards factorys to name a few.

GOLF
Over 20 Courses throughout the region including Cape Kidnappers rated one of the top 50 courses in the world.

NATURE WALKS
Get back to nature.  There are over 35 nature walks in Hawkes Bay for you to explore.

Napieronparade

4 in 1 pass, Visit the Museum and Art Gallery, Ocean Spa, Par 2 Minigolf and the National Aquarium of New Zealand.  Purchase from the i-SITE Visitor Centre at a discounted rate.

photo:  Janice - National Aquarium

Shopping

You'll find there aren't enough hours in the day whether you are into Art deco, antiques, clothing, jewellery,  gifts there is something for you.  With the twin cities of Napier and Hastings shoppers are spoilt for choice. Check out Opossum world, Marine Parade, Napier for unique shopping and educational experience - for rugs, cushions, fashion accesssories and the largest range of Oppossum and Merino blend fashion knitwear.  Wander down Emerson St - our main street but also don't forget Tennyson St, ladies and mens clothing, Linen, Beads, womens accessories, Antiques, specialist bookshop and the Art Deco shop.

photo:  Janice

Splash Planet

Visit Splash Planet in Hastings, the No. 1 family attraction. Stay dry with Mini Golf, Formula Fun, Jungle Jeeps and the Fantasyland Express OR get wet in our awesome water theme park.  Go to useful links to check out their website for opening times.

photo:   Janice

National Aquarium of New Zealand

Aquarium goes digital.  Launched in December 2011 the new innovation  utilises QR (quick response) digital technology.  These codes can be scanned by smart devices, android phones and iPads, where you are able to click on either a video or audio tour and "away you go".  An audio version of the tour is also available on a pre-loaded MP3 player you can buy from the aquarium and take away once you leave or you can download it on your own.  The video can also be accessed from your computor from the aquarium website and is a great tool for  school tours or take a tour at home.  There are 34 major exhibits, as many as 1000 animals and many other species in the Oceanarium.

www.nationalaquarium.co.nz

Photo: Janice